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Video journalist vs video editor

The differences between video journalists and video editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a video journalist, becoming a video editor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a video journalist has an average salary of $68,280, which is higher than the $51,131 average annual salary of a video editor.

The top three skills for a video journalist include story development, adobe premiere and video content. The most important skills for a video editor are video content, motion graphics, and video production.

Video journalist vs video editor overview

Video JournalistVideo Editor
Yearly salary$68,280$51,131
Hourly rate$32.83$24.58
Growth rate-10%12%
Number of jobs7,1415,603
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 84%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age4037
Years of experience26

What does a video journalist do?

Video journalists make videos conveying the news and factual stories for the audiences. Their day-to-day duties may vary but typically include editing, researching, and reporting, developing and planning live or taped video segments, and compiling data from various sources. In addition, a video journalist is responsible for verifying facts, interviewing subjects, and cultivating relationships and sources. Other duties that a video journalist might perform include on-the-spot reporting, anchoring a newscast, and producing content, and taking photos.

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.

Video journalist vs video editor salary

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

Video JournalistVideo Editor
Average salary$68,280$51,131
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $112,000Between $33,000 And $77,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew Jersey
Best paying companyThe New York Times CompanyApple
Best paying industryMediaTechnology

Differences between video journalist and video editor education

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

Video JournalistVideo Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 84%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorCommunicationPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityNew York University

Video journalist vs video editor demographics

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

Video JournalistVideo Editor
Average age4037
Gender ratioMale, 64.5% Female, 35.5%Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 9.6% White, 66.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%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%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between video journalist and video editor duties and responsibilities

Video journalist example responsibilities.

  • Create, update and manage digital online web content for each client and their respective YouTube channels.
  • Set up and run live shots on ENG live truck.
  • Use nonlinear digital editing systems to edit clips.
  • Maintain and operate ENG live trucks as needed for live news events.
  • Construct and edit web-published multimedia pieces that are featured on the university's athletic programs.
  • Direct live HD newscasts across multiple channels.
  • Show more

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

Video journalist vs video editor skills

Common video journalist skills
  • Story Development, 16%
  • Adobe Premiere, 14%
  • Video Content, 9%
  • News Coverage, 7%
  • Edit Video, 4%
  • Video Production, 4%
Common video editor skills
  • Video Content, 11%
  • Motion Graphics, 10%
  • Video Production, 8%
  • YouTube, 5%
  • Adobe Premiere Pro, 4%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 4%

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