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Darkroom Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$17.25 - $22/hr

Position Title Student Lab Assistant [Art] I _On-Campus FWS Level of Support Student Support I ... Darkroom photography lab technicians are responsible for the general safety and upkeep of ...

$21 - $23.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... darkroom and processing techniques; film mounting; and digital radiographic processing techniques. * Basic Life Support (BLS) from American Heart Association or American Red Cross. * Education:

Dental Assistant

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$21 - $23.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... darkroom and processing techniques; film mounting; and digital radiographic processing techniques. * Basic Life Support (BLS) from American Heart Association or American Red Cross. * Education:

$21 - $23.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... darkroom and processing techniques; film mounting; and digital radiographic processing techniques. * Basic Life Support (BLS) from American Heart Association or American Red Cross. * Education:

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Darkroom Assistant information

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How much do darkroom assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for darkroom assistant in the United States is $17.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a darkroom assistant?

Darkroom Assistants are professionals who support photographers and lab technicians in the development and processing of photographic film and prints. Their responsibilities typically include preparing chemicals, managing equipment, handling negatives, and ensuring that prints are produced to a high standard. They may also assist with cleaning and maintaining the darkroom, organizing materials, and sometimes retouching or editing images. This role is essential in traditional film photography environments, where attention to detail and knowledge of photographic processes are crucial.

What does a darkroom assistant do?

As a Darkroom Assistant, your daily responsibilities often include preparing chemicals, maintaining and cleaning equipment, assisting with film development, and ensuring prints meet quality standards. You may also help organize negatives, manage inventory, and support photographers or lead technicians with their projects. These tasks are essential for keeping the darkroom running smoothly and help ensure a seamless workflow, allowing creative and technical processes to proceed efficiently. Collaboration and attention to detail are key, as your role supports both the technical quality and the timely completion of photographic work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a darkroom assistant?

To thrive as a Darkroom Assistant, you need a solid understanding of photographic processes, film development, and printmaking, often gained through coursework or hands-on experience in photography. Familiarity with darkroom equipment, various types of photographic chemicals, and safety procedures is essential, and some roles may require knowledge of digital editing software. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to follow precise instructions are critical soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality photographic prints and maintaining a safe, efficient darkroom environment.

What is the difference between Darkroom Assistant vs Photography Lab Technician?

AspectDarkroom AssistantPhotography Lab Technician
Required CredentialsBasic knowledge of darkroom processes, often no formal certificationTechnical training or certification in photographic processing
Work EnvironmentDarkroom setting, controlled lightingPhoto labs, processing facilities, often with digital equipment
Employer & IndustryPhotographers, studios, art institutionsCommercial labs, photography studios, printing companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Darkroom Assistant and a Photography Lab Technician lies in their level of technical expertise and work environment. Darkroom Assistants typically support traditional film processing in darkroom settings, often with minimal formal training. Photography Lab Technicians usually have specialized training and work with both film and digital processing equipment in commercial labs. Both roles are essential in photographic production but differ in complexity and scope.

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Infographic showing various Darkroom Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, and 39% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,933 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

STUDENT-Photography Courses Classroom Assistant & Lab Monitor Positions

Ithaca College

Ithaca, NY • On-site

$16/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago


Ithaca College rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 619 rated colleges and universities


Job description

STUDENT - Photography Courses Classroom Assistant Positions

The Park School of Communications is accepting applications for Teaching Assistants for the following photography courses. Please apply to this Classroom Assistant opening if you are applying to assist in one of the following courses:

  • Pay Rate: $16 per hour           
  • Hours: 4 per week 
  • Duration: Fall 2026 semester

CNPH 30408 - ST: Advanced Darkroom Classroom Assistant - Professor Rhonda Vanover

General Duties: The Classroom Assistant must have an understanding of the photo labs and darkroom. Mixing various alternative darkroom chemicals and setting up before class and cleaning after class. 

Requirements/Qualifications: Preference will be given to students who have takenAdvanced Darkroom.

Instructions to Applicants: Interested applicants must apply online and attach a resume and class schedule. Questions about online application should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at humanresources@ithaca.edu. Screening of applications will begin immediately. 

CNPH 30402 - ST: Photojournalism Classroom Assistant- Professor Rhonda Vanover 

General Duties: Classroom Assistants must have an understanding of the photo labs, gallery, with special attention to the darkroom. 

Duties include checking printers before class, cleaning workspaces, mixing/diluting alternative darkroom chemistry, checking out equipment from PPECS before class, and returning equipment after class. 

Requirements/Qualifications: Preference will be given to students who have taken advanced photography courses other than Introduction to Photography. 

Instructions to Applicants: Interested applicants must apply online and attach a resume and class schedule. Questions about online application should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at humanresources@ithaca.edu. Screening of applications will begin immediately. 

STUDENT - Photography Lab Monitor Positions

The Park School of Communications is accepting applications for Lab Monitors for the Photography Department.

  • Pay Rate: $16 per hour           
  • Hours: 4 per week 
  • Duration: Fall 2026 semester

General Duties: Lab monitors must have an understanding of the photo labs, gallery, and darkroom. Although instructors will be on hand throughout the workday, lab monitors will need to open and close the labs. 
Duties include checking printers, cleaning workspaces, mixing/diluting darkroom chemistry, etc. Monitors will also be responsible for opening/closing the photo labs each weekday as well as Sundays.

Requirements/Qualifications: Preference will be given to students who have taken Introduction to Photography, Advanced Digital, or Darkroom Photography.

Ithaca College's student employment program offers meaningful experiential learning opportunities that develop transferable skills sought by employers across various industries. These positions allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world professional settings, fostering both personal and professional growth.

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

It is advised that applicants apply attaching both a resume and cover letter. Application screening will begin immediately. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the I-9 and employment eligibility requirements. You will need to bring your original, unexpired, authorized personal identification documents to your designated representative or The Office of Human Resources (Peggy Ryan Williams Center, Garden Level) to complete the form. More about acceptable documentation can be found here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acce... Please note that photos or copies will not be accepted.

For assistance with the application process, contact Student Employment at StudentEmployment@ithaca.edu.

For more information about student employment or specific job inquiries, visit our website or contact the hiring manager listed on the job posting.

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