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Digital media producer vs freelance video editor

The differences between digital media producers and freelance video editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a digital media producer, becoming a freelance video editor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a freelance video editor has an average salary of $54,795, which is higher than the $54,073 average annual salary of a digital media producer.

The top three skills for a digital media producer include video production, facebook and twitter. The most important skills for a freelance video editor are training videos, video content, and motion graphics.

Digital media producer vs freelance video editor overview

Digital Media ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Yearly salary$54,073$54,795
Hourly rate$26.00$26.34
Growth rate8%12%
Number of jobs33,2635,910
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age4037
Years of experience126

What does a digital media producer do?

Digital media producers are professionals who are responsible for coordinating and managing the creation of digital content that can be viewed and distributed through electronic devices. These producers are required to collaborate with clients to produce creative digital media such as video production, photography, and web design. They hire artists and technicians to create several promotional graphic designs. They must also maintain and manage the social media accounts of an organization such as YouTube, Myspace, and Fancast to increase user engagement.

What does a freelance video editor do?

A freelance video editor offers video editing services to individuals and businesses. Most freelance video editors manage their own time and work at their preferred places, some even working from home. Among their responsibilities include meeting with clients to identify their needs and preferences, negotiating contracts, gathering and editing clips, and completing projects within deadlines. There are also instances when they must shoot videos in adherence to the contract's terms. Moreover, a freelance video editor must establish positive relationships with clients to develop a strong client base.

Digital media producer vs freelance video editor salary

Digital media producers and freelance video editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Digital Media ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Average salary$54,073$54,795
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $74,000Between $32,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CitySan Luis Obispo, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyNBCUniversal-
Best paying industryMedia-

Differences between digital media producer and freelance video editor education

There are a few differences between a digital media producer and a freelance video editor in terms of educational background:

Digital Media ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorCommunicationPhotography
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNew York University

Digital media producer vs freelance video editor demographics

Here are the differences between digital media producers' and freelance video editors' demographics:

Digital Media ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Average age4037
Gender ratioMale, 68.0% Female, 32.0%Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%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 Percentage14%10%

Differences between digital media producer and freelance video editor duties and responsibilities

Digital media producer example responsibilities.

  • Maintain and manage the company's social media accounts via YouTube and the mobile app.
  • Manage on air giveaways and daily advertising metrics
  • Assist with launch of short-form content on digital syndication platforms such as YouTube, MySpace, and Fancast.
  • Maintain and create content on the high school product including writing, still photography, slideshows, rankings, and polls.
  • Create client reports on advertising returns in PowerPoint -identify targeted audiences for advertising placement for a variety of online campaigns
  • Support all aspects of thirty minute PBS field production through the project lifecycle (i.e.
  • 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

Digital media producer vs freelance video editor skills

Common digital media producer skills
  • Video Production, 14%
  • Facebook, 6%
  • Twitter, 5%
  • Digital Platforms, 5%
  • Digital Marketing, 5%
  • SEO, 5%
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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