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The differences between video editors and freelance videographer/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 videographer/editor. Additionally, a video editor has an average salary of $51,131, which is higher than the $48,481 average annual salary of a freelance videographer/editor.
The top three skills for a video editor include video content, motion graphics and video production. The most important skills for a freelance videographer/editor are training videos, video content, and video production.
| Video Editor | Freelance Videographer/Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $51,131 | $48,481 |
| Hourly rate | $24.58 | $23.31 |
| Growth rate | 12% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 5,603 | 5,409 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| 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 videographer/editor is responsible for processing and editing video contents, usually on a project basis. Freelance videographer/editors create their footage using their shooting equipment, utilize various design and editing software, and finish the project based on the clients' specifications and deliverables. They should also have a good grasp of digital marketing to produce impactful videos to the target audience. A freelance videographer/editor must be detail-oriented and have excellent communication skills to coordinate with the production team for content plans and perform adjustments as needed.
Video editors and freelance videographer/editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Video Editor | Freelance Videographer/Editor | |
| Average salary | $51,131 | $48,481 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $77,000 | Between $34,000 And $67,000 |
| 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 videographer/editor in terms of educational background:
| Video Editor | Freelance Videographer/Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Photography | Photography |
| Most common college | New York University | New York University |
Here are the differences between video editors' and freelance videographer/editors' demographics:
| Video Editor | Freelance Videographer/Editor | |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1% | Male, 80.0% Female, 20.0% |
| 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, 6.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 7.1% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |