Motion Picture Projectionists Salary in the United States
Median annual wage: $38,270 · Median hourly: $18.40 · Employment: 1,480
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $23,390 | $11.25 |
| 25th | $30,040 | $14.44 |
| Median | $38,270 | $18.40 |
| 75th | $77,730 | $37.37 |
| 90th | $88,310 | $42.46 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 39-3021
- Total U.S. employment: 1,480
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
How to interpret these figures
Across the United States, 1,480 motion picture projectionists are employed (— per 1,000 jobs), making this a mid-sized occupations in the national economy.
Pay spans a wide range: workers at the 10th percentile earn about $23,390, while those at the 90th percentile earn about $88,310 — a 3.8x gap between entry-level and top earners.
Motion Picture Projectionists Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $32,890 | $15.81 | -14.1% | 0 |
| California | $74,840 | $35.98 | +95.6% | 190 |
| Illinois | $78,990 | $37.98 | +106.4% | 0 |
| Iowa | $23,210 | $11.16 | -39.4% | 100 |
| Michigan | $37,590 | $18.07 | -1.8% | 0 |
| Missouri | $29,140 | $14.01 | -23.9% | 0 |
| New York | $82,260 | $39.55 | +114.9% | 270 |
| Ohio | $36,870 | $17.73 | -3.7% | 50 |
| Pennsylvania | $29,850 | $14.35 | -22.0% | 40 |
| Tennessee | $22,750 | $10.94 | -40.6% | 90 |
| Texas | $31,160 | $14.98 | -18.6% | 40 |
| Washington | $39,070 | $18.78 | +2.1% | 60 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES, May 2024 (updated April 2025)
Related Occupations
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners — $36,840/yr
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers — $58,640/yr
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive — $47,540/yr
- Software Developers — $135,980/yr
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General — $49,590/yr
- Accountants and Auditors — $83,680/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for motion picture projectionists?
The median annual wage for motion picture projectionists is $38,270 ($18.40 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2024.
Which state pays motion picture projectionists the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many motion picture projectionists are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 1,480 motion picture projectionists employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do motion picture projectionists make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $18.40. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.