Motion Picture Projectionist salary in the U.S.
Motion Picture Projectionists in the U.S. earn a median of $38,270 a year ($18.40 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,480 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,390 for the lowest-paid 10% to $88,310 for the top 10%. The average (mean) salary is $51,480, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for motion picture projectionists in the U.S.
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,390 | $11.25 |
| 25th percentile | $30,040 | $14.44 |
| Median | $38,270 | $18.40 |
| 75th percentile | $77,730 | $37.37 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $88,310 | $42.46 |
| Average (mean) | $51,480 | $24.75 |
Half of motion picture projectionists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,189.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,594.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,471.92 |
| Weekly | $735.96 |
| Hourly | $18.40 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Motion Picture Projectionist salary by state
| State | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $82,260 | 270 |
| Illinois | $78,990 | n/a |
| California | $74,840 | 190 |
| Washington | $39,070 | 60 |
| Michigan | $37,590 | n/a |
| Ohio | $36,870 | 50 |
| Arizona | $32,890 | n/a |
| Texas | $31,160 | 40 |
| Pennsylvania | $29,850 | 40 |
| Missouri | $29,140 | n/a |
| Iowa | $23,210 | 100 |
| Tennessee | $22,750 | 90 |
Best-paying metro areas for motion picture projectionists
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $92,180 | 100 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $85,460 | n/a |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $82,270 | 230 |
Metro areas with the most motion picture projectionists
| Metro area | Workers | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 230 | $82,270 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 100 | $92,180 |
Related jobs in the U.S.
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $32,150 | $15.46 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,910 | $15.82 |
| Gambling Dealer | $34,320 | $16.50 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $36,300 | $17.45 |
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | $36,310 | $17.46 |
| Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners | $34,980 | $16.82 |
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | $32,640 | $15.69 |
| Costume Attendant | $50,400 | $24.23 |
| Childcare Worker | $34,980 | $16.82 |
| Recreation Worker | $36,560 | $17.58 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,160 | $22.67 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,790 | $17.21 |
| Animal Caretaker | $35,360 | $17.00 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,760 | $17.19 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-3021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a motion picture projectionist make in the U.S.?
The median salary for motion picture projectionists in the U.S. is $38,270 a year, or $18.40 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,390 for the lowest-paid 10% to $88,310 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid motion picture projectionists make in the U.S.?
The top 10% of motion picture projectionists in the U.S. earn at least $88,310 a year. The top 25% earn $77,730 or more.
What is the starting pay for motion picture projectionists in the U.S.?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,390 a year, and a quarter of motion picture projectionists earn $30,040 or less.
How many motion picture projectionists work in the U.S.?
About 1,480 motion picture projectionists are employed in the U.S., not counting the self-employed.