Career Overview
Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.
Also Known As
- Booth Operator
- Movie Projectionist
- Projectionist
- Technical Projection Guide
Alternate Job Titles
- Booth Operator
- Booth Usher
- Cinema Operator
- Cinema Projectionist
- Cinematographer
- Digital Projectionist
- Equipment Operator
- Film Projector Operator
- Film Specialist
- Machine Operator
- Motion Picture Operator
- Motion Picture Projectionist
- Movie Machine Operator
- Movie Operator
- Movie Projectionist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Download digital keys to unlock digital movie files.
- Ingest digital content, such as films, advertisements, or trailers, into servers or projectors.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Far Vision
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Control Precision
- Perceptual Speed
- Speech Recognition
- Visual Color Discrimination
- Reaction Time
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Stress Tolerance
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Achievement
- Independence
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Apple macOS
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- 16mm motion picture projectors
- 8mm motion picture projectors
- Allen wrenches
- Cordless microphones
- Digital movie projectors
- Emergency lighting
- Film cleaning machines
- Film rewinders
- Flathead screwdrivers
- Laser disc playback machines
- Movie theatre screens
- Multi-image slide projectors
- Opaque slide projectors
- Personal computers
- Phillips screwdrivers
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Telephone Conversations
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $24,160 |
| Median | $38,180 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $82,040 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 1,950
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,300
Lighting Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $60,560
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $50,620
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $40,100
Audio and Video Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $54,830
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.