Motion picture projectionists
SOC Code: 39-3021
Motion picture projectionists carries a 31% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $38,180 and -3.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 2,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Motion picture projectionists (SOC 39-3021) carries an AI exposure score of 31%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 2,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -3.7% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $38,180, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Motion picture projectionists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Monitor operations to ensure that standards for sound and image projection quality are met.
- 2. Inspect movie films to ensure that they are complete and in good condition.
- 3. Start projectors and open shutters to project images onto screens.
- 4. Open and close facilities according to rules and schedules.
- 5. Operate equipment to show films in a number of theaters simultaneously.
- 6. Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as rotating or replacing xenon bulbs, cleaning projectors and lenses, lubricating machinery, and keeping electrical contacts clean and tight.
- 7. Set up and adjust picture projectors and screens to achieve proper size, illumination, and focus of images, and proper volume and tone of sound.
- 8. Inspect projection equipment prior to operation to ensure proper working order.
- 9. Perform minor repairs, such as replacing worn sprockets, or notify maintenance personnel of the need for major repairs.
- 10. Set up and inspect curtain and screen controls.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Communications and Media
- Public Safety and Security
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Motion picture projectionists?
Motion picture projectionists has an AI exposure score of 31%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Motion picture projectionists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Motion picture projectionists is projected to decline by 3.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 2,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Motion picture projectionists?
Key skills for Motion picture projectionists include Operations Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Motion picture projectionists earn?
The median annual wage for Motion picture projectionists is $38,180, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Motion picture projectionists?
The typical entry-level education for Motion picture projectionists is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Motion picture projectionists?
Motion picture projectionists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).