Skills it runs on
The capabilities O*NET rates most important for this occupation — the human ground the work is built on.
See all skills →Motion Picture Projectionists
Occupation · SOC 39-3021.00
Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.
Also called: Booth Operator · Movie Projectionist · Projectionist · Technical Projection Guide · Cinema Projectionist · Digital Projectionist · Film Specialist · Motion Picture Projectionist · Projection Technician · Projector Booth Operator · Booth Usher · Cinema Operator
Job family: Personal Care and Service Occupations
Take this to your AI
A source-stamped Markdown brief of this occupation — paste it into an agent, or fetch
/roles/role-39-3021-00/context.md directly.
AI work map
A fast read on where AI already shows up in this occupation, where it stays a copilot, where humans remain in the loop, and what the labor market is doing. Built from observed Claude.ai conversations mapped to O*NET tasks and from published research — measures of usage and exposure, not advice or predictions that the job is going away.
Market signal
Independent published positions, read together — not a forecast.
- Declining employment outlook (-3.7% by 2034)
- 500 openings/yr
- Low AI exposure
- Median pay $38,180/yr
- Work is mostly on-site (not teleworkable)
- 2013 flagged this for computerization (94th); today's AI task-overlap is comparatively low (24th)
24th-percentile task overlap — yet about 500 openings a year (-3.7% projected, BLS) . What exposure means →
AI & job outlook
What today's research says about this occupation's exposure to AI, how AI is actually being used in it, and where employment is headed. These are positions within published studies — measures of exposure and usage, not predictions that this job will disappear.
Exposure to current AI
Each study uses its own scale, so the raw scores are not comparable across rows — the percentile (this job's rank among all U.S. occupations with data) is the comparable figure, and sizes the bars.
| Measure | Rank vs all occupations | Percentile | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) Moderate | 38th | -0.4 | |
| LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) Low | 30th | 0.3 | |
| AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) Low | 11th | 0.1 |
OpenAI's exposure study scores tasks three ways: with a language model alone (α 0.1), with simple added tooling (β 0.2), and including AI-powered software (γ 0.3). Higher means more of the job's tasks could be done at least twice as fast — not that they will be automated away.
This job mostly cannot be done remotely (Dingel–Neiman) — its hands-on tasks sit outside what software-based AI reaches.
Mixed signals. Today's AI/LLM studies show relatively low exposure for this job, but the older (2013) Frey–Osborne work rated it higher for computerization and robotics. Different eras, different technologies — the AI measures above reflect the current state.
Historical automation estimate (2013)
A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
Frey–Osborne probability 1.0 · 94th percentile among occupations · High
Job outlook
Independent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projection for 2024–2034 — a labor-market forecast, not an AI-impact forecast.
| Outlook | Declining · -3.7% by 2034 |
| Projected annual openings | 500 |
| Employment 2024 → 2034 | 2,000 → 2,000 |
“Annual openings” counts new jobs plus replacements for workers who leave the occupation, so it can be large even when growth is modest.
Where this work sits on the global GenAI gradient
The ILO's 2025 global study scores generative-AI exposure on the international ISCO-08 occupation system, not US SOC. Bridged through the published (and approximate, many-to-many) IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 crosswalk, this US occupation corresponds to the international occupation below. Exposure here means how much of the work's tasks today's AI can attempt — task overlap, not automation, adoption, or jobs lost.
Motion Picture Projectionists sits at the 55th percentile of 427
occupations on the global GenAI task-exposure gradient
— exposure eased from 2023 to 2025. Each dot is one occupation; the
ringed one is this work. Exposure is task overlap, not automation or jobs lost.
29% mean task exposure (2025)
55th percentile of 427 placed occupations
−9 pts shift 2023 → 2025
| International occupation (ISCO-08) | Task exposure (2025) | Most tasks fall in |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Workers Not Elsewhere Classified · 9629 | 29% | Minimal |
Read the whole six-band gradient on the GenAI exposure gradient page. The crosswalk is approximate: a US occupation can map to several international ones, and the ILO scores describe the international occupation, not this exact US role.
Tasks
All 22 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, ordered by importance. Each links to its own page with AI-exposure and observed-use detail.
- Monitor operations to ensure that standards for sound and image projection quality are met. Core · importance 4.6
- Inspect movie films to ensure that they are complete and in good condition. Supplemental · importance 4.5
- Start projectors and open shutters to project images onto screens. Core · importance 4.4
- Open and close facilities according to rules and schedules. Core · importance 4.4
- Operate equipment to show films in a number of theaters simultaneously. Core · importance 4.3
- Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as rotating or replacing xenon bulbs, cleaning projectors and lenses, lubricating machinery, and keeping electrical contacts clean and tight. Core · importance 4.2
- Set up and adjust picture projectors and screens to achieve proper size, illumination, and focus of images, and proper volume and tone of sound. Core · importance 4.1
- Inspect projection equipment prior to operation to ensure proper working order. Core · importance 4.1
- Perform minor repairs, such as replacing worn sprockets, or notify maintenance personnel of the need for major repairs. Core · importance 4.0
- Set up and inspect curtain and screen controls. Core · importance 3.9
- Remove full take-up reels and run film through rewinding machines to rewind projected films so they may be shown again. Supplemental · importance 3.8
- Install and connect auxiliary equipment, such as microphones, amplifiers, disc playback machines, and lights. Supplemental · importance 3.8
- Observe projector operation to anticipate need to transfer operations from one projector to another. Supplemental · importance 3.7
- Coordinate equipment operation with presentation of supplemental material, such as music, oral commentaries, or sound effects. Core · importance 3.7
- Prepare film inspection reports, attendance sheets, and log books. Supplemental · importance 3.7
- Splice separate film reels, advertisements, and movie trailers together to form a feature-length presentation on one continuous reel. Supplemental · importance 3.6
- Clean the projection booth. Core · importance 3.4
- 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. Supplemental
- Operate special-effects equipment, such as stereopticons, to project pictures onto screens. Supplemental
- Project motion pictures onto back screens for inclusion in scenes within film or stage productions. Supplemental
- Remove film splicing to prepare films for shipment after showings and return films to their sources. Supplemental
- Splice and rewind film onto reels automatically, or by hand, to repair faulty or broken sections of film. Supplemental
Emerging tasks
Newer responsibilities O*NET has flagged as growing for this occupation.
- Download digital keys to unlock digital movie files.
- Ingest digital content, such as films, advertisements, or trailers, into servers or projectors.
Work activities
Knowledge, skills & abilities
O*NET importance rating, from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).
Knowledge
| Computers and Electronics | 4.1 | |
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.3 | |
| Mechanical | 3.2 | |
| English Language | 3.2 | |
| Administration and Management | 2.8 |
Abilities
| Far Vision | 4.0 | |
| Near Vision | 3.9 | |
| Oral Comprehension | 3.1 | |
| Oral Expression | 3.1 | |
| Problem Sensitivity | 3.1 | |
| Control Precision | 3.1 | |
| Written Comprehension | 3.0 | |
| Information Ordering | 3.0 | |
| Perceptual Speed | 3.0 | |
| Selective Attention | 3.0 | |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | 3.0 | |
| Manual Dexterity | 3.0 | |
| Finger Dexterity | 3.0 | |
| Reaction Time | 3.0 | |
| Visual Color Discrimination | 3.0 | |
| Speech Recognition | 3.0 | |
| Speech Clarity | 3.0 | |
| Category Flexibility | 2.9 | |
| Deductive Reasoning | 2.8 |
Transferable skills
| Operations Monitoring | 3.1 | |
| Operation and Control | 3.0 | |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.9 | |
| Coordination | 2.9 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.9 | |
| Troubleshooting | 2.9 | |
| Repairing | 2.9 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.9 | |
| Time Management | 2.9 | |
| Equipment Maintenance | 2.8 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 2.8 |
Essential skills
| Reading Comprehension | 3.0 | |
| Active Listening | 3.0 | |
| Speaking | 3.0 | |
| Critical Thinking | 2.9 | |
| Monitoring | 2.9 |
Skills in demand
Skills employers ask for in job postings for this occupation (Lightcast), with whether each is a common or specialized skill.
Tools & technology
| Example | Category | |
|---|---|---|
| Apple macOS | Operating system software | Hot technology |
| Autodesk AutoCAD | Computer aided design CAD software | Hot technology |
| Web page creation and editing software | Hot technology | |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | Hot technology |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | Hot technology |
| Microsoft Outlook | Word processing software | Hot technology |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | Hot technology |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | Hot technology |
| Audio calibration software | Analytical or scientific software | |
| Avid Technology iNEWS | Video creation and editing software | |
| Web browser software | Internet browser software |
Work context
How characteristic each condition is of the job, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale (higher = more present in day-to-day work). Each condition links to how it varies across all occupations.
How to get in
- Job zone
- Zone 2 — Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Typical entry-level education
- No formal educational credential · BLS, the typical path — not a requirement
- Related experience
- 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.
- Preparation level
- SVP (Below 6.0) — total schooling plus on-the-job experience.
Education of current workers
Share of people in this occupation at each level of education.
| High School Diploma | 61.1% | |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 19.9% | |
| Bachelor's Degree | 10.1% | |
| Some College Courses | 8.9% |
Interests & work styles
The interests and personal qualities O*NET associates with people who do this work.
Career interests (Holland / RIASEC)
| Realistic | 5.4 | |
| Conventional | 4.4 | |
| Artistic | 3.1 | |
| Investigative | 2.0 | |
| Social | 2.0 | |
| Enterprising | 2.0 |
Interest areas
| Mechanics/Electronics | 5.0 | |
| Engineering | 2.6 | |
| Physical/Manual Labor | 2.2 | |
| Information Technology | 2.0 | |
| Media | 2.0 | |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | 1.6 | |
| Visual Arts | 1.5 |
Work styles
| Dependability | 2.4 | |
| Attention to Detail | 2.4 | |
| Cautiousness | 1.7 |
Wages & employment
U.S. · annual wages (BLS OEWS)
| 10th percentile | $24,160 |
| 25th percentile | $29,250 |
| Median (50th) | $38,180 |
| 75th percentile | $75,380 |
| 90th percentile | $82,040 |
| People employed | 1,950 |
Industries that employ this occupation
Where these workers are employed, by number of jobs (national, BLS OEWS). Pay shown is the occupation's national median, not industry-specific.
| Industry | Workers | National median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Information · Sector | 1,340 | $33,860 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation · Sector | 320 | $53,160 |
| Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters · National industry | 80 | $44,690 |
Where this work is most concentrated
Industries where this occupation is far more common than in the economy as a whole. The location quotient is how many times more concentrated it is here (a value of 5 means five times its economy-wide share).
| Industry | Concentration | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Information · Sector | 36.44× | 1,340 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation · Sector | 9.58× | 320 |
Related occupations
Part of the Arts, Entertainment, & Design career cluster.
- Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers · 49-9061.00 Compare →
- Lighting Technicians · 27-4015.00 Compare →
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers · 49-2097.00 Compare →
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators · 51-9151.00 Compare →
- Audio and Video Technicians · 27-4011.00 Compare →
- Prepress Technicians and Workers · 51-5111.00 Compare →
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film · 27-4031.00 Compare →
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers · 49-2011.00 Compare →
- Sound Engineering Technicians · 27-4014.00 Compare →
- Broadcast Technicians · 27-4012.00 Compare →
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer · 43-9071.00 Compare →
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers · 49-2021.00 Compare →
Side-by-side comparisons place two occupations’ pay, preparation, skills, and AI exposure on the same page — same data, same scale, no forecast.
What you can do with this
Options the data surfaces for Motion Picture Projectionists — not advice or a forecast. Each is a real cross-link you can follow into the evidence.
Skills that travel
Capabilities this work builds that are used across many other occupations.
Adjacent roles
Occupations O*NET rates as related — the nearby moves on the map.
Paths in
How people typically prepare for this work.
- No formal educational credential · typical entry level
- Job zone 2 — Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed · preparation tier
Zoom out
On the global GenAI exposure gradient this work sits around the 55th percentile of 427 international occupations.
Write a report on thisheadline · factoids · citation
Motion Picture Projectionists show 24th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 500 annual U.S. openings
- Motion Picture Projectionists rank in the 24th percentile (Low band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated.Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE
- The occupation is projected to see about 500 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- BLS projects employment to be declining (-3.7%) from 2024 to 2034.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- Median annual pay is $38,180, across about 1,950 U.S. workers.BLS OEWS (May 2024)
Copy the whole kit
Motion Picture Projectionists show 24th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 500 annual U.S. openings • Motion Picture Projectionists rank in the 24th percentile (Low band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated. (Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE) • The occupation is projected to see about 500 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • BLS projects employment to be declining (-3.7%) from 2024 to 2034. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • Median annual pay is $38,180, across about 1,950 U.S. workers. (BLS OEWS (May 2024)) Source: Singulariki — "Motion Picture Projectionists". https://singulariki.com/roles/role-39-3021-00 Note: AI task overlap measures what today's AI can attempt, not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
AssetsShare imageMethodology & sourcesPress & newsroomThe newsroom
Every line is built only from figures this page already shows and cites. AI task overlap means what today's AI can attempt — not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
Sources for this page
Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.
- O*NET 30.3 U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai Microsoft Research
- “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic
- AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans academic
- ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025 International Labour Organization
- IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022 Institute for Structural Research (IBS)
- Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation academic
- Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome academic
Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.
Cite this page
Plain
Singulariki. "Motion Picture Projectionists." Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Built from O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026. https://singulariki.com/roles/role-39-3021-00
APA
Singulariki. (2026). Motion Picture Projectionists. Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://singulariki.com/roles/role-39-3021-00
BibTeX
@misc{singulariki-role-39-3021-00,
title = {Motion Picture Projectionists},
author = {{Singulariki}},
year = {2026},
note = {O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026},
url = {https://singulariki.com/roles/role-39-3021-00}
} Citations name the underlying public dataset releases — they reflect what this page is built from, not just the URL.