Motion Picture Projectionist Salary
Motion Picture Projectionists earn a median $38,270 a year nationally. Personal Care and Service Occupations
What motion picture projectionists do
Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.
- Typical education
- No formal educational credential
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- -6.2% (declining)
- Openings per year
- 300
Employment of motion picture projectionists is projected to shrink 6.2% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 300 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Motion Picture Projectionist take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$2,412
- Social Security (6.2%)$2,373
- Medicare (1.45%)$555
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$32,930
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,390 | $11.25 | $20,872 |
| 25th percentile | $30,040 | $14.44 | $26,317 |
| Median (50th) | $38,270 | $18.40 | $32,930 |
| 75th percentile | $77,730 | $37.37 | $63,513 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $88,310 | $42.46 | $70,956 |
Motion Picture Projectionist salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $82,260 | +6.9% | $62,855 | $36,200 – $99,400 | 270 |
| Illinois | $78,990 | +4.8% | $60,634 | $67,990 – $87,730 | — |
| California | $74,840 | −14.8% | $57,732 | $34,470 – $134,010 | 190 |
| Washington | $39,070 | +6.2% | $33,573 | $34,670 – $59,630 | 60 |
| Michigan | $37,590 | +33.6% | $31,037 | $25,960 – $56,410 | — |
| Ohio | $36,870 | +11.8% | $31,573 | $23,460 – $46,620 | 50 |
| Arizona | $32,890 | — | $27,994 | $30,580 – $53,580 | — |
| Texas | $31,160 | +4.7% | $27,217 | $26,470 – $37,740 | 40 |
| Pennsylvania | $29,850 | — | $25,248 | $23,580 – $34,550 | 40 |
| Missouri | $29,140 | +2.8% | $25,162 | $28,600 – $40,610 | — |
| Iowa | $23,210 | −19.0% | $20,493 | $21,250 – $41,600 | 100 |
| Tennessee | $22,750 | −30.2% | $20,345 | $18,540 – $39,890 | 90 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | $36,310 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.2% |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $36,300 | High school diploma or equivalent | +6.4% |
| Gambling and Sports Book Writer and Runner | $34,980 | High school diploma or equivalent | +1.8% |
| Gambling Dealer | $34,320 | High school diploma or equivalent | +3.4% |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,910 | No formal educational credential | +0.9% |
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | $32,640 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.0% |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendant | $32,150 | No formal educational credential | +3.7% |
| Costume Attendant | $50,400 | High school diploma or equivalent | +5.9% |
| Barber | $38,210 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +3.3% |
| Tour and Travel Guide | $38,120 | High school diploma or equivalent | +6.3% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a motion picture projectionist make?
The national median salary for motion picture projectionists is $38,270 a year ($18.40 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $23,390 and the top 10% earn over $88,310. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays motion picture projectionists the most?
New York has the highest median pay at $82,260.
How many motion picture projectionists are there in the U.S.?
About 1,480 people work as motion picture projectionists nationwide.