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Photographer, editor vs freelance video editor

The differences between photographers, editor 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 photographer, editor, 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 $51,131 average annual salary of a photographer, editor.

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

Photographer, editor vs freelance video editor overview

Photographer, EditorFreelance Video Editor
Yearly salary$51,131$54,795
Hourly rate$24.58$26.34
Growth rate9%12%
Number of jobs11,0395,910
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age3937
Years of experience26

What does a photographer, editor do?

A Photographer, Editor selects, edits, and positions photos in print and web publications. They work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other publications.

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.

Photographer, editor vs freelance video editor salary

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

Photographer, EditorFreelance Video Editor
Average salary$51,131$54,795
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $71,000Between $32,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NY-
Highest paying stateNew York-
Best paying companyUniversity of California, Berkeley-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between photographer, editor and freelance video editor education

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

Photographer, EditorFreelance Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityNew York University

Photographer, editor vs freelance video editor demographics

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

Photographer, EditorFreelance Video Editor
Average age3937
Gender ratioMale, 62.9% Female, 37.1%Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.6% 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 photographer, editor and freelance video editor duties and responsibilities

Photographer, editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Photograph original artwork on copy stands using DSLR's.
  • Complete assignments for weekly deadline using personal Nikon SLR film camera system.
  • Edit photos using Lightroom, and Photoshop to create special effects in post-production
  • Train to learn all types of digital cameras from the small point and shoots to the larger more advance DSLR cameras.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations and publication quality images using digital input devices, photo-editing and graphic arts software.
  • 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

Photographer, editor vs freelance video editor skills

Common photographer, editor skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 17%
  • Video Cameras, 12%
  • Digital Photography, 8%
  • Adobe Premiere, 6%
  • ENG, 5%
  • News Stories, 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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