ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Film Gaffer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

All JobsFilm Gaffer Jobs

Film Gaffer information

See salary details

$5

$25

$56

How much do film gaffer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for film gaffer in the United States is $25.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a film gaffer?

To become a film gaffer, you typically start by gaining experience in lighting and electrical work on film sets or through technical training. Many gaffers advance from roles such as lighting technician or electrician, and proficiency with lighting equipment, electrical safety, and film production processes is essential.

What is a film gaffer?

A film gaffer is the head electrician on a film set, responsible for the design and execution of the lighting plan. Working closely with the director of photography, the gaffer helps create the desired mood and atmosphere by managing lighting equipment and supervising the lighting crew. Their expertise ensures that every scene is properly lit to achieve the director's creative vision and maintain technical quality throughout the shoot.

What does a film gaffer do in a film?

A film gaffer is responsible for designing and implementing the lighting plan on a film set, working closely with the director of photography to achieve the desired visual look. They manage lighting equipment, set up lights, and ensure proper illumination while maintaining safety standards, often using tools like dimmers and light meters. The role requires technical knowledge of lighting and electrical systems, and gaffers typically work long hours on set during filming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a film gaffer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Film Gaffer, you need strong knowledge of lighting techniques, electrical systems, and film production processes, often gained through hands-on experience or vocational training. Familiarity with lighting control consoles, grip equipment, and safety certifications (such as OSHA) is typically required. Excellent teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills help gaffers collaborate effectively with directors, cinematographers, and crew. These skills are crucial for creating the desired visual tone, ensuring safety on set, and delivering high-quality cinematic results.

How does a film gaffer typically collaborate with the director of photography and the rest of the lighting team on set?

A Film Gaffer works closely with the Director of Photography (DP) to understand the visual tone and lighting requirements for each scene. They translate the DP’s creative vision into practical lighting setups by leading the electrical and lighting crew, ensuring all equipment is safely and efficiently installed. Effective communication and problem-solving are crucial, as gaffers often need to adapt plans quickly during shoots. This collaborative environment fosters both technical skill development and opportunities to take on more responsibility with experience.
More about Film Gaffer jobs

What cities are hiring for Film Gaffer jobs?

Cities with the most Film Gaffer job openings:

What states have the most Film Gaffer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Film Gaffer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Film Gaffer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Film Gaffer jobs are:

Film Gaffer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Film Gaffer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,104 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Gaffer / Grip / AC (Part-Time Over-Hire)

AMDA

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts, with campuses in New York City and Hollywood, is one of the foremost post-secondary performing arts colleges in the country. AMDA offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs in Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance Theatre and Performing Arts, as well as two year conservatory programs.
The Gaffer/Grip/AC (Part-Time) is responsible for supporting the Cinematographer on AMDA Film projects throughout each semester. Projects are student written, and act as a culminating class project that is captured by a professional crew. Gaffer/Grip duties include planning the technical execution of scene lighting, safely and efficiently, within the bounds of available resources. The position will collaborate with the Cinematographer/Shooter and Director/Editor, as well as lead student crew, for each assigned project.
 
Primary Responsibilities
  • Plan technical setup of lighting, working with Cinematographer and Director
  • Setup and breakdown equipment (lighting, set, or camera as requested.
  • Assure safety of students and crew on set
  • Be accountable for equipment inventory and organization during load in, load out, and while on set
  • Provide guidance and direction to student crew
  • Work within available location and equipment resources
  • Assist cinematographer with setup and maintenance of camera equipment, monitors, and support systems (jib, dolly, Steadicam, etc.)
  • Assist cinematographer with focus pulling and media management.
  • Coordinate with DIT for handoff of media and confirmation of successful footage transfer.
Qualifications
  • BA or BFA in a related field preferred
  • 1 – 2 years of previous experience in a similar position
  • Experience in Film Production
  • Flexible attitude; friendly customer service skills and professional demeanor
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
  • Must be reliable to shooting assignments once confirmed (typically weekends)
  • Must be able to lift up to 75lbs and climb stairs and ladders
Position Information
  • This position is on an as needed basis and there is no guarantee of hours 
  • The pay range for this position is $30 – $40 per hour
  • This position is subject to a background check upon a conditional offer of employment and a reference check
  • This is a fully in-person Position
Diversity and Qualifications
AMDA is fully committed to diversity, inclusivity, and equity throughout the teaching and learning process. We encourage applications from individuals who have extensive experience working with students from diverse backgrounds. Successful candidates will have a sensitivity to, and understanding of, the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of our students, including disabilities that may affect students' development and learning styles. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
 
AMDA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in which no person is subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, supervision, promotion, working conditions, termination, layoff, demotion, transfer, compensation, and training. 

Apply