Photographic processing machine operators held about 54,000 jobs in 2002. About four in ten worked in retail establishments, primarily in general merchandise stores and drug stores. About three in ten worked in photofinishing laboratories and 1-hour minilabs. Small numbers were employed in the printing industry and in portrait studios and commercial laboratories that process the work of professional photographers.

Employment fluctuates somewhat over the course of the year. Typically, employment peaks during school graduation and summer vacation periods, and again during the winter holiday season.