Motion Picture Projectionist salary in Tennessee
Motion Picture Projectionists in Tennessee earn a median of $22,750 a year ($10.94 an hour), based on BLS data for 90 workers.
Pay ranges from $18,540 for the lowest-paid 10% to $39,890 for the top 10%. That is 41% lower than the national median of $38,270. Tennessee ranks 12th of 12 states for motion picture projectionists pay. There are 0.03 motion picture projectionists per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.9× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $27,840, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for motion picture projectionists in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $18,540 | $8.91 |
| 25th percentile | $20,500 | $9.86 |
| Median | $22,750 | $10.94 |
| 75th percentile | $38,270 | $18.40 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $39,890 | $19.18 |
| Average (mean) | $27,840 | $13.38 |
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 | $1,895.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $947.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $875 |
| Weekly | $437.50 |
| Hourly | $10.94 |
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 Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,690 | $13.79 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,550 | $14.69 |
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | $29,890 | $14.37 |
| Costume Attendant | $45,220 | $21.74 |
| Childcare Worker | $29,660 | $14.26 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,550 | $14.69 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $31,310 | $15.05 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,380 | $22.78 |
| Recreation Worker | $33,580 | $16.14 |
| Residential Advisor | $34,700 | $16.68 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,510 | $22.36 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $33,760 | $16.23 |
| Skincare Specialist | $36,590 | $17.59 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,810 | $16.74 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for motion picture projectionists in Tennessee is $22,750 a year, or $10.94 an hour. Pay ranges from $18,540 for the lowest-paid 10% to $39,890 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid motion picture projectionists make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of motion picture projectionists in Tennessee earn at least $39,890 a year. The top 25% earn $38,270 or more.
What is the starting pay for motion picture projectionists in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $18,540 a year, and a quarter of motion picture projectionists earn $20,500 or less.
How many motion picture projectionists work in Tennessee?
About 90 motion picture projectionists are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.