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Freelance Studio Grip Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aquent

Photo Production Equipment Lead

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$42 - $46.67/hr

... of ~30 freelancers and staff (Grips, Gaffers, Stagehands, Camera Operators, and Setup Staff ... studio equipment management or lead set roles. * Technical Grip & Lighting: Deep, hands-on ...

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Freelance Studio Grip information

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$29

$62

$71

How much do freelance studio grip jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance studio grip in the United States is $62.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60.34 and $68.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance studio grip?

Freelance studio grips are skilled technicians who work on a project-by-project basis in film, television, or photography studios. Their main responsibilities include setting up, adjusting, and maintaining lighting and rigging equipment to achieve the desired visual effects for a production. Unlike full-time grips employed by a specific company, freelance grips are hired as needed and may work on various sets for different clients. They collaborate closely with the director of photography, gaffers, and other crew members to ensure smooth operations during shoots.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a freelance studio grip?

To thrive as a Freelance Studio Grip, you need a solid understanding of set operations, rigging, lighting equipment, and safety protocols, often gained through hands-on experience or vocational training. Familiarity with grip tools, dollies, cranes, and lighting control systems is essential, with some jobs also requiring OSHA safety certification. Strong teamwork, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help grips adapt quickly and support the creative and technical needs of a production. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and seamless set operations, which are critical to meeting tight production schedules and maintaining high-quality results.

What are common challenges faced by freelance studio grips and how can they be managed?

Freelance studio grips often encounter challenges such as adapting to different studio setups, working with new teams on each project, and managing inconsistent work schedules. To overcome these, it’s important to develop strong communication skills, maintain an adaptable mindset, and continually expand your technical knowledge. Building a reputation for reliability and professionalism can also help secure repeat work and foster positive relationships with directors, cinematographers, and other crew members.

What is the difference between Freelance Studio Grip vs Freelance Camera Assistant?

AspectFreelance Studio GripFreelance Camera Assistant
CredentialsNone mandatory, experience preferredBasic camera operation certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentStudio sets, film/TV productionsOn-set, camera departments, studio and location shoots
Industry UsageCommon in film, TV, commercial studiosCommon in film, TV, documentary productions
Job FocusHandling equipment, rigging, set safetyAssisting camera operators, managing camera gear

Freelance Studio Grips primarily handle equipment setup, rigging, and safety in studio environments, while Freelance Camera Assistants focus on supporting camera operators with gear management and operation. Both roles are essential in production but differ in responsibilities and skill sets.

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Freelance Studio Grip jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Studio Grip job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,079 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Freelance Studio and Equipment Coordinator

TheLab

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$300 - $350/day

Contractor

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Freelance Studio & Equipment Coordinator
Wellcom is looking for an experienced Photo Studio & Equipment Coordinator to join our New York based team working onsite at an international auction house. Responsibilities include studio prep, lighting setup, equipment maintenance (lighting/grip/camera/digital), equipmentcheck-in and check-out and organization,among other daily studio operation needs.
The right candidate will have prior experience working in a studio, equipment room and/orset assistant role.The role is physicallyactive, desk time isminimaland limited to light administrative work. The role is onsite at our client locations in Midtown Manhattan and Red Hook, Brooklyn.
Being a team player with a positive attitude and willingness to be flexible and get the job done is essential.
You will be working with a team which includes full time producers, full time and freelance photographers, marketing creatives, art handlers and client personnel.
Core Responsibilities
  • Studio maintenance and daily studio prep/reset; Including active set days anddark dayprojects
  • Maintain functionality and overall cleanliness ofon-siteequipment room; check in/out rentals
  • Pack and deliver studio jobsonsite
  • Setup of studios for all production types (photography & video capture, styling, production, cyc painting)
  • Maintain functionality and overall cleanliness of studios and equipment rooms
  • Organise and track equipment repairs and maintenance schedules
  • Assist Photographers on location shoot as needed. (typically ½-1 day shoots within NYC)

Required experience and skills
  • 1-3 Years in a studio, equipment environment; with on set experience
  • Present professionally to our client and our crews
  • Working knowledge of lighting and camera platforms (Broncolor, Profoto, Arri, Phase One, Canon and Sony)
  • Simple set build skills (quick set changes - walls, backdrops, etc.)
  • Ability to set up to a lighting diagram and paintcyc
  • Interest in Photography trends and emerging equipment, camera systems
  • Proficient with Capture One, Google Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Ability to remain productive on dark days
  • An interest in art is a bonus
  • Must be able to lift 50lbs

Who are we?
We are a creative production agency that specializes in creating high-performing content across all channels both locally and globally partnering directly with agencies and clients to help build brands.
Our ethos is simple: we work with super-talented people and clients to produce content that drives measurable results.
Rate is $300-$350/day commensurate with experience

Apply