Installation & Repair · SOC 49-9061
Camera repair is a shrinking specialty with some exposure from AI-guided diagnostics, but fine mechanical adjustment stays hands-on.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: The overall market for camera repair is shrinking as devices become disposable; AI modestly accelerates this but is not the primary driver of the role's long-term decline.
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$81,390 median pay
$70,500 median pay
$62,630 median pay
$47,350 median pay
$47,940 median pay
AI job-risk card
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers is 28/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
28 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Measurement and performance verification using instruments, Test data recording and documentation, Design change and upgrade recommendations. Harder to automate: Disassembly and reassembly of precision optical mechanisms, Shutter, diaphragm, and lens system manual adjustment, Cleaning and polishing delicate optical surfaces, Tactile calibration of vintage and professional equipment.
Lean into Optical system alignment and measurement, Digital sensor and mirrorless camera diagnostics, Electronics soldering and PCB-level repair, Business development for specialty repair niche. Consider roles such as Camera equipment technical support specialist or Broadcast equipment maintenance technician or Optical lab technician.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.