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Grip Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cinematographer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

You should be comfortable owning camera, lighting, and grip setups across a wide range of productions, from scrappy founder interviews to polished commercials and brand films. You'll work closely ...

Cinematographer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

You should be comfortable owning camera, lighting, and grip setups across a wide range of productions, from scrappy founder interviews to polished commercials and brand films. You'll work closely ...

Receiver

Redlands, CA ยท On-site

$18.10/hr

... Grip/Grasp โ˜ โ˜ โ˜’ โ˜ โ˜ Fine finger movement/pinch โ˜ โ˜ โ˜’ โ˜ โ˜ Pay Rate: $18.10 Schedule: Monday to Thursday

Grip and Electric equipment * Sound equipment for on set and field mixing * Digital Cameras Cinema and DSLRS, Film - 16mm and 35mm cameras * Ability to lift 50-100 lbs., reach overhead and climb ...

Grip and Electric equipment * Sound equipment for on set and field mixing * Digital Cameras Cinema and DSLRS, Film - 16mm and 35mm cameras * Ability to lift 50-100 lbs., reach overhead and climb ...

Cashier V44

Oxnard, CA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Grasp/Grip product to place in shopping bags. * Constant sweeping/pushing broom to pick up debris to keep work area clean * Reaching above shoulder level to placement items into shopping bags.

Cashier V44

Oxnard, CA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Grasp/Grip product to place in shopping bags. * Constant sweeping/pushing broom to pick up debris to keep work area clean * Reaching above shoulder level to placement items into shopping bags.

Maintain and manage studio equipment inventory, including cameras, lighting, and grip equipment, coordinating repairs and rentals as needed. * Develop and enforce studio processes and safety ...

New

Hiring Riggers for Shipyard

National City, CA ยท On-site

$24.50 - $31.75/hr

... grip hoists, pulleys, cables, ropes, mooring lines and other equipment. Materials, Tools Equipment, Work Aids Wire rope, slings, cables, rope, pulleys, winches, blocks, braces, cushions, nylon slings ...

Kitchen Clerk PT

Santa Maria, CA ยท On-site

$17 - $19.25/hr

Grasp/Grip product to prepare for sales by either cutting or cleaning product * Constant sweeping/pushing broom to pick up debris to keep work area clean * Reaching above shoulder level (cookware ...

Kitchen Clerk PT

Santa Maria, CA ยท On-site

$17 - $19.25/hr

Grasp/Grip product to prepare for sales by either cutting or cleaning product * Constant sweeping/pushing broom to pick up debris to keep work area clean * Reaching above shoulder level (cookware ...

Hiring Marine Riggers

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$25.50 - $33/hr

... grip hoists, pulleys, cables, ropes, mooring lines and other equipment. Materials, Tools Equipment, Work Aids Wire rope, slings, cables, rope, pulleys, winches, blocks, braces, cushions, nylon slings ...

Showing results 21-40

Grip information

See California salary details

$5

$20

$44

How much do grip jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for grip in California is $20.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.83 and $24.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grip?

Grips are essential crew members on film and television sets responsible for building and maintaining the equipment that supports cameras and lighting. They handle tasks such as setting up tripods, dollies, tracks, and rigs to ensure the camera can move smoothly and safely during filming. Grips also work closely with the cinematographer and gaffer to shape and control lighting. Their role is physically demanding and requires technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grip?

To thrive as a Grip, you need a solid understanding of lighting, rigging, and set safety, along with physical stamina and basic mechanical aptitude. Familiarity with industry-standard equipment such as dollies, cranes, C-stands, and specialized rigging tools is necessary, and completion of safety certifications like OSHA may be required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and clear communication skills help grips collaborate effectively under tight schedules. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and creative support for camera and lighting departments, which is essential for smooth film and TV production workflows.

What are the most common challenges encountered by a grip on set, and how can they be managed effectively?

Grips frequently face challenges such as tight shooting schedules, last-minute changes to lighting setups, and working in physically demanding conditions. Managing these challenges requires strong communication with the Director of Photography and other crew members, adaptability, and a solid understanding of rigging and safety protocols. Staying organized and maintaining equipment readiness also help grips respond efficiently to on-the-fly adjustments, ensuring the shoot runs smoothly and safely.

What is the difference between Grip vs Gaffer?

AspectGripGaffer
Primary RoleAssist with equipment setup, rigging, and supporting camera and lighting gearIn charge of lighting design, setup, and operation on set
Required SkillsKnowledge of rigging, equipment handling, safety protocolsLighting techniques, electrical knowledge, creative lighting design
Work EnvironmentFilm sets, TV productions, commercialsFilm sets, TV productions, commercials
CertificationsNone mandatory, but safety and rigging certifications helpfulElectrical and lighting certifications often preferred

While both roles work closely on set, the Grip primarily handles rigging and supporting equipment, whereas the Gaffer is responsible for lighting design and execution. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in film and television production.

How to get work as a grip?

To get work as a grip, gain experience by working on film or television sets, often starting in entry-level roles or as a production assistant. Developing skills in rigging, equipment handling, and safety, along with networking within the industry, can improve job prospects; some grips also pursue relevant certifications or training programs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Grip jobs in California?

The most popular types of Grip jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Grip jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Grip jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Grip jobs?

Cities in California with the most Grip job openings:

Infographic showing various Grip job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,655 per year, or $20 per hour.

Cinematographer

Nen Creative

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 hours ago


Job description

Please submit your application through this posting only. We’re unable to review applications or follow-ups sent via email, direct message, or website inquiry.

About Nen Creative

Nen Creative partners with tech startups to launch bold ideas into the world, creating the brands, products, and stories that fuel their growth.

Since 2022, we’ve partnered with some of the world’s top founders and institutions, including Amazon, Pear VC, Crosby, Andreessen Horowitz, Wispr Flow, Rogo, Mercor, Rox, Netic, Listen Labs, Tech Week, Paraform, Spur, Flora, and more.

We’re growing fast and looking for great people to join us.

About the Opportunity

We’re looking for a strong, technically sharp cinematographer to join our team in the Bay Area.

This role is for someone who deeply cares about the craft of cinematography, not just making an image “look good,” but understanding why it works. You should be comfortable owning camera, lighting, and grip setups across a wide range of productions, from scrappy founder interviews to polished commercials and brand films.

You’ll work closely with our directors, producers, and creative team to shape the visual approach for each project, execute on set, and help manage footage through post-production, including DaVinci Resolve project setup, color grading, and final exports when needed.

This is a hands-on role in a fast-moving agency environment. We need someone who is highly capable on set, adaptable, detail-obsessed, and willing to push the image as far as possible within real-world constraints.

What you'll do

  • Collaborate with directors and producers to develop the visual approach for each project and execute it on set

  • Own / capable of owning camera, lighting, and grip setup across a range of productions: commercials, brand films, talking heads, interviews, and more

  • Work within real-world budget constraints, get creative with what’s available, know where to spend and where to save, and deliver results that punch above their weight

  • Offload footage, build DaVinci Resolve projects with correct settings, and keep projects organized from shoot through post

  • Color grade projects and handle final exports from raw footage as needed

  • Adapt to our workflow and pipeline, while helping improve it over time

  • Wear different hats from project to project, depending on the needs of the production

What We’re Looking For

  • Based in the Bay Area, ideally close to San Francisco. You should expect to be on set in the SF area 3–4 days per week

  • Strong technical foundation in camera systems, lighting, and grip. You understand the tools deeply, not just how to use them

  • Genuine passion for the craft of cinematography. You care about the things most people don’t notice: how exposure index shifts dynamic range latitude, why one lens renders bokeh differently than another, how different coatings change the character of an image, and what gives a particular set of glass its falloff

  • Bring relentless attention to detail and never settle. If there’s time and room to improve a setup, you improve it, whether that means adding an edge light, using a flag to clean up a background, or making a subtle tweak to the key.

  • A make-work mentality. We often operate within real constraints and need someone who can innovate, problem-solve, and deliver premium results without relying on unlimited budget

  • Equal care for a talking head and a commercial. You bring the same level of taste, attention, and standard to every shoot, regardless of format or budget

  • Willingness to adopt and adapt to our creative taste, quality standard, and production workflow

  • Color grading and editing experience in DaVinci Resolve

  • Prior cinematography experience required. We can help sharpen your skills, but we need a strong technical baseline and someone who learns quickly

  • Comfortable working in an agency environment where timelines can shift, and projects sometimes require after-hours responsiveness.

  • Must have a car

Why Join Nen

  • Be part of a small, fast-growing creative studio trusted by world-class startups and investors

  • Work directly with partners and creative leadership on high-impact, visible projects

  • Help define and scale the post-production quality bar at Nen

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), PTO, and company holidays

  • Salary range: $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.