Motion Picture Projectionists

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Personal Care & Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 39-3021
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Clean the projection booth.
• Inspect movie films to ensure that they are complete and in good condition.

Tools and technology

Apple macOS, Autodesk AutoCAD, Facebook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, 16mm motion picture projectors, 8mm motion picture projectors, Allen wrenches, Audio calibration software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers
• Lighting Technicians
• Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
• Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
• Audio and Video Technicians
• Prepress Technicians and Workers
• Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
• Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Motion Picture Projectionists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.