Motion Picture Projectionist salary in California
Motion Picture Projectionists in California earn a median of $74,840 a year ($35.98 an hour), based on BLS data for 190 workers.
Pay ranges from $34,470 for the lowest-paid 10% to $134,010 for the top 10%. That is 96% higher than the national median of $38,270. California ranks 3rd of 12 states for motion picture projectionists pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.01 motion picture projectionists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $78,050, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for motion picture projectionists in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,470 | $16.57 |
| 25th percentile | $36,350 | $17.48 |
| Median | $74,840 | $35.98 |
| 75th percentile | $117,940 | $56.70 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $134,010 | $64.43 |
| Average (mean) | $78,050 | $37.52 |
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 | $6,236.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,118.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,878.46 |
| Weekly | $1,439.23 |
| Hourly | $35.98 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Motion Picture Projectionist salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $92,180 | 100 |
Highest-paying states for motion picture projectionists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $82,260 |
| Illinois | $78,990 |
| California | $74,840 |
| Washington | $39,070 |
| Michigan | $37,590 |
| Ohio | $36,870 |
| Arizona | $32,890 |
| Texas | $31,160 |
| Pennsylvania | $29,850 |
| Missouri | $29,140 |
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $37,000 | $17.79 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $37,870 | $18.21 |
| Gambling Dealer | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $46,560 | $22.38 |
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | $39,410 | $18.95 |
| Costume Attendant | $72,030 | $34.63 |
| Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners | $44,860 | $21.57 |
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | $39,490 | $18.99 |
| Childcare Worker | $40,020 | $19.24 |
| Recreation Worker | $39,780 | $19.12 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $57,990 | $27.88 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,630 | $17.61 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,660 | $18.59 |
| Animal Caretaker | $38,700 | $18.60 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in California
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 California?
The median salary for motion picture projectionists in California is $74,840 a year, or $35.98 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,470 for the lowest-paid 10% to $134,010 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid motion picture projectionists make in California?
The top 10% of motion picture projectionists in California earn at least $134,010 a year. The top 25% earn $117,940 or more.
What is the starting pay for motion picture projectionists in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,470 a year, and a quarter of motion picture projectionists earn $36,350 or less.
How many motion picture projectionists work in California?
About 190 motion picture projectionists are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.