Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between video editors and freelance 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 a freelance video editor. Additionally, a freelance video editor has an average salary of $54,795, 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 a freelance video editor are training videos, video content, and motion graphics.
| Video Editor | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $51,131 | $54,795 |
| Hourly rate | $24.58 | $26.34 |
| Growth rate | 12% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 5,603 | 5,910 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
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.
Video editors and freelance video editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Video Editor | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Average salary | $51,131 | $54,795 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $77,000 | Between $32,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | - |
| Best paying company | Apple | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a video editor and a freelance video editor in terms of educational background:
| Video Editor | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Photography | Photography |
| Most common college | New York University | New York University |
Here are the differences between video editors' and freelance video editors' demographics:
| Video Editor | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1% | Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7% |
| 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, 6.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |