Motion Picture Projectionists Salary by State
The national median pay for motion picture projectionists is $38,270 a year. By state, it ranges from $22,750 in Tennessee to $82,260 in New York.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $23,390
- 25th percentile
- $30,040
- Median
- $38,270
- 75th percentile
- $77,730
- Top 10%
- $88,310
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 1,480 jobs.
Median pay in 12 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | $82,260 | +115% | $36,200 | $99,400 | 270 |
| 2 | Illinois | $78,990 | +106% | $67,990 | $87,730 | Not published |
| 3 | California | $74,840 | +96% | $34,470 | $134,010 | 190 |
| 4 | Washington | $39,070 | +2% | $34,670 | $59,630 | 60 |
| 5 | Michigan | $37,590 | −2% | $25,960 | $56,410 | Not published |
| 6 | Ohio | $36,870 | −4% | $23,460 | $46,620 | 50 |
| 7 | Arizona | $32,890 | −14% | $30,580 | $53,580 | Not published |
| 8 | Texas | $31,160 | −19% | $26,470 | $37,740 | 40 |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | $29,850 | −22% | $23,580 | $34,550 | 40 |
| 10 | Missouri | $29,140 | −24% | $28,600 | $40,610 | Not published |
| 11 | Iowa | $23,210 | −39% | $21,250 | $41,600 | 100 |
| 12 | Tennessee | $22,750 | −41% | $18,540 | $39,890 | 90 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Motion Picture Projectionists salary questions
Which state pays motion picture projectionists the most?
New York, with a median of $82,260 a year (+115% vs. the national median of $38,270). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays motion picture projectionists the least?
Tennessee, with a median of $22,750 a year (−41% vs. national).
Where do most motion picture projectionists work?
New York has the most jobs, about 270, with a median of $82,260.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.