A camera and photographic equipment repairer diagnoses and fixes cameras, lenses, and related gear. The work is technical and hands-on, and you can enter the field with a high school diploma and on-the-job training.
Pathly builds you a free, personalized roadmap and helps your counselor champion you along the way.
You repair and maintain cameras, lenses, flash units, and other photographic equipment. You inspect gear for damage, diagnose mechanical and electronic problems, and perform repairs using specialized tools. You work with both mechanical components and electronic circuits. You get information from manuals and customers to understand what is broken, make decisions about the best repair approach, and keep current with new equipment models. You may also work with computers to test and calibrate equipment.
Core work activities
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers earn a median of $52,720 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 15 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 200 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Start with a high school diploma or equivalent. Most repairers learn through on-the-job training at camera shops, repair centers, or manufacturers. You will develop skills in mechanical repair, electronics, and customer service as you work. Some employers prefer candidates with basic electronics knowledge or prior technical experience. As you gain experience, you build expertise in diagnosing complex problems and handling delicate precision work. Staying current with new camera technology is important throughout your career.
Most people enter this field through apprenticeships or entry-level repair positions. If you are deciding between different training paths or employers, Pathly can map the camera and photographic equipment repairer path that fits you with your counselor to map out the steps that fit your situation.
You like hands-on technical work and solving mechanical problems. You are detail-oriented, enjoy working with tools and equipment, and take pride in getting things to work again.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
Your free AI guide weighs this career against your strengths and goals, and surfaces the colleges, trades, and scholarships that match, so you know if it truly fits before you commit.
Get a personalized, step-by-step plan to reach this career, with the training, coursework, and credentials tracked in one place. Link your school or IEC and your counselor in the loop.
Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).