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Video production assistant vs freelance video editor

The differences between video production assistants and freelance 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 production assistant, becoming a freelance video editor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a freelance video editor has an average salary of $54,795, which is higher than the $33,779 average annual salary of a video production assistant.

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

Video production assistant vs freelance video editor overview

Video Production AssistantFreelance Video Editor
Yearly salary$33,779$54,795
Hourly rate$16.24$26.34
Growth rate10%12%
Number of jobs58,4325,910
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age4237
Years of experience26

What does a video production assistant do?

A video production assistant's job is to help the producer in any way possible. They are tasked with setting up meetings and auditions and may even be in charge of interns. They may be responsible for gathering reference materials and clips and determining which issues should be shown to a producer. They may also be in charge of shuffling crews or video recording and other equipment.

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 production assistant vs freelance video editor salary

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

Video Production AssistantFreelance Video Editor
Average salary$33,779$54,795
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $54,000Between $32,000 And $91,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between video production assistant and freelance video editor education

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

Video Production AssistantFreelance Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorCommunicationPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityNew York University

Video production assistant vs freelance video editor demographics

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

Video Production AssistantFreelance Video Editor
Average age4237
Gender ratioMale, 69.8% Female, 30.2%Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 5.2% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%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 Percentage8%10%

Differences between video production assistant and freelance video editor duties and responsibilities

Video production assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage HD camerawork and calculating wireless mic levels.
  • Develop the companies YouTube page to improve the companies social media presents.
  • Advance lighting techniques and how to format videos for private websites and public ones such as YouTube.
  • Create the companies first hunting DVD for retail sales in coordination with the lead video producer and company graphic artist.
  • Assist the video coordinator with off-season opponent scouting, game tape digitizing, logging, DVD production, and duplication.
  • Monitor conference bridges, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and provide complete documentation on conferences.
  • 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 production assistant vs freelance video editor skills

Common video production assistant skills
  • Video Production, 20%
  • Audio Equipment, 6%
  • Video Content, 6%
  • Adobe Premiere Pro, 6%
  • Camera Operation, 5%
  • Video Projects, 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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