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Motion Picture Projectionists

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 118 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Less exposedband 2 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 29% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Monitor operations to ensure that standards for sound and image projection quality are met.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Inspect movie films to ensure that they are complete and in good condition.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Coordinate equipment operation with presentation of supplemental material, such as music, oral commentaries, or sound effects.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  4. Prepare film inspection reports, attendance sheets, and log books.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  5. Splice separate film reels, advertisements, and movie trailers together to form a feature-length presentation on one continuous reel.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Start projectors and open shutters to project images onto screens.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Open and close facilities according to rules and schedules.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Operate equipment to show films in a number of theaters simultaneously.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as rotating or replacing xenon bulbs, cleaning projectors and lenses, lubricating machinery, and keeping electrical contacts clean and tight.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Set up and adjust picture projectors and screens to achieve proper size, illumination, and focus of images, and proper volume and tone of sound.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

    Similar work
    slightly less pay31 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays slightly less—$83,357 vs your $84,348 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires an associate's degree, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Computers and Electronics
    • Near Vision
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Mechanical

    New skills to build

    • Telecommunications
    • Installation
    • Mathematics
    • Extent Flexibility
    • Engineering and Technology