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Day Shift Cinema Projectionist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smithsonian Institution

Projectionist

Washington, DC · On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

... days of the closing date of this announcement. OVERVIEW Our Projectionists operate IMAX dual laser 3D and conventional digital cinema projectors, various audio/visual equipment (including a range of ...

Smithsonian Institution

Projectionist

Washington, DC · On-site

... days of the closing date of this announcement. Our Projectionists operate IMAX dual laser 3D and conventional digital cinema projectors, various audio/visual equipment (including a range of ADA ...

Seefilm Bremerton Cinema

Floor Staff

Bremerton, WA

This position will also help to clean the cinema throughout the business day. This person, with appropriate experience, may also be asked to act as floor general or projectionist. Any person may be ...

SEEfilm Cinema

Floor Staff

Bremerton, WA · On-site

This position will also help to clean the cinema throughout the business day. This person, with appropriate experience, may also be asked to act as floor general or projectionist. Any person may be ...

Cinemagic Inc

Floor Staff

Roseburg, OR · On-site

This position will also help to clean the cinema throughout the business day. This person, with appropriate experience, may also be asked to act as floor general or projectionist. Any person may be ...

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How much do day shift cinema projectionist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for day shift cinema projectionist in the United States is $24.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $32.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a day shift cinema projectionist do?

A Day Shift Cinema Projectionist is responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment that displays films in a movie theater during daytime hours. Their duties include setting up and running digital or traditional film projectors, ensuring the correct film is played at the scheduled time, and monitoring sound and picture quality. They may also perform routine equipment checks, troubleshoot technical issues, and assist with general theater operations. Good attention to detail and technical skills are important for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a day shift cinema projectionist?

To thrive as a Day Shift Cinema Projectionist, you need a solid understanding of audiovisual equipment, film handling, and basic electrical or mechanical troubleshooting, often supported by on-the-job training or relevant technical experience. Familiarity with digital cinema projection systems, sound equipment, and sometimes certifications like DCP (Digital Cinema Package) operation are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong problem-solving skills help projectionists ensure seamless screenings and handle unexpected technical issues. These skills are crucial to delivering a high-quality cinematic experience and maintaining the smooth operation of theatre schedules.

What are some common challenges faced by a day shift cinema projectionist, and how can they be managed?

One common challenge for Day Shift Cinema Projectionists is handling technical issues with digital projectors or sound systems, especially during back-to-back screenings. To manage this, projectionists should become familiar with troubleshooting procedures and maintain regular communication with technical support teams. Additionally, balancing multiple screens and schedules requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Building a routine for equipment checks and actively coordinating with theater staff can help create a smooth and efficient workflow.

How do you become a day shift cinema projectionist?

To become a day shift cinema projectionist, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and training in film or digital projection equipment. Gaining experience through entry-level theater jobs and understanding safety procedures can improve your chances; some employers may also require certification in audiovisual technology.

How much does a day shift cinema projectionist get paid?

A day shift cinema projectionist typically earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the size of the theater. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while experienced projectionists or those working in larger venues can earn higher wages. Some roles also offer benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What cities are hiring for Day Shift Cinema Projectionist jobs?

Cities with the most Day Shift Cinema Projectionist job openings:

What states have the most Day Shift Cinema Projectionist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Day Shift Cinema Projectionist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Day Shift Cinema Projectionist jobs?

For Day Shift Cinema Projectionist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Day Shift Cinema Projectionist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Day Shift Cinema Projectionist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,250 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Projectionist

Washington, DC • On-site

Smithsonian Institution
Museums and Historical Sites • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Smithsonian Institutionexternal

$50K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums

Job description

Projectionist
Application Deadline: 18 September 2026
Department: Smithsonian Enterprises
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Washington, DC
Reporting To: Theater Technical Manager
Compensation: $50,000 - $52,500 / year
Description
OPEN DATE: 09/01/2026
CLOSING DATE: 09/18/2026
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC Metro Area
Position sensitivity and risk: Low Risk
Open to all qualified applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
  • Complete a Probationary Period.
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
  • The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW
Our Projectionists operate IMAX dual laser 3D and conventional digital cinema projectors, various audio/visual equipment (including a range of ADA equipment), digital dome projection and sound systems, PowerPoint and similar presentation projectors, meeting room A/V systems, theater and planetarium audio and lighting systems, computers, and other audio/visual systems, as needed. Projectionists may work in a variety of locations as assigned. The theaters include the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater and Northrup Grumman Planetarium (National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC) and at the Airbus IMAX Theater (National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly VA), and other work locations if needed.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develops and maintains knowledge and skills used to operate existing and new equipment. Studies, understands, and follows policies and procedures related to the theaters, including related technical and safety issues.
  • Follows a very flexible work schedule that may include early mornings, late nights, or occasional overnight work.
  • Notifies supervisor immediately in the event of any problem with operation of any piece of equipment or system that affects the quality of shows.
  • Provides routine technical maintenance of selected projectors and A/V systems, such as changing projection lamps, cleaning filters, and other tasks as needed/required.
  • Escorts and assists vendors during preventive maintenance and emergency repair sessions.
  • Professionally interacts with theater patrons and museum visitors as well as co-workers and associates. Answers questions and completes other duties as assigned.
  • Maintains and updates an inventory of theater content on hand including hard disk drives and other media.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year College or technical school; and six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Ability to work weekends and holidays, as well as weekdays and evenings, is required in order to meet the demands of the Smithsonian Theaters 364-day-per-year public schedule and schedule of special events.
  • One year of general experience in the operation and maintenance of audio/visual equipment or one year experience as a professional digital dome theater console operator is required.
  • Must be familiar with audio/visual equipment and able to perform basic service and repair, and operate a wide range of electrical, electronic, and optical equipment.
  • Must be experienced operating cinema and/or digital dome and theater sound and lighting systems.
  • Must demonstrate an ability to readily acquire new skills and learn on the job.
  • Must be able to travel between all of the Smithsonian Theater locations on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and Chantilly, Virginia.

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact SECareers@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo

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