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Photo editor vs freelance video editor

The differences between photo editors 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 photo editor, becoming a freelance video editor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a photo editor has an average salary of $63,168, which is higher than the $54,795 average annual salary of a freelance video editor.

The top three skills for a photo editor include adobe photoshop, stock photography and photo shoots. The most important skills for a freelance video editor are training videos, video content, and motion graphics.

Photo editor vs freelance video editor overview

Photo EditorFreelance Video Editor
Yearly salary$63,168$54,795
Hourly rate$30.37$26.34
Growth rate-5%12%
Number of jobs10,0685,910
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age4437
Years of experience46

What does a photo editor do?

Photo Editors are employees in the creatives or marketing department of the company. They handle photos used by the company for its marketing collaterals, social media posts, or publishing. They also ensure that the photos are in line with the company's brand and image. Photo Editors may add items or elements to make the photo more eye-catching.

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.

Photo editor vs freelance video editor salary

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

Photo EditorFreelance Video Editor
Average salary$63,168$54,795
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $104,000Between $32,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NY-
Highest paying stateNew York-
Best paying companyApple-
Best paying industryProfessional-

Differences between photo editor and freelance video editor education

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

Photo EditorFreelance Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNew York University

Photo editor vs freelance video editor demographics

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

Photo EditorFreelance Video Editor
Average age4437
Gender ratioMale, 44.6% Female, 55.4%Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.0% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%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 Percentage12%10%

Differences between photo editor and freelance video editor duties and responsibilities

Photo editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage SEO tags for photo base articles.
  • Lead teams of multimedia writers to creating short documentaries.
  • Manage metadata and implement SEO practices that increase page views!
  • Manage international man-made fiber market research/publishing company and supervise editorial content and sales of industry statistical journal.
  • Experience with HTML and CSS coding to build a web-base interface to display training modules.
  • Maintain the image database, caption placements, color correction, image archive and ftp images to clients and agencies.
  • 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

Photo editor vs freelance video editor skills

Common photo editor skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 23%
  • Stock Photography, 7%
  • Photo Shoots, 6%
  • Instagram, 6%
  • FTP, 5%
  • Facebook, 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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