Motion Picture Projectionists
Personal Care and Service
Runs the projectors and sound systems that put films on theater screens, watching image and sound quality throughout each showing. Before doors open, the work includes inspecting equipment, setting focus and volume, and starting projectors; the same person often opens and closes the building on a set schedule and may run several theaters at once. Regular upkeep means replacing xenon bulbs, cleaning lenses, lubricating machinery, and making small repairs such as worn sprockets, or calling in help for larger ones. Suits people who like precise equipment work, steady routines, and staying alert to small changes in picture and sound.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$38'270
Median Wage Market Position
$38'270
What you might do
- Watch picture and sound quality during films
- Start projectors and open the shutters
- Set focus, brightness, and sound levels
- Inspect equipment before the show starts
- Replace bulbs and clean projector lenses
- Run films in several theaters at once
Skills that matter
- Picture and sound quality checks
- Starting projectors and opening shutters
- Focus, brightness, and volume setup
- Xenon bulb and sprocket replacement
- Lens cleaning and machine lubrication
- Running films in several theaters at once
AI & the future of this role
Digital cinema systems already automate much of playback and scheduling that once needed constant booth attention. Setup and troubleshooting still call for skilled hands in some theaters, but demand is likely to stay thin as venues rely on centralized control.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details