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Video editor vs assistant video editor

The differences between video editors and assistant video editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a video editor and an assistant video editor. Additionally, a video editor has an average salary of $51,131, which is higher than the $46,128 average annual salary of an assistant 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 video editor are video footage, adobe premiere, and edit video.

Video editor vs assistant video editor overview

Video EditorAssistant Video Editor
Yearly salary$51,131$46,128
Hourly rate$24.58$22.18
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs5,6035,511
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age3737
Years of experience66

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.

What does an assistant video editor do?

An assistant video editor helps the director and editor in gathering and organizing the necessary elements for video editing. Assistant video editors oversee different instructions and lists for the completion of the film. They develop a video production firm focusing on the production of promotional videos for broadcast and web advertisement. It is part of their duties to share and edit video sequences using Avid systems and Final Cut Pro through Auto Deck.

Video editor vs assistant video editor salary

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

Video EditorAssistant Video Editor
Average salary$51,131$46,128
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $77,000Between $30,000 And $69,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateNew Jersey-
Best paying companyApple-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between video editor and assistant video editor education

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

Video EditorAssistant Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Video editor vs assistant video editor demographics

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

Video EditorAssistant Video Editor
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 75.9% Female, 24.1%Male, 66.3% Female, 33.7%
Race ratioBlack 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, 6.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between video editor and assistant video editor duties and responsibilities

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

Assistant video editor example responsibilities.

  • Communicate with transportation managers, administrators, equipment operators and others for fulfillment of copy to achieve editorial goals.
  • Edit and organize footage for use in feature length documentaries
  • Create files of complete content and upload them to the station's YouTube channel.
  • Edit a five DVD master series educational documentary, total length; 6 hours.
  • Edit services to be air on television, post online, and distribute via DVD.
  • Create media packaging using photography and design graphics, improving the perceived quality of information and promotional materials.
  • Show more

Video editor vs assistant video editor skills

Common video editor skills
  • Video Content, 11%
  • Motion Graphics, 10%
  • Video Production, 8%
  • YouTube, 5%
  • Adobe Premiere Pro, 4%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 4%
Common assistant video editor skills
  • Video Footage, 18%
  • Adobe Premiere, 11%
  • Edit Video, 8%
  • Video Production, 7%
  • Audio Equipment, 6%
  • YouTube, 6%

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