What You Need to Know About Motion Picture Projectionist
Occupation Description Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.
Life As a Motion Picture Projectionist: What Do They Do?
- Inspect projection equipment prior to operation to ensure proper working order.
- Remove full take-up reels and run film through rewinding machines to rewind projected films so they may be shown again.
- Set up and adjust picture projectors and screens to achieve proper size, illumination, and focus of images, and proper volume and tone of sound.
- Operate equipment to show films in a number of theaters simultaneously.
- Perform regular maintenance tasks such as rotating or replacing xenon bulbs, cleaning lenses, lubricating machinery, and keeping electrical contacts clean and tight.
- Remove film splicing to prepare films for shipment after showings and return films to their sources.
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Things a Motion Picture Projectionist Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Motion Picture Projectionists say are important on the job.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Stereoptician
- Chief Projectionist
- Audiovisual Technician
- Projector Booth Operator
- Film Crew Member
What Kind of Motion Picture Projectionist Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 5,800 jobs in the United States for Motion Picture Projectionist. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Motion Picture Projectionist. There will be an estimated 600 positions for Motion Picture Projectionist per year.

The states with the most job growth for Motion Picture Projectionist are Utah, Washington, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Alabama, Wisconsin, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Motion Picture Projectionist Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Motion Picture Projectionist ranges between $17,890 and $38,890.

Motion Picture Projectionists who work in Hawaii, New York, or California, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Motion Picture Projectionists in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $21,000 |
Arizona | $26,030 |
California | $31,730 |
Colorado | $25,490 |
Florida | $23,770 |
Georgia | $23,990 |
Hawaii | $37,580 |
Illinois | $26,390 |
Iowa | $18,390 |
Kansas | $23,010 |
Kentucky | $21,530 |
Louisiana | $21,700 |
Massachusetts | $31,400 |
Michigan | $28,760 |
Montana | $26,150 |
Nebraska | $26,700 |
New Jersey | $29,540 |
New York | $43,420 |
Ohio | $24,340 |
Oklahoma | $20,160 |
Oregon | $25,880 |
Pennsylvania | $20,310 |
Tennessee | $25,920 |
Texas | $26,630 |
Utah | $22,800 |
Washington | $26,420 |
Wisconsin | $23,270 |
What Tools do Motion Picture Projectionists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Motion Picture Projectionists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
How to Become a Motion Picture Projectionist
What kind of Motion Picture Projectionist requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Motion Picture Projectionist?

Who Employs Motion Picture Projectionists?

Motion Picture Projectionists work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Are you already one of the many Motion Picture Projectionist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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