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Gaffer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Gaffer information

See Texas salary details

$19.6K

$56K

$85.2K

How much do gaffer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for gaffer in Texas is $55,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,200.00 and $65,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges a Gaffer might face on set, and how are they addressed?

Gaffers often encounter challenges such as adapting lighting setups to unpredictable weather, tight production schedules, or last-minute creative changes from the director or cinematographer. To overcome these, Gaffers must be resourceful, quickly assessing and implementing alternative lighting solutions while maintaining safety standards. They also lead their team in troubleshooting equipment issues and communicating effectively with other departments. These problem-solving abilities allow productions to stay on track and achieve the desired visual result, even under pressure.

Is it hard to become a gaffer?

Becoming a gaffer, the head lighting technician on a film set, typically requires extensive experience in lighting and film production, often starting in entry-level roles such as lighting technician or electrician. Developing technical skills, understanding lighting equipment, and gaining industry experience over several years are essential steps to advance to this leadership position.

How to get work as a gaffer?

To work as a gaffer, gain experience in lighting and electrical work on film or television sets, often starting in entry-level roles such as lighting technician or electrician. Building a strong portfolio, networking within the industry, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects. Knowledge of lighting equipment, film production processes, and safety standards is essential.

What is the job of a gaffer?

A gaffer is the head of the lighting department on a film or television set, responsible for designing and implementing the lighting plan to achieve the desired visual look. They work closely with the director and cinematographer, manage lighting equipment, and oversee lighting technicians. The role requires technical knowledge of lighting tools, electrical safety, and often a relevant certification or experience in film production.

What is a Gaffer job?

A Gaffer is the chief lighting technician on a film or television set, responsible for designing and executing the lighting plan under the director of photography's guidance. They manage the lighting crew, select lighting equipment, and ensure each scene is properly illuminated to achieve the desired artistic and technical effect. Their expertise in lighting techniques, power distribution, and on-set safety is crucial for creating the right mood and visual consistency in a production.

Do Gaffers make good money?

Gaffers, who are responsible for lighting on film and television sets, can earn a wide range of salaries depending on experience, project size, and location. Entry-level gaffers typically earn lower wages, while experienced professionals working on major productions can make six-figure salaries. Compensation often includes benefits and overtime pay, especially on long or high-budget projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Gaffer position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Gaffer, you need a deep understanding of lighting design, electrical systems, and on-set safety, typically gained through hands-on experience or formal training in film production. Familiarity with lighting consoles, grip equipment, and industry-standard lighting rigs is crucial, as are any certifications in electrical safety. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for effectively managing the lighting crew and adapting to creative and technical challenges on set. These competencies ensure visual consistency, safe working conditions, and efficient collaboration with directors and cinematographers.

What cities in Texas are hiring for Gaffer jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Gaffer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Gaffer jobs in TX? For Gaffer jobs in TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Gaffer job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,954 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

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University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

153rd of 613 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Stagehand, PTBE

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Hiring Department:

Intercollegiate Athletics

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

20

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Jul 01, 2033

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

General Notes

Serve as a stagehand and/or high and ground rigger to perform tasks required for the delivery of stage craft services in full-service multi-purpose public assembly facilities. Opportunities to be trained on specific equipment and advancement into skilled roles are available!

Specific position and pay rate will be determined based on experience and qualifications of each applicant.

Responsibilities
  • Participate in the setup and tear down of concerts, men's and women's basketball and other events
  • Build and disassemble truss, hanging lights, audio arrays, running cable, scenic structures and laying deck
  • Maintain and repair stage equipment, including theatrical lighting instruments, sound reinforcement systems, projection equipment, winch systems and curtains
  • Operate all stage equipment required for the successful completion of professional entertainment events, private facility uses and maintenance projects
  • Design, hang, focus and operate theatrical stage lighting systems. Set-up and operate sound reinforcement systems, projection and communication equipment
  • Maintain inventory of expendable supplies (i.e., lamps, color filters, gaffer's tape, etc.)
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and other University personnel
  • Performs other related duties as required
  • Consistently exemplify the core values and quality service standards of Texas Athletics. Always act ethically. Proactively seek guidance when unsure or unclear of a law, rule or policy applicable to you or your department/sport program. Actively participate in assigned education and training programs. Comply with all laws, policies, rules and regulations set forth by the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System, The University of Texas at Austin, NCAA, Conference, or other governing body, including state and federal laws.Annually obtain prior written approval and report all outside activities and outside income. Report knowledge of, or reasonable cause to believe, violation(s) of state or federal laws, policies, rules, or regulations of the University, Conference, or NCAA to IA ARMCS or IA HR.Fully cooperate with any investigation by providing complete and accurate information when requested to do so by Texas Athletics and/or the NCAA and do not influence others in any way during an investigation. In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Texas Education Code Sec. 51.252, this position may be a Non-Confidential Employee as defined by University policies on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Interpersonal Violence and Stalking. As a Non-Confidential Employee, individuals employed in this position will report incidents of such prohibited conduct to the University's Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator as required by applicable law or University policy. An employee who does not report an incident or who makes a false report is subject to termination and may be charged with a criminal offense (Class A or Class B misdemeanor). For more information about employee responsibilities under Title IX, including information about confidential employee reporting exceptions, please visit the Title IX website at http://titleix.utexas.edu.
Required Qualifications
  • Diploma (High School) or GED
  • Advanced level experience in carpentry, electronics, construction or other manual labor.
  • Ability to collaborate with others and follow instructions.
  • Extensive knowledge in concert stage rigging for high and ground riggers.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications
  • A completed apprenticeship would be advantageous.
  • Stagehands: Lift Operators (fork, scissor, boom, etc.) certification. Skills in audio, lighting, video and/or scenic carpentry. Experience as a live performance engineer/programmer.
  • Rigging: SPRAT/IRATA certification and rope access training. ETCP Certification.
  • Experience within Texas Intercollegiate Athletics
Salary Range

Starting stagehand: $20 per hour + depending on qualifications, certifications, and experience level

Working Conditions
  • Long and varied hours.
  • Work performed on multiple projects concurrently, under pressure of rigid deadlines and time limitations at all times of the day and night and on weekends and holidays.
  • High rigger work may be performed on a gridiron one hundred feet above the arena floor.
  • Physically demanding work including walking for several hours at a time.
  • Stagehands and riggers must have the ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
Work Shift
  • Work is offered on an as-needed and sporadic basis.
  • Work opportunities occur at all times of the day and night and on weekends and holidays.
Required Materials
  • Resume/CV

  • 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
  • Letter of interest

Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure thatALLRequired Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers:As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questionspresented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

  • E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]
  • E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.


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