Motion Picture Projectionist Salary in 2026
How Much Do Motion Picture Projectionists Make?
Motion Picture Projectionists earn a median annual salary of $38,180 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $24,160 at the 10th percentile to $82,040 at the 90th percentile — a range of $57,880. The highest-paying state is California at $87,870.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $24,160 |
| 25th percentile | $29,250 |
| Median (50th) | $38,180 |
| 75th percentile | $75,380 |
| 90th percentile | $82,040 |
Motion Picture Projectionist Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Californiatop | $87,870 |
| New York | $76,970 |
| Illinois | $75,380 |
| Washington | $36,780 |
| Idaho | $34,790 |
| Ohio | $32,970 |
| Tennessee | $32,570 |
| Wisconsin | $31,760 |
| Texas | $29,770 |
| North Dakota | $29,550 |
| Iowa | $28,640 |
| Missouri | $28,340 |
| Michigan | $28,130 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Motion Picture Projectionists
Motion Picture Projectionist Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$24,160 – $29,250 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$38,180 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$75,380 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $82,040+ |
How to Earn More as a Motion Picture Projectionist
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Motion Picture Projectionists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earn $119,090 — $80,910 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($75,380) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Motion Picture Projectionist Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Motion Picture Projectionistthis career | $38,180 |
| Photonics Technician | $77,390 |
| Media Technical Directors/Manager | $83,480 |
| Audio and Video Technician | $54,830 |
| Broadcast Technician | $53,920 |
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SOC: 39-3021.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.