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Photographic technician vs photographer assistant

The differences between photographic technicians and photographer assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a photographic technician and a photographer assistant. Additionally, a photographic technician has an average salary of $49,830, which is higher than the $36,555 average annual salary of a photographer assistant.

The top three skills for a photographic technician include digital photography, adobe photoshop and lightroom. The most important skills for a photographer assistant are adobe photoshop, photographic equipment, and photo shoots.

Photographic technician vs photographer assistant overview

Photographic TechnicianPhotographer Assistant
Yearly salary$49,830$36,555
Hourly rate$23.96$17.57
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs24,9921,771
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Photographic technician vs photographer assistant salary

Photographic technicians and photographer assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Photographic TechnicianPhotographer Assistant
Average salary$49,830$36,555
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $79,000Between $20,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between photographic technician and photographer assistant education

There are a few differences between a photographic technician and a photographer assistant in terms of educational background:

Photographic TechnicianPhotographer Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Photographic technician vs photographer assistant demographics

Here are the differences between photographic technicians' and photographer assistants' demographics:

Photographic TechnicianPhotographer Assistant
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 66.4% Female, 33.6%Male, 35.1% Female, 64.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between photographic technician and photographer assistant duties and responsibilities

Photographic technician example responsibilities.

  • Work with Sony sales reps to achieve goals and account management.
  • Cash register operation and general POS usage.
  • Train to refuel helicopters in a combat situation.
  • Acquire imagery in control, uncontrol, and combat environments.
  • Maintain managerial duties such as budgeting, payroll and attend weekly & monthly meetings.
  • Assemble brochures from customer specifications, using Macintosh graphics software.
  • Show more

Photographer assistant example responsibilities.

  • Achieve working knowledge of professional DSLR cameras and equipment.
  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Assist head photographer in outdoor shoots -Operate equipment such as flashes, tripods, reflectors, etc.
  • Work closely with merchandising managers and organize all lifestyle studio and outdoor shoots.
  • Freelance commercial photography with a focus on natural light environmental portraiture and lifestyle photography.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.
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Photographic technician vs photographer assistant skills

Common photographic technician skills
  • Digital Photography, 37%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 28%
  • Lightroom, 16%
  • Video Cameras, 10%
  • Photographic Equipment, 4%
  • Film Processors, 3%
Common photographer assistant skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 38%
  • Photographic Equipment, 15%
  • Photo Shoots, 13%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 3%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 3%

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