Motion Picture Projectionist salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Motion Picture Projectionists in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area earn a median of $85,460 a year ($41.09 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $59,670 for the lowest-paid 10% to $87,730 for the top 10%. That is 123% higher than the national median of $38,270. Pay here is 8% higher than the Illinois statewide median of $78,990. The average (mean) salary is $80,090, close to the median.
Pay range for motion picture projectionists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $59,670 | $28.69 |
| 25th percentile | $78,990 | $37.98 |
| Median | $85,460 | $41.09 |
| 75th percentile | $85,480 | $41.10 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $87,730 | $42.18 |
| Average (mean) | $80,090 | $38.51 |
Half of motion picture projectionists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $7,121.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,560.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,286.92 |
| Weekly | $1,643.46 |
| Hourly | $41.09 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $85,460 salary, see how much house you can afford in Illinois at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Highest-paying states for motion picture projectionists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $82,260 |
| Illinois | $78,990 |
| California | $74,840 |
| Washington | $39,070 |
| Michigan | $37,590 |
| Ohio | $36,870 |
| Arizona | $32,890 |
| Texas | $31,160 |
| Pennsylvania | $29,850 |
| Missouri | $29,140 |
See Motion Picture Projectionist pay in every state or the Illinois statewide figures.
Related jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $34,170 | $16.43 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $35,000 | $16.83 |
| Gambling Dealer | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $38,990 | $18.75 |
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | $32,990 | $15.86 |
| Costume Attendant | $49,180 | $23.65 |
| Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners | $35,440 | $17.04 |
| Childcare Worker | $36,610 | $17.60 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,680 | $22.92 |
| Recreation Worker | $35,830 | $17.23 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,260 | $16.47 |
| Animal Caretaker | $36,110 | $17.36 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $48,390 | $23.27 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,330 | $21.79 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-3021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a motion picture projectionist make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median salary for motion picture projectionists in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area is $85,460 a year, or $41.09 an hour. Pay ranges from $59,670 for the lowest-paid 10% to $87,730 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid motion picture projectionists make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The top 10% of motion picture projectionists in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area earn at least $87,730 a year. The top 25% earn $85,480 or more.
What is the starting pay for motion picture projectionists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $59,670 a year, and a quarter of motion picture projectionists earn $78,990 or less.