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Key Grip Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The part-time Key Grip/Gaff supports the film projects for the BFA of Acting for Film and Media (AFaM) program. Position Duties * Maintenance and operation of all the Sands electrical and non ...

Conduct quality checks and readiness reviews before launch, ensuring the event experience meets client expectations and Grip delivery standards. * Track project time, delivery effort, and key project ...

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How much do key grip jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for key grip in the United States is $21.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a key grip?

Key Grips are the head of the grip department on a film or television set. They are responsible for overseeing all grip equipment, which includes rigging, lighting support, and camera movement systems. Key Grips work closely with the Director of Photography to shape and control lighting, using equipment like flags, diffusers, and dollies. Their expertise ensures that lighting setups are safe, efficient, and achieve the creative vision of the production.

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

To thrive as a Key Grip, you need a deep understanding of lighting, rigging, and camera support systems, often gained through hands-on experience and sometimes formal training in film production. Familiarity with industry-standard grip equipment, safety protocols, and tools like dollies, cranes, and rigging hardware is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help coordinate crews and adapt to on-set challenges. These skills ensure smooth production workflows, safety, and the realization of the director's creative vision.

What are some typical challenges a key grip faces on set, and how do they overcome them?

Key Grips often encounter challenges such as adapting to last-minute changes in camera setups, working in tight or unpredictable locations, and ensuring safety when rigging equipment. They overcome these by maintaining strong communication with the Director of Photography and other departments, staying organized under pressure, and relying on their technical expertise to find creative solutions quickly. A collaborative attitude and keen attention to detail are essential in ensuring both the efficiency and safety of the crew during production.

How much do key grips make?

Key grips typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the scale of the production. They often work long hours on set and need skills in rigging, lighting, and safety protocols.

How to get a job as a key grip?

To become a key grip, gain experience as a grip or assistant grip on film or television sets, develop skills in lighting and rigging, and build a strong network within the industry. Obtaining relevant certifications and understanding safety protocols are also important for advancing to a key grip position.

What job does a key grip do?

A key grip is the head of the grip department on a film or television set, responsible for overseeing camera movement, rigging, and lighting support equipment. They work closely with the director of photography to shape the visual look of a production and ensure safety on set, often using tools like dollies, cranes, and scaffolding. The role requires technical skills, physical strength, and knowledge of safety protocols.
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Infographic showing various Key Grip job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,456 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

PT Key Grip / Gaff

Pace University

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description
The Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University is seeking a dynamic and experienced technician to serve as the Part-time Key Grip/Gaff. The part-time Key Grip/Gaff supports the film projects for the BFA of Acting for Film and Media (AFaM) program.
Position Duties
  • Maintenance and operation of all the Sands electrical and non-electrical film equipment.
  • Manage the inventory and keep track of all gaff/grip equipment through prep, shoot, gear wrap, and inventory of each AFaM film project.
  • Collaborate with the Sands production staff and faculty on implementing the AFaM film projects.
  • Execute the Director of Photography's plan for camera and lighting while on film shoots.
  • Ensure all G&E gear is in excellent working condition and ready for each film project shoot.
  • Provide support rigs to the Camera Operator, if needed, setting up rigs to assist camera movements (i.e. dana dolly), handling the rigging gear to ensure the camera remains stable and steady on the rig.
  • Supervise the student G&E crew on each project and provide guidance and feedback to promote academic success.
  • Responsible for on-set safety of G&E gear, as well as instructing student labor and other technical staff as needed.
  • Supervise, mentor, and train the student labor as well as student designers on how to prepare and work with professional film technicians, as needed.
  • Performs other such duties as may be assigned from time to time.
Position Qualifications
  • BS/BA/BFA and 2-3 years of experience in technical or film production related field or equivalent experience; without the degree, 5 years of experience may be considered.
  • Ability to lift, carry and move up to 50 pounds of equipment, up and down stairs in varied lighting conditions.
  • Ability to sit/stand for long periods of time, and bend, stoop or kneel in execution of duties as assigned.
  • Ability to safely operate and maintain film equipment and tools.
  • Valid Driver's License: ability to drive a 14' box truck and cargo van are preferred.
  • The ideal individual will have a strong drive to provide high-quality work, the ability to exercise good judgement in a variety of situations.
  • Possess strong written and verbal communication, organizational skills and the ability to work as a part of a team.
  • Ability to manage time and productivity effectively.
  • Ability to multitask and achieve tight deadlines.
  • Experience with electrical and grip film equipment, as well as knowledge of camera equipment and digital film processing knowledge.
  • Experience with managing film gear cage, keeping track of maintenance tasks, and inventorying.
  • Experience working with and leading film crew.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with members of the production department, including student labor and designers.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and respond calmly, with curiosity and efficiency to notes generated during the production and film shoot process.
  • Ability to work in an environment with adapting priorities based on the needs of the film production, while maintaining a spirit of creative thinking and problem-solving.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
  • Team player that requires minimal guidance to accomplish tasks that involve instructing, coaching, demonstrating, supervising, and working alongside students of various experience levels to teach them necessary technical skills.

Work Hours
Exact hours are based on the production schedule and needs for each production. Maximum of 20 hours per week. Schedule is made and agreed upon prior to the start of each semester. Some weekend and evening hours are required.

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About Pace University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pace has always prioritized student success. A century ago, that meant propelling people to new highs in practical business careers. Our educational model is still real-world—but today Pace offers unbeatable opportunity to ambitious students at every level, in dozens of disciplines, and on three campuses. Ranked in the top 9% of private US colleges that provide the best return on tuition investment, Pace University transforms the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. We are at the forefront of creating opportunity and that mission is expressed in our motto: Opportunitas.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1906

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