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Motion Picture Projectionists Salary in CA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Motion Picture Projectionists in CA have a median annual salary of $74,840, with 190 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $34,470 at the 10th percentile to $134,010 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$74,840

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$35.98

Employment

190

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$34,470
10th
$36,350
25th
$74,840
Median
$117,940
75th
$134,010
90th

Local compared with national

CA

$74,840

Median annual · 2025

United States

$38,270

Median annual · 2025

The CA median is 95.6% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $36,570).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.1
  2. 2.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.0
  3. 3.Active ListeningImportance 3.0
  4. 4.SpeakingImportance 3.0
  5. 5.Operation and ControlImportance 3.0
  6. 6.Critical ThinkingImportance 2.9
  7. 7.MonitoringImportance 2.9
  8. 8.Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.9
  9. 9.CoordinationImportance 2.9
  10. 10.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.9
  11. 11.TroubleshootingImportance 2.9
  12. 12.RepairingImportance 2.9

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
None
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Apple macOS
  • Audio calibration software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Avid Technology iNEWS
  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Web browser software

Common 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.
  • Set up and inspect curtain and screen controls.
  • Coordinate equipment operation with presentation of supplemental material, such as music, oral commentaries, or sound effects.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Motion Picture Projectionists salary in other locations

Other occupations in CA