Motion Picture Projectionists Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
The median pay for a motion picture projectionists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $81,490/year ($39.18/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $55K at the entry level to $84K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $78,666 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,781/month — about 34.6% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $81K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About motion picture projectionists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level motion picture projectionists (10th percentile) start around $55K. Mid-career wages sit at $81K.Top earners bring in $84K or more - a $29K spread from bottom to top.
Motion Picture Projectionists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $88K | +130% | 190 |
| New York | $77K | +102% | 420 |
| Illinois | $75K | +97% | N/A |
| Washington | $37K | -4% | 80 |
| Idaho | $35K | -9% | 30 |
| Ohio | $33K | -14% | 100 |
| Tennessee | $33K | -15% | 110 |
| Wisconsin | $32K | -17% | 30 |
| Texas | $30K | -22% | 90 |
| North Dakota | $30K | -23% | 40 |
| Iowa | $29K | -25% | 30 |
| Missouri | $28K | -26% | 120 |
| Michigan | $28K | -26% | N/A |
Track motion picture projectionists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Chicago-Naperville-Elgin numbers change.
Related careers in Personal Care
Frequently asked questions
How much do motion picture projectionists make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $81,490 a year - that works out to about $39.18 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $54,650, and experienced motion picture projectionists can clear $83,800. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $81K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,140/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 34.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a motion picture projectionists salary go in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has a Regional Price Parity of 103.59 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median motion picture projectionists salary is worth about $78,666 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do motion picture projectionists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.