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The differences between video production specialists and freelance videographer/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 specialist, becoming a freelance videographer/editor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a freelance videographer/editor has an average salary of $48,481, 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 videographer/editor are training videos, video content, and video production.
| Video Production Specialist | Freelance Videographer/Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $36,176 | $48,481 |
| Hourly rate | $17.39 | $23.31 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 54,019 | 5,409 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 42 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
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.
A freelance videographer/editor is responsible for processing and editing video contents, usually on a project basis. Freelance videographer/editors create their footage using their shooting equipment, utilize various design and editing software, and finish the project based on the clients' specifications and deliverables. They should also have a good grasp of digital marketing to produce impactful videos to the target audience. A freelance videographer/editor must be detail-oriented and have excellent communication skills to coordinate with the production team for content plans and perform adjustments as needed.
Video production specialists and freelance videographer/editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Video Production Specialist | Freelance Videographer/Editor | |
| Average salary | $36,176 | $48,481 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $56,000 | Between $34,000 And $67,000 |
| 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 videographer/editor in terms of educational background:
| Video Production Specialist | Freelance Videographer/Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Photography | Photography |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | New York University |
Here are the differences between video production specialists' and freelance videographer/editors' demographics:
| Video Production Specialist | Freelance Videographer/Editor | |
| Average age | 42 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% | Male, 80.0% Female, 20.0% |
| 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, 6.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 7.1% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 10% |