A movie grip's salary varies depending on experience, union status, and the specific project. Typically, Key Grips, who are responsible for the equipment and rigging on set, earn between $41,000 and $131,000 annually. Many grips begin their careers working as non-union members, which often results in lower pay and fewer benefits as they gain experience and build their reputation. Once they join a union, such as IATSE, they are paid according to a standardized scale that considers the project's budget and duration. Union contracts also stipulate overtime pay if filming extends beyond scheduled hours, ensuring fair compensation for additional work. Overall, a grip's salary can increase significantly with experience, union membership, and the complexity of the productions they work on.