Motion Picture Projectionist salary in Illinois
Motion Picture Projectionists in Illinois earn a median of $78,990 a year ($37.98 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $67,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $87,730 for the top 10%. That is 106% higher than the national median of $38,270. Illinois ranks 2nd of 12 states for motion picture projectionists pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. The average (mean) salary is $78,680, close to the median.
Pay range for motion picture projectionists in Illinois
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $67,990 | $32.69 |
| 25th percentile | $77,740 | $37.38 |
| Median | $78,990 | $37.98 |
| 75th percentile | $85,470 | $41.09 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $87,730 | $42.18 |
| Average (mean) | $78,680 | $37.83 |
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 | $6,582.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,291.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,038.08 |
| Weekly | $1,519.04 |
| Hourly | $37.98 |
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 Illinois
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $85,460 | n/a |
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 Illinois
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $32,770 | $15.75 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $34,560 | $16.61 |
| Gambling Dealer | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $38,890 | $18.70 |
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | $32,990 | $15.86 |
| Costume Attendant | $49,170 | $23.64 |
| Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners | $34,610 | $16.64 |
| Childcare Worker | $35,830 | $17.23 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,800 | $22.50 |
| Recreation Worker | $35,480 | $17.06 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,040 | $16.37 |
| Animal Caretaker | $35,570 | $17.10 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $47,020 | $22.61 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,330 | $21.79 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Illinois
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 Illinois?
The median salary for motion picture projectionists in Illinois is $78,990 a year, or $37.98 an hour. Pay ranges from $67,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $87,730 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid motion picture projectionists make in Illinois?
The top 10% of motion picture projectionists in Illinois earn at least $87,730 a year. The top 25% earn $85,470 or more.
What is the starting pay for motion picture projectionists in Illinois?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $67,990 a year, and a quarter of motion picture projectionists earn $77,740 or less.