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The differences between video editors and assistant editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a video editor, becoming an assistant editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an assistant editor has an average salary of $52,284, which is higher than the $51,131 average annual salary of a video editor.
The top three skills for a video editor include video content, motion graphics and video production. The most important skills for an assistant editor are editorial content, video footage, and web content.
| Video Editor | Assistant Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $51,131 | $52,284 |
| Hourly rate | $24.58 | $25.14 |
| Growth rate | 12% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 5,603 | 8,716 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Average age | 37 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
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.
An assistant editor is an individual responsible for assisting an editor-in-chief or editor-at-large of a newspaper, magazine, radio program, or website. Assistant editors hold meetings with staff and freelance writers to discuss new, fresh and original content for projects on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. They review assignments handed in by writers or reporters for sense, accuracy, readability, and content. Assistant editors must also utilize new media applications such as Twitter and Facebook to draw attention to an article or cause.
Video editors and assistant editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Video Editor | Assistant Editor | |
| Average salary | $51,131 | $52,284 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $77,000 | Between $34,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Huntington, NY |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | New York |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Media |
There are a few differences between a video editor and an assistant editor in terms of educational background:
| Video Editor | Assistant Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | Photography | English |
| Most common college | New York University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between video editors' and assistant editors' demographics:
| Video Editor | Assistant Editor | |
| Average age | 37 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1% | Male, 45.9% Female, 54.1% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 12% |