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Production assistant/editor vs freelance video editor

The differences between production assistant/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 production assistant/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 $50,759 average annual salary of a production assistant/editor.

The top three skills for a production assistant/editor include adobe photoshop, photography and audio board. The most important skills for a freelance video editor are training videos, video content, and motion graphics.

Production assistant/editor vs freelance video editor overview

Production Assistant/EditorFreelance Video Editor
Yearly salary$50,759$54,795
Hourly rate$24.40$26.34
Growth rate-5%12%
Number of jobs61,5095,910
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age4437
Years of experience46

What does a production assistant/editor do?

Production assistants/editors are individuals with skills in communication, adaptability, organization, and administration. They also possess a healthy dose of enthusiasm and perseverance and the ability to work well under pressure. This career choice calls for assisting directors of film and television in collecting and organizing elements needed to edit the film, and overseeing the various lists and instructions needed for putting the film into its final form.

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.

Production assistant/editor vs freelance video editor salary

Production assistant/editors and freelance video editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Production Assistant/EditorFreelance Video Editor
Average salary$50,759$54,795
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $74,000Between $32,000 And $91,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between production assistant/editor and freelance video editor education

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

Production Assistant/EditorFreelance Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNew York University

Production assistant/editor vs freelance video editor demographics

Here are the differences between production assistant/editors' and freelance video editors' demographics:

Production Assistant/EditorFreelance Video Editor
Average age4437
Gender ratioMale, 48.1% Female, 51.9%Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 76.1% 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 production assistant/editor and freelance video editor duties and responsibilities

Production assistant/editor example responsibilities.

  • Develop SEO strategies to increase profitability and manage social media to spread brand awareness and bolster readership.
  • Promote to improve design consistency of the daily metro sections.
  • Monitor internal systems for media requests, including tape and DVD duplication, encoding and file management.
  • Assist with filming and editing for a friend's YouTube channel covering inspirational minutes for community organization.
  • Develop proof-of-concept project for DVD proposal.
  • Utilize content management systems and SEO metadata to provide quality finish VOD products to both domestic and international customers.
  • 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

Production assistant/editor vs freelance video editor skills

Common production assistant/editor skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 9%
  • Photography, 7%
  • Audio Board, 7%
  • Video Production, 6%
  • Teleprompter, 5%
  • Adobe Premiere, 5%
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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