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Video producer vs freelance video editor

The differences between video producers and freelance video editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a video producer, becoming a freelance video editor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a video producer has an average salary of $58,612, which is higher than the $54,795 average annual salary of a freelance video editor.

The top three skills for a video producer include video production, motion graphics and youtube. The most important skills for a freelance video editor are training videos, video content, and motion graphics.

Video producer vs freelance video editor overview

Video ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Yearly salary$58,612$54,795
Hourly rate$28.18$26.34
Growth rate8%12%
Number of jobs10,4845,910
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age4037
Years of experience126

What does a video producer do?

Generally, a video producer manages and coordinates different aspects of the video production process. Video producers establish and develop multimedia content for internal corporate announcement videos, customer stories, and any other business projects. They also create videos for external promotions, product marketing, and recruitment. A bachelor's degree in video production, broadcasting, or film is necessary for this job. Video producers should know about media communication and production. Their skills should include attention to detail, initiative, leadership skills, and acceptance of criticism.

What does a freelance video editor do?

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 producer vs freelance video editor salary

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

Video ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Average salary$58,612$54,795
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $99,000Between $32,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateNevada-
Best paying companyApple-
Best paying industry--

Differences between video producer and freelance video editor education

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

Video ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeStanford UniversityNew York University

Video producer vs freelance video editor demographics

Here are the differences between video producers' and freelance video editors' demographics:

Video ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Average age4037
Gender ratioMale, 77.5% Female, 22.5%Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 6.4% White, 65.3% 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 Percentage14%10%

Differences between video producer and freelance video editor duties and responsibilities

Video producer example responsibilities.

  • Manage delivery streams or processes through define KPIs and advertiser expectations.
  • Upgrade PC's and manage the network involving internet, cable and satellite.
  • Design and code web elements in Photoshop, HTML, JavaScript, CSS and PHP.
  • Create headliners and click-bait for Facebook page and Q101 official website.
  • Apply SEO and PPC marketing techniques to land national and international clients
  • Gather b-roll footage, conduct interviews and edit to create marketing promotional video.
  • Show more

Freelance video editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage media assets including creating graphics, digitizing, archiving, editorial 'string-outs' and tracking media assets.
  • Operate cameras on set - Sony FS7, DSLR, assist DP with striking of set.
  • Collaborate with producers to match b-roll to script for voice-overs.
  • Direct and/or DP d lighting for many corporate communication projects.
  • Edit promotional content for YouTube, the company's main publishing site
  • Incorporate mix formats into a single project format including HD footage.
  • Show more

Video producer vs freelance video editor skills

Common video producer skills
  • Video Production, 19%
  • Motion Graphics, 6%
  • YouTube, 5%
  • Instagram, 4%
  • Video Projects, 4%
  • Edit Video, 3%
Common freelance video editor skills
  • Training Videos, 23%
  • Video Content, 7%
  • Motion Graphics, 6%
  • Adobe Premiere Pro, 5%
  • Edit Video, 5%
  • Freelance Video, 5%

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