Motion Picture Projectionist salary in Iowa
Motion Picture Projectionists in Iowa earn a median of $23,210 a year ($11.16 an hour), based on BLS data for 100 workers.
Pay ranges from $21,250 for the lowest-paid 10% to $41,600 for the top 10%. That is 39% lower than the national median of $38,270. Iowa ranks 11th of 12 states for motion picture projectionists pay. There are 0.06 motion picture projectionists per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 6.7× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $27,080, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for motion picture projectionists in Iowa
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $21,250 | $10.22 |
| 25th percentile | $21,880 | $10.52 |
| Median | $23,210 | $11.16 |
| 75th percentile | $26,760 | $12.86 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Average (mean) | $27,080 | $13.02 |
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 | $1,934.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $967.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $892.69 |
| Weekly | $446.35 |
| Hourly | $11.16 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
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 Iowa
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,430 | $13.19 |
| Gambling Dealer | $23,020 | $11.07 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $25,720 | $12.37 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $23,720 | $11.40 |
| Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners | $37,440 | $18.00 |
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | $33,370 | $16.04 |
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | $52,260 | $25.13 |
| Childcare Worker | $28,420 | $13.66 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,080 | $14.46 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,700 | $17.17 |
| Recreation Worker | $33,700 | $16.20 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $36,160 | $17.39 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $41,950 | $20.17 |
| Residential Advisor | $36,850 | $17.72 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Iowa
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 Iowa?
The median salary for motion picture projectionists in Iowa is $23,210 a year, or $11.16 an hour. Pay ranges from $21,250 for the lowest-paid 10% to $41,600 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid motion picture projectionists make in Iowa?
The top 10% of motion picture projectionists in Iowa earn at least $41,600 a year. The top 25% earn $26,760 or more.
What is the starting pay for motion picture projectionists in Iowa?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $21,250 a year, and a quarter of motion picture projectionists earn $21,880 or less.
How many motion picture projectionists work in Iowa?
About 100 motion picture projectionists are employed in Iowa, not counting the self-employed.