Video Editing Career – Statistics, Skills & More

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, film and video editors in the US make an average of about $45 per hour.

Less experienced film and video editors make anywhere from $35,000 to $45,000 a year, while more experienced editors can make upwards of $100,000.

What do video editors do?

Video editors are responsible for assembling recorded video footage into a finished project that tells a story or communicates a message in an engaging way.

They work with video producers and directors to determine the specific needs of each project, and then use their editing skills to put together the various pieces of video footage.

Editing video is a complex process that requires a variety of skills, including:

Technical skills

Video editors need to be able to understand and work with different types of video formats and codecs, as well as have a strong understanding of video editing software.

Creative skills

A video editor needs to have a good eye for detail and be able to tell a story or communicate a message through their edits.

Interpersonal skills

Video editors often work with a team of other professionals, so it’s important that they’re able to communicate effectively and collaborate well.

What do video editors need?

Video editors need great tools and  video editing websites to create amazing video content.

But having the best tools isn’t enough – video editors also need to have a strong understanding of film and video production, as well as editing techniques.

Is video editing a good career?

Video editing can be a very rewarding career, both creatively and financially.

If you have the technical and creative skills, as well as the passion for telling stories or communicating messages, then video editing could be the perfect career for you.

Another perk is that it’s often a potential work from home (WFH) job, offering lifestyle flexibility.

How to become a freelance video editor (beginner’s guide)

How much do YouTubers pay their editors?

Some YouTubers edit their own videos while many creators who have big followings or produce a lot of content do outsource their editing.

Rates can vary anywhere from $30 to $150 per hour.

Few editors charge per minute of video as production complexity can vary significantly.

Some video editors may charge a flat rate per video, regardless of length, which can range from $100 to $800 per video.

The industry standard for video editing is about $50 per hour. 

However, video editors who are new to the field and do not have a lot of experience can expect to make less than the average wage.

Rates may also differ based on the type of project, the video editor’s experience, the company they work for, and other factors.

How long does it take to edit a 10-minute video?

In general, editing time will depend on the quality and length of your source material, and the complexity of the edits you’re looking to make.

As a rule of thumb, expect 30 minutes to an hour of editing time for each minute of finished video.

So a 10-minute video could take 5 hours or more, though some editors might also finish sooner if their editing work is simple.

How do I become a video editor?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to become a video editor will vary depending on your background, experience, and goals.

However, here are a few things you can do to start down the path of becoming a video editor:

Get some experience

One of the best ways to learn about video editing is to simply get started and do it! Use whatever tools you have available – whether it’s a simple video editing app on your phone or a more complex piece of software like Adobe Premiere Pro – and start putting together your own videos.

Study up

If you want to be a professional video editor, it’s important to have a strong understanding of video production and editing techniques.

There are plenty of books and online resources that can help you learn more about the craft of video editing.

Find a mentor

There’s no substitute for learning from someone who has already been through the ropes.

If you know anyone in the video editing field, reach out to them and see if they’re willing to chat or answer any questions you might have.

What are some common video editor job titles?

Some common video editor job titles include:

• Video Editor
• Assistant Video Editor
• Junior Video Editor
• Senior Video Editor
• Lead Video Editor
• Chief Video Editor
• Director of Video Editing
• Executive Producer of Video Editing
• Videographer

What are some common video editor duties?

Video editors typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can vary depending on the project, the team they’re working with, and their level of experience. However, some common video editor duties include:

• Reviewing and selecting video footage
• Assembling video footage into a coherent sequence
• Trimming and splicing video footage
• Adding transitions, effects, and other elements to video footage
• Adjusting audio levels and adding audio effects
• Creating title cards and other graphics
• Exporting the final video project in the appropriate format

Conclusion

Overall, video editing can be a good career choice for those with the right skills and experience.

While pay rates can vary depending on the project and the video editor’s experience, the average rate is around $50 per hour.

There is also a fair amount of job flexibility, as video editors can work freelance or full-time for a variety of different companies.

Becoming a video editor requires some experience and knowledge of video production and editing techniques, but there are many resources available to help you learn more about the craft.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in video editing, start by getting some experience and studying up on the basics.

You may also want to reach out to someone who is already working in the field to get their perspectives on the video editing industry.