How much does a motion picture projectionist make?
The median motion picture projectionist in the United States earns $38,180 per year, about $18.35 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all motion picture projectionists earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 39-3021.
Motion picture projectionist salary range
Pay for motion picture projectionists spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $24,160 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $82,040. The average (mean) wage of $50,290 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $24,160 | $11.62 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $29,250 | $14.06 | |
| Median (50th) | $38,180 | $18.35 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $75,380 | $36.24 | |
| 90th percentile | $82,040 | $39.44 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for motion picture projectionists (SOC 39-3021), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Motion picture projectionist salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Motion picture projectionists earn the most in California at $87,870 a year, and the least in Michigan at $28,130. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| California | $87,870 | 190 |
| New York | $76,970 | 420 |
| Illinois | $75,380 | N/A |
| Washington | $36,780 | 80 |
| Idaho | $34,790 | 30 |
| Ohio | $32,970 | 100 |
| Tennessee | $32,570 | 110 |
| Wisconsin | $31,760 | 30 |
| Texas | $29,770 | 90 |
| North Dakota | $29,550 | 40 |
| Iowa | $28,640 | 30 |
| Missouri | $28,340 | 120 |
| Michigan | $28,130 | N/A |
State median wages for motion picture projectionists (SOC 39-3021), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for motion picture projectionists
The BLS projects employment of motion picture projectionists to shrink from 2025 to 2035 (down 6.2%). That is a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. That works out to roughly 1,500 jobs in 2025 moving toward 1,400 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 300 openings a year for motion picture projectionists. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a motion picture projectionist
The typical entry-level education for motion picture projectionists is no formal educational credential, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete short-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a motion picture projectionist earns
Employer, clientele, region, and in many cases tips shape pay. Established professionals in affluent, high cost areas earn near the top of the range.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (California, $87,870) and the lowest (Michigan, $28,130) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 1,950 people work as motion picture projectionists in the United States. At $38,180 a year, the job pays below the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Motion picture projectionist salary FAQ
How much does a motion picture projectionist make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a motion picture projectionist is $18.35. The middle half of motion picture projectionists earn between $14.06 and $36.24 per hour.
What is the highest motion picture projectionist salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of motion picture projectionists earn more than $82,040 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a motion picture projectionist make a year?
The median annual salary for a motion picture projectionist is $38,180. The average (mean) wage of $50,290 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a motion picture projectionist a well paid job?
At $38,180 a year, a motion picture projectionist earns below the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 1,950 people work as motion picture projectionists in the United States.
Which state pays motion picture projectionists the most?
California has the highest median salary for motion picture projectionists at $87,870 a year. New York ($76,970) and Illinois ($75,380) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being a motion picture projectionist a good career?
Employment of motion picture projectionists is projected to shrink 6.2% from 2025 to 2035, a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. The BLS projects about 300 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a motion picture projectionist?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for motion picture projectionists as no formal educational credential, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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