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Film editor salary
Average film editor salary
$51,688
Average Film Editor Salary
As reported in October 2025, the average annual salary for a film editor stands at $51,688. Factors influencing this salary include geographic location, years of experience, and the specific industry in which the editor works. For example, editors in high-demand areas or specific industries such as film production may earn more than the average.
Highest Paying States for Film Editors
Film editors can earn significantly higher salaries depending on their location. States known for robust film industries, like California and New York, typically offer the highest salaries. Additionally, urban areas with a concentration of media companies often provide more lucrative opportunities.
Film Editor Salary by Experience
Experience plays a critical role in salary determination. Entry-level film editors may start with lower salaries, while those with several years of experience can command much higher pay. Understanding salary progression helps aspiring editors plan their career paths effectively.
Opportunities and Job Outlook
Job opportunities for film editors are expanding as the demand for digital content continues to rise. With the growth of streaming services, editors are needed more than ever. Pursuing a career in editing can be rewarding, both creatively and financially.
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Where can a Film Editor earn more?
Film editor salary estimates from across the web
Average film editor salary by state
The average film editor salary in New Jersey, California, and New York are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average film editor salary states are Texas, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for film editors
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | $60,202 | $28.94 |
| 2 | Oregon | $58,760 | $28.25 |
| 3 | California | $60,227 | $28.96 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | $56,900 | $27.36 |
| 5 | Alabama | $50,321 | $24.19 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $51,147 | $24.59 |
| 7 | New Jersey | $62,892 | $30.24 |
| 8 | Florida | $49,174 | $23.64 |
| 9 | Virginia | $48,769 | $23.45 |
| 10 | West Virginia | $46,943 | $22.57 |
| 11 | Alaska | $47,277 | $22.73 |
| 12 | Nevada | $50,830 | $24.44 |
| 13 | Delaware | $51,764 | $24.89 |
| 14 | District of Columbia | $49,957 | $24.02 |
| 15 | Massachusetts | $50,168 | $24.12 |
| 16 | Arizona | $46,727 | $22.46 |
| 17 | Ohio | $46,347 | $22.28 |
| 18 | Rhode Island | $51,038 | $24.54 |
| 19 | Louisiana | $45,098 | $21.68 |
| 20 | South Carolina | $44,444 | $21.37 |
| 21 | Colorado | $43,726 | $21.02 |
| 22 | Washington | $44,228 | $21.26 |
| 23 | Georgia | $43,710 | $21.01 |
| 24 | North Dakota | $45,157 | $21.71 |
| 25 | Oklahoma | $43,780 | $21.05 |
| 26 | Kentucky | $44,535 | $21.41 |
| 27 | Utah | $41,109 | $19.76 |
| 28 | New Hampshire | $48,523 | $23.33 |
| 29 | Vermont | $44,972 | $21.62 |
| 30 | Hawaii | $39,606 | $19.04 |
| 31 | Kansas | $42,335 | $20.35 |
| 32 | Maryland | $40,550 | $19.50 |
| 33 | Illinois | $43,258 | $20.80 |
| 34 | Iowa | $41,710 | $20.05 |
| 35 | Missouri | $41,463 | $19.93 |
| 36 | Idaho | $42,567 | $20.46 |
| 37 | Wisconsin | $39,696 | $19.08 |
| 38 | Maine | $40,699 | $19.57 |
| 39 | Indiana | $40,886 | $19.66 |
| 40 | South Dakota | $39,851 | $19.16 |
| 41 | Mississippi | $39,476 | $18.98 |
| 42 | Tennessee | $32,360 | $15.56 |
| 43 | Texas | $33,311 | $16.01 |
| 44 | Montana | $41,151 | $19.78 |
| 45 | Michigan | $33,400 | $16.06 |
| 46 | Nebraska | $37,407 | $17.98 |
| 47 | Arkansas | $32,296 | $15.53 |
| 48 | North Carolina | $32,428 | $15.59 |
| 49 | New Mexico | $33,467 | $16.09 |
| 50 | Wyoming | $30,334 | $14.58 |
| 51 | Minnesota | $28,618 | $13.76 |
Highest paying cities for film editors
The highest-paying cities for film editors are San Francisco, CA, New York, NY, and Miami, FL.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco, CA | $64,772 | $31.14 |
| 2 | New York, NY | $60,239 | $28.96 |
| 3 | Miami, FL | $48,663 | $23.40 |
| 4 | Everett, WA | $44,332 | $21.31 |
| 5 | Chicago, IL | $43,239 | $20.79 |
Film editor salary details
A film editor's salary ranges from $28,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $93,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a film editor's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $93,000 | $7,750 | $45 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,000 | $5,833 | $34 |
| Average | $51,688 | $4,307 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,000 | $3,083 | $18 |
| 10th Percentile | $28,000 | $2,333 | $13 |
Highest paying film editor jobs
The highest paying types of film editors are executive producer, photo editor, and freelance producer.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Visual Technician | $43,529 | $3,627 | $20.93 | 15,387 |
| News Producer | $54,608 | $4,551 | $26.25 | 11,336 |
| Photographer | $33,968 | $2,831 | $16.33 | 1,772 |
| Video Production Internship | $33,585 | $2,799 | $16.15 | 105,041 |
| Video Producer | $58,612 | $4,884 | $28.18 | 10,484 |
| Freelance Producer | $62,218 | $5,185 | $29.91 | 9,703 |
Top companies hiring film editors now:
Which companies pay film editors the most?
Film editor salaries at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and Aras are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average film editor salary at companies like The Tinderbox and Cornershop are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The American Musical and Dramatic Academy | $87,890 | $42.25 |
| 2 | Aras | $48,763 | $23.44 |
| 3 | The Tinderbox | $43,539 | $20.93 |
| 4 | Cornershop | $43,139 | $20.74 |
| 5 | Cosmo | $38,723 | $18.62 |
| 6 | Whitehouse Post | $38,624 | $18.57 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Film Editor salary by industry
The average film editor salary varies across industries:
- The average film editor salary in the education industry is $57,119, the highest of any industry.
- The average film editor salary in the finance industry is $48,167.
- Film editors in the start-up industry earn an average salary of $43,188, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for film editors
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Education | $57,119 | $27.46 |
| 2 | Manufacturing | $48,167 | $23.16 |
| 3 | Professional | $47,261 | $22.72 |
| 4 | Technology | $46,202 | $22.21 |
| 5 | Media | $45,830 | $22.03 |
| 6 | Start-up | $43,188 | $20.76 |
High paying film editor jobs
Film editor salary trends
The average film editor salary has risen by $10,998 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average film editor earned $40,690 annually, but today, they earn $51,688 a year. That works out to a 7% change in pay for film editors over the last decade.
Compare film editor salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average film editor salary over time
Compare film editor salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Film editor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $51,700 | $24.85 | +5.2% |
| 2024 | $49,000 | $23.57 | +1.8% |
| 2023 | $48,200 | $23.15 | +2.3% |
| 2022 | $47,000 | $22.61 | -2.6% |
| 2021 | $48,200 | $23.19 | +1.6% |
Recently added film editor salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Value Schools | The Best 15 Film Schools In California | Los Angeles, CA | 02/19/2025 | $57,256 |
| Utah Education Network | Video/Film Editor | Salt Lake City, UT | 02/18/2025 | $52,175 |
| Utah Education Network | Video/Film Editor | Cove, UT | 12/12/2024 | $50,088 |
| Utah Telehealth Network | Video/Film Editor | Cove, UT | 12/04/2024 | $37,566 |
| University of Utah | Video/Film Editor | Salt Lake City, UT | 11/23/2024 | $37,566 |
| Utah Education Network | Video/Film Editor | Cove, UT | 10/18/2024 | $50,088 |
| Utah Telehealth Network | Video/Film Editor | Salt Lake City, UT | 10/02/2024 | $31,305 |
| Utah Education Network | Video/Film Editor | Cove, UT | 09/28/2024 | $50,088 |
| University of Utah | Video/Film Editor | Salt Lake City, UT | 09/26/2024 | $31,305 |
| Best Value Schools | Best 12 Film Degree Programs In 2024 | Tallahassee, FL | 09/25/2024 | $23,305 |
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