Turnover among picture framers is generally low and a large number of picture framers are self-employed. This can mean it is difficult for people with limited experience who want to enter the profession to gain work immediately on a good wage.

People wanting to become picture framers may find they can increase their job opportunities by doing some training and work experience with an established picture framer first. Their job opportunities can be increased from there.

Picture framers work mainly in picture framing shops.  They may be:

• self-employed 
• work in a partnership 
• work as an apprentice or trainee for a picture framing business.

• museums as conservators
• art galleries
• libraries
• mouldings companies.

The majority of picture framers can be found in the Auckland, Waikato and Christchurch regions.  Most provincial cities in New Zealand have at least one picture framing store.

According to the 2006 Census, there has been a small drop in the number of picture framers working in New Zealand since 2001. This drop could be put down to more people purchasing DIY frames from bargain warehouses and choosing to frame the pictures themselves. Also, digital photography has meant fewer people are getting their pictures developed and printed, which in turn has lead to a drop in demand for items to be framed.

Picture framing is still considered an important skill and although the numbers of framers has declined, the outlook is that the occupation will remain steady for the next two to three years.