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Editor/camera operator vs freelance video editor

The differences between editor/camera operators and freelance video editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an editor/camera operator has an average salary of $59,567, which is higher than the $54,795 average annual salary of a freelance video editor.

The top three skills for an editor/camera operator include video production, camera operation and audio equipment. The most important skills for a freelance video editor are training videos, video content, and motion graphics.

Editor/camera operator vs freelance video editor overview

Editor/Camera OperatorFreelance Video Editor
Yearly salary$59,567$54,795
Hourly rate$28.64$26.34
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs30,3145,910
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age3737
Years of experience-6

Editor/camera operator vs freelance video editor salary

Editor/camera operators and freelance video editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Editor/Camera OperatorFreelance Video Editor
Average salary$59,567$54,795
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $99,000Between $32,000 And $91,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between editor/camera operator and freelance video editor education

There are a few differences between an editor/camera operator and a freelance video editor in terms of educational background:

Editor/Camera OperatorFreelance Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityNew York University

Editor/camera operator vs freelance video editor demographics

Here are the differences between editor/camera operators' and freelance video editors' demographics:

Editor/Camera OperatorFreelance Video Editor
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 81.5% Female, 18.5%Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 Percentage10%10%

Differences between editor/camera operator and freelance video editor duties and responsibilities

Editor/camera operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage media assets including creating graphics, digitizing, archiving, editorial 'string-outs' and tracking media assets.
  • Film and edit the biggest fishing show on YouTube.
  • Film on a wide variety of HD cameras including DSLR's.
  • Encode productions in various formats for online viewing and DVD mastering.
  • Edit compelling YouTube videos of drones with footage and still images assign.
  • Assist the main cameramen in taking photos and editing them using Photoshop.
  • 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

Editor/camera operator vs freelance video editor skills

Common editor/camera operator skills
  • Video Production, 39%
  • Camera Operation, 7%
  • Audio Equipment, 4%
  • Video Content, 3%
  • Motion Graphics, 3%
  • Promotional Videos, 3%
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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