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Personal Care and Service

Motion Picture Projectionists

Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Motion Picture Projectionists
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Median pay

$38,180
Median annual pay for Motion Picture Projectionists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-3.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

2,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Motion Picture Projectionists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Computers and Electronics
  2. 2Customer and Personal Service
  3. 3Mechanical
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Administration and Management
  6. 6Communications and Media

Abilities

  1. 1Far Vision
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Control Precision
  4. 4Oral Comprehension
  5. 5Oral Expression
  6. 6Problem Sensitivity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Artistic
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Achievement Orientation
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Working with Computers
  2. 2Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  3. 3Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Controlling Machines and Processes
  6. 6Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Work context

  1. 1Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  4. 4Freedom to Make Decisions
  5. 5Telephone Conversations
  6. 6Frequency of Decision Making

Representative tasks

  • Monitor operations to ensure that standards for sound and image projection quality are met.
  • Start projectors and open shutters to project images onto screens.
  • Open and close facilities according to rules and schedules.
  • Operate equipment to show films in a number of theaters simultaneously.
  • Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as rotating or replacing xenon bulbs, cleaning projectors and lenses, lubricating machinery, and keeping electrical contacts clean and tight.
  • Set up and adjust picture projectors and screens to achieve proper size, illumination, and focus of images, and proper volume and tone of sound.
  • Inspect projection equipment prior to operation to ensure proper working order.
  • Perform minor repairs, such as replacing worn sprockets, or notify maintenance personnel of the need for major repairs.

Software and tools

Apple macOS · hot technologyAutodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyFacebook · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyAudio calibration softwareAvid Technology iNEWSWeb browser software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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