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Production assistant/editor vs video editor

The differences between production assistant/editors and 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 video editor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a video editor has an average salary of $51,131, 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 video editor are video content, motion graphics, and video production.

Production assistant/editor vs video editor overview

Production Assistant/EditorVideo Editor
Yearly salary$50,759$51,131
Hourly rate$24.40$24.58
Growth rate-5%12%
Number of jobs61,5095,603
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
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 video editor do?

A video editor edits and assembles recorded raw material into a finished product for broadcasting. Video editors manipulate and edit film pieces to become visible to the audience. They brief to learn the specifications and needs of the production team. The skills necessary to become a video editor include attention to detail, knowledge of mass media communication and production, and the right use of initiative. Also, editors are expected to open-minded, flexible, and work well with others.

Production assistant/editor vs video editor salary

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

Production Assistant/EditorVideo Editor
Average salary$50,759$51,131
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $74,000Between $33,000 And $77,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-Apple
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between production assistant/editor and video editor education

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

Production Assistant/EditorVideo Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNew York University

Production assistant/editor vs video editor demographics

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

Production Assistant/EditorVideo Editor
Average age4437
Gender ratioMale, 48.1% Female, 51.9%Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1%
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, 6.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 7.1% White, 62.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage12%10%

Differences between production assistant/editor and 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

Video editor example responsibilities.

  • Upgrade PC's and manage the network involving internet, cable and satellite.
  • Manage a Facebook page to help promote the show and are fans can know the latest news.
  • Manage media assets including creating graphics, digitizing, archiving, editorial 'string-outs' and tracking media assets.
  • Interact with different organizations to acquire additional footage and manage company YouTube page.
  • Manage and resolve editorial disagreements across relevant departmental staff to join up an organizational narrative on each output.
  • Produce and re-edite b-roll packages to be place on video web hosting sites such as YouTube, iTunes, and Google.
  • Show more

Production assistant/editor vs 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 video editor skills
  • Video Content, 11%
  • Motion Graphics, 10%
  • Video Production, 8%
  • YouTube, 5%
  • Adobe Premiere Pro, 4%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 4%

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