Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators salary in Illinois
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators in Illinois earn a median of $37,940 a year ($18.24 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $31,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,800 for the top 10%. That is 7% lower than the national median of $40,610. Illinois ranks 15th of 29 states for photographic process workers and processing machine operators pay. The average (mean) salary is $43,480, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographic process workers and processing machine operators in Illinois
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| 25th percentile | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| Median | $37,940 | $18.24 |
| 75th percentile | $46,780 | $22.49 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $74,800 | $35.96 |
| Average (mean) | $43,480 | $20.90 |
Half of photographic process workers and processing machine operators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,161.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,580.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,459.23 |
| Weekly | $729.62 |
| Hourly | $18.24 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators salary in cities in Illinois
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $39,070 | 40 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $37,940 | n/a |
Highest-paying states for photographic process workers and processing machine operators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $57,760 |
| Virginia | $47,380 |
| California | $47,320 |
| Florida | $46,840 |
| Wisconsin | $46,480 |
| Washington | $46,280 |
| Maryland | $45,600 |
| Iowa | $43,310 |
| New Jersey | $43,300 |
| Delaware | $42,220 |
See Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators pay in every state.
Related jobs in Illinois
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $47,920 | $23.04 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $43,150 | $20.75 |
| Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $53,560 | $25.75 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $41,730 | $20.06 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $48,420 | $23.28 |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $48,000 | $23.08 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $61,940 | $29.78 |
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $56,400 | $27.11 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | $41,480 | $19.94 |
| Dental Laboratory Technician | $51,380 | $24.70 |
| Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $49,740 | $23.92 |
| Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $47,370 | $22.78 |
| Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | $47,180 | $22.68 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer | $68,830 | $33.09 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-9151. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a photographic process workers and processing machine operators make in Illinois?
The median salary for photographic process workers and processing machine operators in Illinois is $37,940 a year, or $18.24 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,800 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographic process workers and processing machine operators make in Illinois?
The top 10% of photographic process workers and processing machine operators in Illinois earn at least $74,800 a year. The top 25% earn $46,780 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographic process workers and processing machine operators in Illinois?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,200 a year, and a quarter of photographic process workers and processing machine operators earn $31,200 or less.