Grip salary in Australia
The median full-time salary for a grip is $88,400 per annum, before tax, up $18,700 since 2018.
Grips are usually paid a day rate, and that rate is set by the production's budget and any industry agreement that covers it rather than by a single national award. Bigger productions and union-covered crews tend to pay more, while commercials and low-budget shoots often pay less. Overtime, night shoots and travel allowances can add to a year's total, particularly on location work.
Roles that pay more than grip
The largest typical pay rise is $5,200 a year, moving into Rigger.
- Rigger+$5,200/yr
How to negotiate a higher grip salary
- Know the market rate before you ask. The median full-time grip salary is $88,400; use that, not a guess, as your anchor, and adjust for your experience and employer.
- Lead with what's scarce, not just tenure. Skills like Hand and power tool work and Plant and equipment operation tend to command a premium over general grip experience, name them specifically when you ask.
- Bring a real alternative to the table. Rigger pays a typical $5,200 a year more and draws on similar skills, even mentioning you're weighing it up is a legitimate data point in a pay conversation.
- Time it deliberately. Reviews, the end of a project you delivered, or taking on responsibility beyond your job description are stronger moments to ask than an arbitrary date on the calendar.
- Ask for a number, not a raise. "Based on the market rate and [specific contribution], I'd like to move to X" gets a clearer answer than "I think I deserve more."
Grip salary questions
How much do grips earn in Australia?
The median full-time salary for a grip is $88,400 a year before tax. Seniority, specialisation, sector and the award or agreement you're employed under all move it.
Is grip pay rising or falling?
The median grip salary is up $18,700 since 2018. Figures from 2025 onward on this page are a projection, not a measured result.
What pays more than grip?
Rigger pays a typical $5,200 a year more and draws on similar skills to grip.