Motion Picture Projectionists
Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.
Also called: Booth Operator, Booth Usher, Cinema Operator, Cinema Projectionist, Cinematographer, Digital Projectionist
Median pay
$38,270
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$23,390 – $88,310
People employed
1,480
Holland code
RCA
Realistic · Conventional · Artistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 2.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 3.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 4.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Motion Picture Projectionists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (12 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What motion picture projectionists do
- 01Monitor operations to ensure that standards for sound and image projection quality are met.
- 02Inspect movie films to ensure that they are complete and in good condition.
- 03Start projectors and open shutters to project images onto screens.
- 04Open and close facilities according to rules and schedules.
- 05Operate equipment to show films in a number of theaters simultaneously.
- 06Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as rotating or replacing xenon bulbs, cleaning projectors and lenses, lubricating machinery, and keeping electrical contacts clean and tight.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from motion picture projectionists
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators82% · +6%
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers77% · +25%
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers76% · +24%
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians76% · +3%
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer76% · +7%
Change into motion picture projectionists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators76% · $40,610
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer72% · $40,960