Grip Salaries
In the movie and television production world, grips work behind the scenes to help construct sets, make sure the cameras can move in intricate directions, and build stands for lighting equipment. According to the California Employment Development Department, the key grip manages a team of grips and works directly with the director of photography to determine what equipment is needed to bring her vision to life. Grips build the tracks, hoists and dollies that are needed to move the camera during a scene. They also construct the scaffolding used for lighting and cameras. Dolly grips are responsible for moving the dollies during the scene. Grip salaries are primarily dependent upon their position and geographic location.
Other People Are Reading
-
Salary Guidelines
-
Grip salaries are determined by the guidelines set forth by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, a union specifically for theatrical craft people in the entertainment industry. Each local union sets its own rates, and production companies that want to hire grips in that area must pay the predetermined rates.
National Salary
-
According to job finding database Simply Hired, the average yearly salary for a grip is $33,000. Grips work on a freelance basis, so that figure is a guideline, not a set-in-stone rule. Grips with ample connections in the entertainment industry may be able to secure more gigs than those just starting out.
-
Grip Rates
-
According to June 2011 data presented by the "Showbiz Commercial Labor Guide," entry level grips In Los Angeles County's Local 80, earn $249.12 a day for an eight-hour day, or 31.14 an hour. Grips make $284.70 a day, or $35.59 an hour, while the dolly grip earns $38.61 an hour or $308.86 a day. Grips in San Francisco, California's Local 17 earn $39.85 an hour. Dolly grips make $36.68. In Chicago, Illinois, grips in Local 16 earn $405.30 per day for a 10-hour day.
Key Grip Rates
-
Because key grips are more on a managerial level and have a higher degree of responsibility, their day rates are higher. In Los Angeles County, key grips bring in $41.63 an hour or $333.01 for eight hours. According to the "Showbiz Commercial Labor Guide," they make $428.20 for a 10-hour day in Chicago, Illinois.
-
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
