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News photographer vs freelance video editor

The differences between news photographers and freelance video editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a news photographer, becoming a freelance video editor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a news photographer has an average salary of $76,014, which is higher than the $54,795 average annual salary of a freelance video editor.

The top three skills for a news photographer include HD, video cameras and general assignment. The most important skills for a freelance video editor are training videos, video content, and motion graphics.

News photographer vs freelance video editor overview

News PhotographerFreelance Video Editor
Yearly salary$76,014$54,795
Hourly rate$36.55$26.34
Growth rate9%12%
Number of jobs7,8505,910
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age3937
Years of experience26

What does a news photographer do?

A news photographer is responsible for capturing images and videos ranging from small occasions and conferences to critical society events, ensuring the accurate snapshots of all details for reports and publishing purposes. Aside from having excellent photography skills, a news photographer should also have outstanding communication and technical skills, especially in editing photos through software programs and applications. A news photographer usually works out in the field, depending on the assigned area by the management or as the business requires.

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.

News photographer vs freelance video editor salary

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

News PhotographerFreelance Video Editor
Average salary$76,014$54,795
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $329,000Between $32,000 And $91,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between news photographer and freelance video editor education

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

News PhotographerFreelance Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorCommunicationPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityNew York University

News photographer vs freelance video editor demographics

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

News PhotographerFreelance Video Editor
Average age3937
Gender ratioMale, 82.4% Female, 17.6%Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.8% 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 Percentage11%10%

Differences between news photographer and freelance video editor duties and responsibilities

News photographer example responsibilities.

  • Coordinate and manage providing and dressing the customers with old western costumes in preparation of taking their photos.
  • FTP video through camera back to news station.
  • Receive FTP transmissions and live streaming from the field.
  • Take pictures for both men and women's soccer games
  • Gain DSLR photography, journalism, and communication skills.
  • Photograph and document NCAA and intramural sports on campus.
  • 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

News photographer vs freelance video editor skills

Common news photographer skills
  • HD, 17%
  • Video Cameras, 15%
  • General Assignment, 13%
  • News Stories, 7%
  • Edit Video, 7%
  • Clips, 6%
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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