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Cinematographer, editor vs freelance video editor

The differences between cinematographers, editor and freelance video editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a cinematographer, editor, becoming a freelance video editor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a cinematographer, editor has an average salary of $54,816, which is higher than the $54,795 average annual salary of a freelance video editor.

The top three skills for a cinematographer, editor include music videos, video production and video projects. The most important skills for a freelance video editor are training videos, video content, and motion graphics.

Cinematographer, editor vs freelance video editor overview

Cinematographer, EditorFreelance Video Editor
Yearly salary$54,816$54,795
Hourly rate$26.35$26.34
Growth rate-5%12%
Number of jobs4,5925,910
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age4437
Years of experience46

Cinematographer, editor vs freelance video editor salary

Cinematographers, editor and freelance video editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cinematographer, EditorFreelance Video Editor
Average salary$54,816$54,795
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $96,000Between $32,000 And $91,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between cinematographer, editor and freelance video editor education

There are a few differences between a cinematographer, editor and a freelance video editor in terms of educational background:

Cinematographer, EditorFreelance Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNew York University

Cinematographer, editor vs freelance video editor demographics

Here are the differences between cinematographers, editor' and freelance video editors' demographics:

Cinematographer, EditorFreelance Video Editor
Average age4437
Gender ratioMale, 85.2% Female, 14.8%Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 7.2% White, 76.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage12%10%

Differences between cinematographer, editor and freelance video editor duties and responsibilities

Cinematographer, editor example responsibilities.

  • Communicate with transportation managers, administrators, equipment operators and others for fulfillment of copy to achieve editorial goals.
  • Operate high definition video cameras and DSLR cameras.
  • Direct and produce short form documentaries and online media.
  • Edit clips, coordinate interviews and interface with the client
  • Utilize HD camera systems, including video DSLR and BlackMagic 4K.
  • Film and edit related video articles for YouTube and local TV.
  • Show more

Freelance video editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage media assets including creating graphics, digitizing, archiving, editorial 'string-outs' and tracking media assets.
  • Operate cameras on set - Sony FS7, DSLR, assist DP with striking of set.
  • Collaborate with producers to match b-roll to script for voice-overs.
  • Direct and/or DP d lighting for many corporate communication projects.
  • Edit promotional content for YouTube, the company's main publishing site
  • Incorporate mix formats into a single project format including HD footage.
  • Show more

Cinematographer, editor vs freelance video editor skills

Common cinematographer, editor skills
  • Music Videos, 21%
  • Video Production, 10%
  • Video Projects, 9%
  • Cinema, 7%
  • Promotional Videos, 6%
  • Photography, 6%
Common freelance video editor skills
  • Training Videos, 23%
  • Video Content, 7%
  • Motion Graphics, 6%
  • Adobe Premiere Pro, 5%
  • Edit Video, 5%
  • Freelance Video, 5%

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