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Projectionist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smithsonian Institution

Projectionist

Washington, DC · On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

Projectionist Application Deadline: 18 September 2026 Department: Smithsonian Enterprises Employment Type: Full Time Location: Washington, DC Reporting To: Theater Technical Manager Compensation: $50 ...

Smithsonian Institution

Projectionist

Washington, DC · On-site

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 ...

SEEfilm Cinema

Assistant Manager

Bremerton, WA · On-site

Supervises and trains projectionists * Supervises janitorial staff and conducts janitorial theatre inspections * Inputs film schedule times in the box office computer * Makes accurate bank deposits ...

Cinemagic Inc

Floor Staff

Roseburg, OR · On-site

This person, with appropriate experience, may also be asked to act as floor general or projectionist. Any person may be asked to fill any of the requirements at any time. A person in this position ...

Seefilm Bremerton Cinema

Floor Staff

Bremerton, WA · On-site

This person, with appropriate experience, may also be asked to act as floor general or projectionist. Any person may be asked to fill any of the requirements at any time. A person in this position ...

Seattle Art Museum

Film Coordinator

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

Reporting to the Chief of Creative Strategy and Storytellling, the Film Coordinator also serves as a primary point of contact for logistics for projectionists, A/V staff, curators, and external ...

Seattle Art Museum

Film Coordinator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$27 - $32.90/hr

Reporting to the Chief of Creative Strategy and Storytellling, the Film Coordinator also serves as a primary point of contact for logistics for projectionists, A/V staff, curators, and external ...

Cinemagic Inc

Floor Staff

Roseburg, OR · On-site

This person, with appropriate experience, may also be asked to act as floor general or projectionist. Any person may be asked to fill any of the requirements at any time. A person in this position ...

SEEfilm Cinema

Floor Staff

Bremerton, WA · On-site

This person, with appropriate experience, may also be asked to act as floor general or projectionist. Any person may be asked to fill any of the requirements at any time. A person in this position ...

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Projectionist information

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How much do projectionist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 is a projectionist?

A Projectionist is responsible for operating and maintaining film or digital projectors in cinemas, theaters, or event venues. They ensure that movies or presentations run smoothly by managing sound and visual quality, troubleshooting technical issues, and sometimes handling film reels or digital formats. Projectionists may also be responsible for basic equipment maintenance and setup adjustments to optimize the viewing experience.

What does a typical shift look like for a projectionist in a cinema environment?

A typical shift for a Projectionist involves preparing and maintaining projection equipment, starting and stopping film or digital screenings on schedule, and performing routine checks to ensure audio and visual quality. You’ll often work evenings, weekends, or holidays, as showtimes are usually during these periods. Projectionists collaborate with cinema managers and floor staff to coordinate showtimes and address any technical problems as they arise. You may also be responsible for performing minor repairs and conducting regular equipment maintenance to prevent disruptions. The work environment can be independent but requires good communication with the rest of the cinema team to ensure a seamless experience for moviegoers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the projectionist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Projectionist, you need strong attention to detail, understanding of audiovisual technology, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with digital cinema projection systems, traditional film projectors, and basic troubleshooting tools is typically required. Good communication, reliability, and the ability to work independently are valuable soft skills in this setting. These capabilities ensure high-quality film presentations, quick resolution of technical issues, and smooth collaboration with cinema staff.

How do you become a projectionist?

To become a projectionist, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should gain experience with film or digital projection equipment. Training is often provided on the job, and familiarity with operating projectors, troubleshooting, and maintenance is important; some positions may require certification or technical skills. Strong attention to detail and the ability to work flexible hours are also beneficial.

How much does a projectionist get paid?

Projectionists typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $20,000 to $40,000 depending on experience, location, and the type of venue. Many projectionists work part-time or on irregular schedules, and some positions require knowledge of film or digital projection equipment.
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Infographic showing various Projectionist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 32% Full Time, 65% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $51,250 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Projectionist

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC • On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 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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