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Key Grip Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cinematographer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

You should be comfortable owning camera, lighting, and grip setups across a wide range of ... key. * A make-work mentality. We often operate within real constraints and need someone who can ...

Cinematographer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

You should be comfortable owning camera, lighting, and grip setups across a wide range of ... key. * A make-work mentality. We often operate within real constraints and need someone who can ...

S. and Canada, so flexibility, follow-through, and a "let's make it happen" mindset are key. What ... of HR experience and a solid grip on labor laws and compliance * Someone who's proactive ...

Position Overview As a Videographer / Video Editor you will play a key role in supporting Client ... Apply foundational grip & electric (G&E) knowledge to support production setups * Assist with ...

Be Seen First

Key Responsibilities * Maintain a sterile environment by garbing, cleaning, and acting according to ... Strong hand/eye coordination alongside required finger and hand/grip dexterity. * Ability to ...

Houseperson

Fresno, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $17/hr

... key sign-out protocols and ensure the security of the assigned master key. - Identify items that ... pivot and grip items while working on assigned tasks. - Must have the manual dexterity and ...

Houseperson

Fresno, CA

$13.75 - $17/hr

Adhere to the master key sign-out protocols and ensure the security of the assigned master key ... Be able to bend, reach, push, kneel, pivot and grip items while working on assigned tasks. Must ...

Kitchen Associate (2026)

Gardena, CA

$16 - $21.50/hr

This is a summary of some key duties and physical requirements and is not intended to be a complete ... grip in order to cut items to specification Ability to weigh, price, label, organize and rotate ...

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Key Grip information

See California salary details

$8

$20

$49

How much do key grip jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for key grip in California is $20.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.59 and $24.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Key Grips?

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.

How much does a key grip make?

A key grip's salary varies based on experience, location, and project size, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $150,000 annually. They are responsible for managing equipment and rigging on film sets and often work long hours, requiring technical skills and certifications in safety and rigging.

Who works under the key grip?

The key grip supervises the grip crew, which includes assistant grips, best boys, and other grips responsible for setting up and adjusting equipment such as rigs, dollies, and lighting supports on set. They work closely with the director of photography to ensure equipment safety and proper execution of camera movements.

What job does a key grip do?

A key grip is the chief grip on a film or television set responsible for overseeing all camera movement and rigging equipment. They work closely with the director of photography to set up and maintain lighting and camera support systems, ensuring safety and efficiency during filming. The role requires technical skills, knowledge of rigging tools, and often certification in safety procedures.

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

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.

Is the key grip a union job?

Yes, key grips are often unionized, with many working under the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) or other industry unions. Union membership can provide benefits such as standardized wages, working conditions, and job protections, especially on larger productions. However, union status can vary depending on the employer and location.

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Key Grip jobs in California? The most popular types of Key Grip jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Key Grip jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Key Grip jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Key Grip jobs? Cities in California with the most Key Grip job openings:
Infographic showing various Key Grip job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,532 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Cinematographer

Nen Creative

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days 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.