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The differences between video production specialists and freelance producers 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 specialist, becoming a freelance producer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a freelance producer has an average salary of $62,218, which is higher than the $36,176 average annual salary of a video production specialist.
The top three skills for a video production specialist include video content, adobe photoshop and motion graphics. The most important skills for a freelance producer are music videos, news stories, and video content.
| Video Production Specialist | Freelance Producer | |
| Yearly salary | $36,176 | $62,218 |
| Hourly rate | $17.39 | $29.91 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 54,019 | 9,703 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 80% |
| Average age | 42 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
A video production specialist is in charge of recording videos and editing them into high-quality visual material in adherence to the project or clients' needs. A video production specialist may work at broadcasting companies, entertainment agencies, private institutions, and even businesses. They typically meet with clients before filming to identify their needs and preferences, travel to different locations, set-up equipment and arrange sets, and provide directions to clients or actors. Moreover, a video production specialist must build positive relationships with clients to strengthen their client base.
The responsibilities of a freelance producer are so broad that they can be tricky to define. Broadly, a freelance producer is responsible for finding, launching, and completing a project. They primarily handle logistics pertaining to the creation of various pieces of content. This content may include television shows, advertisements, or audio/video presentations. They also manage finances, keep the production within the allocated budget, and hire all key staff, crew members, and post-production teams. They may also have to scout for shoot locations.
Video production specialists and freelance producers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Video Production Specialist | Freelance Producer | |
| Average salary | $36,176 | $62,218 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $56,000 | Between $33,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sunnyvale, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | Citi | - |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a video production specialist and a freelance producer in terms of educational background:
| Video Production Specialist | Freelance Producer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 80% |
| Most common major | Photography | Photography |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between video production specialists' and freelance producers' demographics:
| Video Production Specialist | Freelance Producer | |
| Average age | 42 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% | Male, 58.7% Female, 41.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 5.9% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 6.3% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 14% |