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Film editor vs freelance video editor

The differences between film editors and freelance video editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a film editor and a freelance video editor. Additionally, a freelance video editor has an average salary of $54,795, which is higher than the $51,688 average annual salary of a film editor.

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

Film editor vs freelance video editor overview

Film EditorFreelance Video Editor
Yearly salary$51,688$54,795
Hourly rate$24.85$26.34
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs4,4865,910
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age3737
Years of experience66

Film editor vs freelance video editor salary

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

Film EditorFreelance Video Editor
Average salary$51,688$54,795
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $93,000Between $32,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateNew Jersey-
Best paying companyThe American Musical and Dramatic Academy-
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between film editor and freelance video editor education

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

Film EditorFreelance Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Film editor vs freelance video editor demographics

Here are the differences between film editors' and freelance video editors' demographics:

Film EditorFreelance Video Editor
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 73.5% Female, 26.5%Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 7.1% White, 62.6% 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 film editor and freelance video editor duties and responsibilities

Film editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage multiple YouTube accounts, and prepare media for online release.
  • Communicate with transportation managers, administrators, equipment operators and others for fulfillment of copy to achieve editorial goals.
  • Produce numerous YouTube videos and trailers.
  • Work with foreign language to be translate to English subtitles in documentaries.
  • Head of the DVD department from production, distribution, and monthly invoice collection.
  • Support marketing with event planning and execution, and filming and photography of student life.
  • 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

Film editor vs freelance video editor skills

Common film editor skills
  • Music Videos, 23%
  • Film Production, 10%
  • Adobe Premiere, 7%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 5%
  • Photography, 4%
  • Feature Film, 4%
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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