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The differences between video technicians 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 technician, 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 $45,504 average annual salary of a video technician.
The top three skills for a video technician include VTC, video equipment and video production. The most important skills for a freelance video editor are training videos, video content, and motion graphics.
| Video Technician | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $45,504 | $54,795 |
| Hourly rate | $21.88 | $26.34 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 36,283 | 5,910 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 42 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
The job of a video technician is to operate, install, maintain and repair video and projection equipment, including digital video cameras, grip kits, and media servers. You will report to a video supervisor, technical director, or stage manager during the show run. You will be responsible for working closely with the projection designer and performing video and audio installations. In addition, you will be operating, configuring, and maintaining satellite communications equipment and associated devices. You will also be responsible for determining equipment capabilities and evaluate setup requirements.
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 technicians and freelance video editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Video Technician | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Average salary | $45,504 | $54,795 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $68,000 | Between $32,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Plymouth, MA | - |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | - |
| Best paying company | NTT Data International L.L.C. | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a video technician and a freelance video editor in terms of educational background:
| Video Technician | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Photography | Photography |
| Most common college | Stanford University | New York University |
Here are the differences between video technicians' and freelance video editors' demographics:
| Video Technician | Freelance Video Editor | |
| Average age | 42 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.5% Female, 18.5% | Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.4% 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% |