Motion Picture Projectionists

SOC code 39-3021 · O*NET-SOC 39-3021.00 · Little to some preparation needed

Motion Picture Projectionists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$38,270

a year

Hourly

$18.40

per hour

10th$23,390Median$38,27090th$88,310

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$51,480

$24.75 per hour

Middle 50%

$30,040 – $77,730

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$23,390 – $88,310

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

1,480

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $23,390; $11.25/hr
25th percentile: $30,040; $14.44/hr
Median percentile: $38,270; $18.40/hr
75th percentile: $77,730; $37.37/hr
90th percentile: $88,310; $42.46/hr

What does a motion picture projectionist do?

Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Monitor operations to ensure that standards for sound and image projection quality are met.
Inspect movie films to ensure that they are complete and in good condition.
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.

How to become a motion picture projectionist

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 61% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)61%
Less than a High School Diploma20%
Bachelor's Degree10%
Some College Courses9%

Common questions

How much does a motion picture projectionist earn?

The national median is $38,270 a year. The full range runs from $23,390 at the 10th percentile to $88,310 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a motion picture projectionist without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.0/5
Active Listening3.0/5
Speaking3.0/5
Critical Thinking2.9/5
Monitoring2.9/5

Knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics4.1/5
Customer and Personal Service3.3/5
Mechanical3.2/5
English Language3.2/5
Administration and Management2.8/5
Communications and Media2.7/5
Public Safety and Security2.5/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving.