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The differences between photographers and freelance videographer/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, becoming a freelance videographer/editor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a freelance videographer/editor has an average salary of $48,481, which is higher than the $33,968 average annual salary of a photographer.
The top three skills for a photographer include adobe photoshop, customer service and excellent time management. The most important skills for a freelance videographer/editor are training videos, video content, and video production.
| Photographer | Freelance Videographer/Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $33,968 | $48,481 |
| Hourly rate | $16.33 | $23.31 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 1,772 | 5,409 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.67 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 39 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A photographer is an individual who focuses on the art of taking images with the use of a digital or traditional film camera. They are knowledgeable in the proper utilization and care of high-end cameras. They generally work as a freelancer and often hired to capture memories of unique clients. Some are also in exclusive partnerships with event-related industries in such settings as weddings, graduation, corporate events, and even commercial shoots. Apart from taking pictures, they also may be required to edit and prepare photographs to submit to clients or for publication.
A freelance videographer/editor is responsible for processing and editing video contents, usually on a project basis. Freelance videographer/editors create their footage using their shooting equipment, utilize various design and editing software, and finish the project based on the clients' specifications and deliverables. They should also have a good grasp of digital marketing to produce impactful videos to the target audience. A freelance videographer/editor must be detail-oriented and have excellent communication skills to coordinate with the production team for content plans and perform adjustments as needed.
Photographers and freelance videographer/editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Photographer | Freelance Videographer/Editor | |
| Average salary | $33,968 | $48,481 |
| Salary range | Between $22,000 And $52,000 | Between $34,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | - |
| Highest paying state | New York | - |
| Best paying company | Jacobs Engineering Group | - |
| Best paying industry | Professional | - |
There are a few differences between a photographer and a freelance videographer/editor in terms of educational background:
| Photographer | Freelance Videographer/Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Photography | Photography |
| Most common college | Harvard University | New York University |
Here are the differences between photographers' and freelance videographer/editors' demographics:
| Photographer | Freelance Videographer/Editor | |
| Average age | 39 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.3% Female, 61.7% | Male, 80.0% Female, 20.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 7.1% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 10% |