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Video editor vs motion graphics designer

The differences between video editors and motion graphics designers 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 a motion graphics designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a motion graphics designer has an average salary of $62,558, 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 motion graphics designer are animation, style frames, and cinema.

Video editor vs motion graphics designer overview

Video EditorMotion Graphics Designer
Yearly salary$51,131$62,558
Hourly rate$24.58$30.08
Growth rate12%3%
Number of jobs5,60344,960
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age3738
Years of experience612

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 a motion graphics designer do?

A motion graphic designer specializes in producing artworks used in television, film, and web. Their responsibilities often revolve around submitting within a deadline, attending creative meetings, collaborating with fellow designers, following directives from clients, producing trial designs, and editing them in adherence to senior designers or clients' recommendations. There are also instances when a motion graphic designer must manage documentation, address inquiries and concerns, and report to higher-ranking personnel. Furthermore, one may choose to work for a company or independently.

Video editor vs motion graphics designer salary

Video editors and motion graphics designers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Video EditorMotion Graphics Designer
Average salary$51,131$62,558
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $77,000Between $44,000 And $87,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyWashington
Best paying companyAppleApple
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between video editor and motion graphics designer education

There are a few differences between a video editor and a motion graphics designer in terms of educational background:

Video EditorMotion Graphics Designer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common majorPhotographyGraphic Design
Most common collegeNew York UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Video editor vs motion graphics designer demographics

Here are the differences between video editors' and motion graphics designers' demographics:

Video EditorMotion Graphics Designer
Average age3738
Gender ratioMale, 75.9% Female, 24.1%Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6%
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, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage10%13%

Differences between video editor and motion graphics designer 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

Motion graphics designer example responsibilities.

  • Lead team brainstorming sessions to solve creative problems.
  • Lead team of motion designers which include brainstorming, mood boards, creation of mock-ups and presentations to clients and stakeholders.
  • Train & supervise newly appoint employee in achieving realistic looking effects and help integrating the effects in compositing with cg elements.
  • Design and build interactive digital content for musicians including photography, video and custom HTML, CSS & JavaScript development.
  • Create brochures, fliers, posters, and other print materials for conferences, special events, and non-profit functions.
  • Code flash banners with XML, HTML, and ActionScript.
  • Show more

Video editor vs motion graphics designer skills

Common video editor skills
  • Video Content, 11%
  • Motion Graphics, 10%
  • Video Production, 8%
  • YouTube, 5%
  • Adobe Premiere Pro, 4%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 4%
Common motion graphics designer skills
  • Animation, 23%
  • Style Frames, 15%
  • Cinema, 7%
  • Adobe Creative Suite, 4%
  • Sketch, 4%
  • Video Content, 3%

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