1St Shift Film Grip information
See salary details
$14.69 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12.26 - $15.73
36% of jobs
$15.73 - $19.21
7% of jobs
The median wage is $20.02 / hr.
$19.21 - $22.68
29% of jobs
$24.64 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$22.68 - $26.16
4% of jobs
$26.16 - $29.63
5% of jobs
$29.63 - $33.11
4% of jobs
$33.11 - $36.58
2% of jobs
$36.58 - $40.06
0% of jobs
$40.06 - $43.53
0% of jobs
$43.53 - $47.01
0% of jobs
$47.01 - $50.48
12% of jobs
How much do 1st shift film grip jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift film grip in the United States is $24.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
A 1st Shift Film Grip is a crew member on a film or television set who works during the primary daytime shooting hours, known as the first shift. Grips are responsible for setting up, maintaining, and moving equipment that supports cameras and lighting, such as tripods, dollies, tracks, and rigs. They work closely with the Director of Photography and Gaffer to ensure that all equipment is safe and properly positioned for each shot. The role requires physical strength, technical know-how, and teamwork skills.
To thrive as a 1st Shift Film Grip, you need a solid understanding of set rigging, lighting placement, and on-set safety, often gained through hands-on experience or technical training in film production. Familiarity with grip equipment, lighting control tools, and industry-standard safety protocols is essential. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are standout soft skills in this position. These abilities ensure efficient, safe, and creative support for the film crew, directly impacting production quality and workflow.
A 1st Shift Film Grip often encounters challenges such as working under tight shooting schedules, adapting to rapidly changing lighting or weather conditions, and ensuring all equipment is safe and properly set up. To manage these challenges, effective communication with the Director of Photography and fellow crew members is crucial, as is maintaining a high level of organization and readiness. Being proactive in checking gear, troubleshooting potential issues ahead of time, and staying adaptable helps ensure smooth production days and fosters a collaborative, safe work environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Film Grip jobs?
The most popular types of Film Grip jobs are: