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The differences between video specialists 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 specialist, 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 $53,491 average annual salary of a video specialist.
The top three skills for a video specialist include video production, video content and video equipment. The most important skills for a freelance video editor are training videos, video content, and motion graphics.
| Video Specialist | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $53,491 | $54,795 |
| Hourly rate | $25.72 | $26.34 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 26,146 | 5,910 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 42 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A video specialist is largely tasked with the responsibility of editing raw video materials into refined products that are broadcast-worthy. These raw materials may consist of already available camera footage, sound effects, dialogue between characters, and special graphics, or video effects. They are also responsible for recording and capturing video, editing footage, and producing studio-quality pictures and videos for diverse purposes.
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 specialists and freelance video editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Video Specialist | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Average salary | $53,491 | $54,795 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $76,000 | Between $32,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | - |
| Best paying company | - | |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | - |
There are a few differences between a video specialist and a freelance video editor in terms of educational background:
| Video Specialist | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Communication | Photography |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | New York University |
Here are the differences between video specialists' and freelance video editors' demographics:
| Video Specialist | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Average age | 42 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.5% Female, 23.5% | Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 62.3% 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 Percentage | 8% | 10% |