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How much do drive in theater jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for drive in theater in the United States is $14.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drive-in theater?

Drive-in theaters are outdoor movie venues where patrons watch films from their own vehicles. Movies are projected onto a large outdoor screen, and the audio is typically broadcast through FM radio so viewers can listen inside their cars. Drive-in theaters gained popularity in the mid-20th century and offer a nostalgic and unique movie-going experience. They often feature concessions and allow families and groups to enjoy movies in a more private and comfortable setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drive-in theater attendant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drive-In Theater Attendant, you need customer service skills, basic cash handling ability, and familiarity with concession operations, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge of point-of-sale (POS) systems, audio-visual equipment, and food safety protocols is commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability are essential soft skills for managing crowds and creating a positive guest experience. These skills ensure smooth operations, customer satisfaction, and a safe, enjoyable environment for all patrons.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working at a drive-in theater, and how can they best prepare for them?

Staff at drive-in theaters often face unique challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, managing large crowds during peak times, and handling technical issues with projection or sound equipment. Team members can best prepare by dressing appropriately for the weather, developing good communication skills to coordinate with colleagues and customers, and gaining basic troubleshooting skills for equipment. Flexibility and a positive attitude are also important, as responsibilities can shift quickly based on the needs of the event and customer flow.

What is the difference between Drive In Theater vs Movie Projectionist?

AspectDrive In TheaterMovie Projectionist
Required CredentialsMinimal; experience with vehicle operation and basic maintenanceTechnical training or certification in projection equipment
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, open-air setting with vehicles and audiencesIndoor, specialized projection booths with electronic equipment
Industry UsageEntertainment venues, outdoor cinemasMovie theaters, cinemas, entertainment venues

Drive In Theater staff primarily operate outdoor venues with a focus on vehicle management and outdoor customer service, while Movie Projectionists handle indoor projection equipment and film screening. Both roles serve the entertainment industry but differ significantly in environment and technical requirements.

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What cities are hiring for Drive In Theater jobs?

Cities with the most Drive In Theater job openings:

What states have the most Drive In Theater jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drive In Theater jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Drive In Theater jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Drive In Theater jobs are:

Drive In Theater jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drive In Theater job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,391 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

In Theatre Sales Manager

Emagine Entertainment

Lake Geneva, WI • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Emagine Entertainment rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 42 rated movie theaters

Job description

Benefits:
  • Free Movie Incentive
  • 401(k) matching

The Manager, In-Theatre Sales (ITS) position plays a crucial role in the successful operation of the theatre. The Manager, ITS assists the General Manager in the operations of the theatre through shift management, training employees, handling guest complaints, opening, and closing of the building and other operational duties. This position demonstrates strong communication by clearly conveying ideas, actively listening, and tailoring messages to the appropriate audience. All Managers share responsibility for overall theatre operations, including leading by motivating and supporting others while aligning work with organizational goals, policies, and values. This position remains adaptable to changing priorities while maintaining a focus on business impact, quality, and continuous improvement. In addition, this position maintains primary responsibility for In-Theatre Sales functions such as Food and Beverage management and sales, inventory COGS management, and merchandise/promotions, in collaboration with the Cinema Support Center teams.
Key Accountabilities
Manager On Duty
  • Oversee daily theatre operations, including opening/closing procedures, shift reporting, and ensuring a safe, efficient, and guest-focused environment.
  • Supervise, train, and assign tasks to employees, maintaining high standards of service, compliance, and operational efficiency.
  • Manage labor, inventory, and expenditures to meet financial objectives and support operational success.
  • Respond to and resolve guest concerns, acting as a resource for questions, comments, and service recovery situations.
  • Support other core theatre functions, including Box Office, HR, and Experience, to ensure a seamless operation.
  • Enforce safety, sanitation, maintenance, and security standards in compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.

In-Theatre Sales
  • Maintain accurate inventory, stock levels, and order guides for all concession and bar items, adjusting stock to meet business demands.
  • Coordinate orders, menu items, recipes, and product changes, ensuring consistency, quality, and operational efficiency.
  • Propose and implement initiatives to improve per caps, manage costs, and uphold food safety, health, and cleanliness standards.
  • Develop and maintain prep planning, recipe documentation, and point-of-sale/menu board accuracy.
  • Oversee merchandising, including plan-o-gram layouts for candy and beverages, and coordinate semi-annual beer calendars with the General Manager.
  • Ensure compliance with required certifications, liquor, and food safety regulations, and communicate operational updates and concerns to the leadership team.
  • Manages all ITS budget responsibilities including ITS GOP, TUR, SPH, Labor, and other KPI's that drive financial results for the ITS department and overall theatre GOP.

Experience & Competencies
  • Minimum of 3-5 years' experience in a hospitality industry
  • College education in a related field is considered an asset
  • Proven leadership experience
  • Strong commitment to delivering high-quality service in a guest-focused environment
  • Ability to identify solutions, improve efficiencies, and drive results
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Confident presenting recommendations and providing operational guidance

What Emagine Entertainment employees say

Pay

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