Motion Picture Projectionists
Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.
Also called: Booth Operator · Cinema Projectionist · Digital Projectionist · Film Specialist · Motion Picture Projectionist · Movie Projectionist
Median pay (national)
$38,180
$24,160–$82,040 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
1,950
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-3.7%
~500 openings/yr
Typical entry
No formal educational credential
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for motion picture projectionists shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $82,040 versus $24,160 at the bottom 10% — 3.4x. The median of $38,180 leaves roughly 115% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -3.7% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 500 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 13 states with released data, California pays the most for this role (median $87,870, +130% vs the national median), while Michigan sits lowest at $28,130 — a 212% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- 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.
- 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.
- Perform minor repairs, such as replacing worn sprockets, or notify maintenance personnel of the need for major repairs.
- Operate equipment to show films in a number of theaters simultaneously.
- Inspect projection equipment prior to operation to ensure proper working order.
- Coordinate equipment operation with presentation of supplemental material, such as music, oral commentaries, or sound effects.
- Clean the projection booth.
Tools & technology
- Apple macOS
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Audio calibration software
- Avid Technology iNEWS
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Communications and Media
- Public Safety and Security
- Engineering and Technology