How To Become An Assistant Video Editor: What It Is and Career Path

What is an assistant video editor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Thomas Reynolds

Assistant video editors assist primary editors on post-production projects for film or television. Your job duties include reviewing raw footage, logging shots into the database for easy access, compiling requested footage, and preparing editing equipment and software.

You might also be required to collaborate with the production team in crafting creative and engaging video content and create cutdowns of existing content as needed. You must maintain an organized workflow, keep to deadlines, and receive and incorporate feedback from stakeholders throughout the review process. You will be required to complete the preparation and administrative tasks necessary for editing.

Assistant video editors make an average of $21.67 an hour and $45,081 annually. Some skills are vital to this role, such as great hand-eye coordination, physical stamina, visual skills, and proficiency in non-linear editing programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, AVID by media composer, or Final cut X. Many assistant video editors have bachelor's degrees in film, broadcasting, or communications, but a high school diploma might suffice if you can prove your dexterity with editing, especially with years of experience.

What general advice would you give to an assistant video editor?

Thomas Reynolds

Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, University of Minnesota

I think there will be a lasting impact of this pandemic on graduates. The nature of the field is that others in the industry (scientists, engineers, for ex.) often take on tech writing and communication tasks in tight economic conditions, or even just as a matter of a particular culture in a particular business. However, the field of technical communication has been predicted to have a strong future (see Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predicts growth in jobs in this field).

Technical writing and communication require that students are comfortable with technology and communication and that they adapt to changing situations. I think there are also opportunities for savvy graduates who can offer certain skills and experiences that are unique to the changing situation. This field has a long history of resilience for its graduates seeking jobs in tough circumstances.

ScoreAssistant Video EditorUS Average

Salary

3.6

Avg. Salary $46,128

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.5

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.25%

Asian 7.02%

Black or African American 6.54%

Hispanic or Latino 17.68%

Unknown 5.23%

White 63.29%

Gender

female 33.72%

male 66.28%

Age - 36

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 36

Stress level

5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an assistant video editor

Explore assistant video editor education requirements

Most common assistant video editor degrees

Bachelor's

73.9 %

Associate

13.9 %

Master's

5.8 %

Start to develop specific assistant video editor skills

Skills	Percentages
Video Footage	17.66%
Adobe Premiere	11.30%
Edit Video	7.80%
Video Production	6.54%
Audio Equipment	6.17%

Complete relevant assistant video editor training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New assistant video editors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an assistant video editor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real assistant video editor resumes.

Research assistant video editor duties and responsibilities

Communicate with transportation managers, administrators, equipment operators and others for fulfillment of copy to achieve editorial goals.
Edit and organize footage for use in feature length documentaries
Create files of complete content and upload them to the station's YouTube channel.
Edit a five DVD master series educational documentary, total length; 6 hours.

Prepare your assistant video editor resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your assistant video editor resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an assistant video editor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable assistant video editor resume templates

Build a professional assistant video editor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your assistant video editor resume.