Career Exploration Guide

SOC: 39-3021

Motion Picture Projectionists

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

Education:		These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

OJT:		Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Tasks:		Insert film into top magazine reel, or thread film through a series of sprockets and guide rollers, attaching the end to a take-up reel. Start projectors and open shutters to project images onto screens. Monitor operations to ensure that standards for sound and image projection quality are met. Operate equipment in order to show films in a number of theaters simultaneously. Splice separate film reels, advertisements, and movie trailers together to form a feature-length presentation on one continuous reel. Inspect movie films to ensure that they are complete and in good condition. 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 in order to ensure proper working order. Perform regular maintenance tasks such as rotating or replacing xenon bulbs, cleaning lenses, lubricating machinery, and keeping electrical contacts clean and tight. Remove film splicing in order to prepare films for shipment after showings, and return films to their sources. Splice and rewind film onto reels automatically, or by hand, to repair faulty or broken sections of film. Perform minor repairs such as replacing worn sprockets, or notify maintenance personnel of the need for major repairs. Open and close facilities according to rules and schedules. Observe projector operation in order to anticipate need to transfer operations from one projector to another. Set up and inspect curtain and screen controls.

License:		License not required.

Outlook:		poor

Alabama Employment Outlook

Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage		Annual Wage
Entry	$8.64	Entry	$17,970.00
Mean	$10.80	Mean	$22,458.00
Experience	$11.88	Experience	$24,696.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections

Estimated Employment 2016	Projected Employment 2026	Annual Average Openings	Annual Growth Rate
30	20	5	-3.97

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No postsecondary schools reported programs.

Occupational Videos

39-3021.00

Motion Picture Projectionists