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The differences between photo specialists and certified photo specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a certified photo specialist has an average salary of $51,515, which is higher than the $51,490 average annual salary of a photo specialist.
The top three skills for a photo specialist include customer service, patients and customer issues. The most important skills for a certified photo specialist are mental illness, rehabilitation, and role model.
Photo specialists are responsible for operating the photo processing machinery that prints photos from digital files or negatives. Their duties and responsibilities may vary from store-to-store, but generally, they are responsible for photo printing, maintaining the printing and processing equipment, monitoring ink supply levels, and answering customer questions and concerns. Additionally, they are also expected to oversee the photo laboratory cash register and take and organize customer orders. Typically, most employers do not require any previous work experience but prefer applicants who have an understanding or knowledge of industry procedures and terminology.
A photo specialist usually works at photography shops where they operate photo processing machines, ensuring efficiency and client satisfaction. Although their duties vary upon their company of employment, it usually involves printing or developing photos from negatives, handling equipment according to guidelines, organizing and storing supplies appropriately, and maintaining records. They may also take the clients' photos and assist them by answering inquiries, providing cost or time estimates, facilitating photoshoots, and giving them instructions while maintaining courteous behavior.
Photo specialists and certified photo specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Photo Specialist | Certified Photo Specialist | |
| Average salary | $51,490 | $51,515 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $107,000 | Between $24,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Brockton, MA |
| Highest paying state | - | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | - | GradyHealth |
| Best paying industry | - | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a photo specialist and a certified photo specialist in terms of educational background:
| Photo Specialist | Certified Photo Specialist | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between photo specialists' and certified photo specialists' demographics:
| Photo Specialist | Certified Photo Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4% | Male, 44.6% Female, 55.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 13.2% White, 58.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 13.3% Asian, 12.8% White, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |