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The differences between media production specialists and freelance video editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a media production specialist, 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 $53,243 average annual salary of a media production specialist.
The top three skills for a media production specialist include training videos, video production and graphic design. The most important skills for a freelance video editor are training videos, video content, and motion graphics.
| Media Production Specialist | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $53,243 | $54,795 |
| Hourly rate | $25.60 | $26.34 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 87,800 | 5,910 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 42 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A media production specialist produces media such as films, documentaries, audio messages, or videos. The qualifications for this position are knowledge of computer software editing programs and familiarity with media production devices such as cameras, microphones, and lighting. They are expected to produce media in a variety of formats, conduct quality control, and make recommendations of equipment to be purchased to perform given tasks.
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 production specialists and freelance video editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Media Production Specialist | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Average salary | $53,243 | $54,795 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $73,000 | Between $32,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | - |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | - |
| Best paying company | Keysight Technologies | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a media production specialist and a freelance video editor in terms of educational background:
| Media Production Specialist | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Communication | Photography |
| Most common college | Stanford University | New York University |
Here are the differences between media production specialists' and freelance video editors' demographics:
| Media Production Specialist | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Average age | 42 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% | Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 5.3% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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 Percentage | 12% | 10% |