Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: What's the pay rate for an IMAX operator?

This is topic What's the pay rate for an IMAX operator? in forum Large Format Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Brad Allen (Member # 470) on 03-21-2004, 02:45 PM:

What's the going pay rates for an experienced and novice IMAX operator?
I assume IMAX corp offers training?

Posted by Aaron Mehocic (Member # 15) on 03-21-2004, 04:14 PM:

Yes, thats a good question. About six years ago I had a former manager call me to see if I was interested in exploring the possibility of being an IMAX operator in upstate New York. He said he could get me at least $40,000 per year. I never went any further with this, but would like to know if he was full of BS or not.

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 03-21-2004, 05:19 PM:

Just like every other job, it all depends on the position, your qualifications, and the part of the country the theater is in. Every theater pays different wages and benefits.

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 03-21-2004, 08:04 PM:

We have two IMAX screens here, one run by a small chain, the other by a major hotel/casino. The pay here ranges from around $7.00/hour to around $25.00/hour.

Posted by Brian Michael Weidemann (Member # 2243) on 03-21-2004, 09:14 PM:

$25/hour just to operate IMAX? Heck, I'm movin' to Vegas!

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 03-21-2004, 09:16 PM:

$7.00 an hour. You can make more pumping gas.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 03-21-2004, 09:17 PM:

You mean we actually get paid for running this noisy machine?
the rate at cinesphere is 24.96 ca per hour no benefits

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 03-21-2004, 09:21 PM:

And stand at the back of the line Brian! [Big Grin]

Posted by Kyle McEachern (Member # 2250) on 03-22-2004, 05:06 PM:

quote:
I assume IMAX corp offers training?

Quite a lot of it...so far I've had approx. 150hrs worth, and there's still quite a bit I don't know - a lot of that has been 'run the projector while still having someone who knows what the hell they're doing [Adam, in this case]' - but training nonetheless.

Posted by Stewart Anderson (Member # 1809) on 03-22-2004, 05:11 PM:

Gordon: 24.96 what is that in US currency??? [Confused]

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 03-22-2004, 05:22 PM:

C$24.96 would be about US$16.50. Well above average.

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 03-22-2004, 06:41 PM:

It's more like $18.75. A difference of a Big Turk AND a Malted Milk per hour! [Smile]

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 03-22-2004, 06:49 PM:

Hey Brad, thinking of going to work at Showplace?

Rick

Posted by Brad Allen (Member # 470) on 03-23-2004, 02:26 PM:

I had someone that is interested ask me, and I really didn't have an answer for them. I know what the going 35mm rate is around here, but didn't know if IMAX commanded a premium or not.

Sounds like the answer is "maybe". [Big Grin]

And at Showplace, probably not. [Wink]

Posted by Brian D. Whitish (Member # 825) on 05-05-2004, 05:30 AM:

The rate at the Seattle Imax Dome theatre is $18.68 per hour with benefits.

Posted by Dominique Replogle (Member # 2387) on 05-05-2004, 01:09 PM:

Brian,

Is that at the Pacific Science Center?

Posted by Stephen Furley (Member # 1277) on 05-05-2004, 03:05 PM:

quote: Brian D. Whitish
with benefits

What 'benefits'?

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 05-05-2004, 03:19 PM:

In the US, "benefits" usually includes things like employer-subsidized health insurance, paid vacation time (usually 2, sometimes 3 weeks per year), and sometimes other smaller items (subsidized dental insurance, subsidized or paid-for training, etc.). Most full-time salaried jobs (and some hourly jobs) include some of these benefits.

These are pretty common examples which apply to most jobs in the US. I have no idea what, if any, apply to IMAX operators in Seattle.

Posted by Brian D. Whitish (Member # 825) on 05-06-2004, 01:55 AM:

No the Imax dome is next to the aquarium, the Imax at the science center doesnt pay as well and I dont know about benefits, weve never had a contract there.

Posted by Dominique Replogle (Member # 2387) on 05-06-2004, 05:37 PM:

I see. Its nice to visit with someone from home. Once I complete my degree and prepare for grad school I will be moving back. Don't be surprised to see me at your door with resume in hand. [thumbsup]