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Media producer vs freelance video editor

The differences between 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 media producer, becoming a freelance video editor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a media producer has an average salary of $57,433, which is higher than the $54,795 average annual salary of a freelance video editor.

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

Media producer vs freelance video editor overview

Media ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Yearly salary$57,433$54,795
Hourly rate$27.61$26.34
Growth rate8%12%
Number of jobs17,8275,910
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age4037
Years of experience126

What does a media producer do?

A media producer is an individual who is involved in the production of audio and video content used for commercials, movies, online channels, or other mediums. Media producers are given tasks such as creating animation, editing, and arranging videos or developing program materials. They must have excellent skills in using software editing programs such as Final Cut Pro, AVID, and After Effects to create visual pieces. Media producers are also required to work closely with the production crew and directors, sound engineers, videographers, and producers.

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.

Media producer vs freelance video editor salary

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

Media ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Average salary$57,433$54,795
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $79,000Between $32,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CityFarmington, CT-
Highest paying stateConnecticut-
Best paying companyAltice USA-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between media producer and freelance video editor education

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

Media ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorCommunicationPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityNew York University

Media producer vs freelance video editor demographics

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

Media ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Average age4037
Gender ratioMale, 67.1% Female, 32.9%Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 6.4% White, 65.5% 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 media producer and freelance video editor duties and responsibilities

Media producer example responsibilities.

  • Manage and track media clips regarding the U.S. Senate race.
  • Participate in brainstorming sessions, proofread and edit marketing materials, manage magazine inventory.
  • Organize media management system for archival footage, photography, and animations.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations incorporating charts, scans, photographs and graphics.
  • Act as the sole video consultant for all videos publish to Facebook and YouTube.
  • Lead marketing strategy & implementation, social media, SEO, & new business development.
  • 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

Media producer vs freelance video editor skills

Common media producer skills
  • Instagram, 11%
  • Training Videos, 9%
  • Twitter, 8%
  • Video Production, 6%
  • Video Content, 5%
  • YouTube, 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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