How much does a camera repairer make?
a year · about $25 an hour
A typical camera repairer in the United States makes $52,720 a year, about $25 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They inspect a camera, test its focus or shutter, and use small tools to open it and find the fault. Then they replace or adjust parts, clean and lubricate gears, and test it again.
Did you know? When old camera parts can’t be bought, some repairers salvage them from junked cameras—or make replacements with a lathe and grinding wheel.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $34,320 and $83,940How do you become one?
In the US, finish high school, then learn through vocational training or beside an experienced repairer; O*NET says training usually takes one or two years. Manufacturer seminars teach specific models, and no usual starting age is set.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experienced repairers and those with in-demand skills or training for complex equipment may earn more. Pay also differs by employer or industry and by location; the hours worked can matter too.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Ohio ($85,070), lowest in Texas ($33,940).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $34,320 | $52,720 | $83,940 | about 2,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $85,070 | about 80 |
| Virginia | $65,170 | — |
| New Jersey | $60,290 | about 40 |
| California | $59,770 | — |
| Arizona | $59,080 | — |
Official definition: Repair and adjust cameras and photographic equipment, including commercial video and motion picture camera equipment.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes499061.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9061.00
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/49-9061.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2001/Summer/art05.pdf
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY