Motion Picture Projectionists
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.
Median pay: $38,270/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -3.7% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Monitor operations to ensure that standards for sound and image projection quality are met.
• Start projectors and open shutters to project images onto screens.
• Open and close facilities according to rules and schedules.
• Operate equipment to show films in a number of theaters simultaneously.
• Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as rotating or replacing xenon bulbs, cleaning projectors and lenses, lubricating machinery, and keeping electrical contacts clean and tight.
• Set up and adjust picture projectors and screens to achieve proper size, illumination, and focus of images, and proper volume and tone of sound.
• Inspect projection equipment prior to operation to ensure proper working order.
• Perform minor repairs, such as replacing worn sprockets, or notify maintenance personnel of the need for major repairs.
What's the median pay for Motion Picture Projectionists?
The median pay for Motion Picture Projectionists is $38,270 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Motion Picture Projectionists?
Employment for Motion Picture Projectionists is projected to change -3.7% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Motion Picture Projectionists?
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
How many job openings are there each year for Motion Picture Projectionists?
About 500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.