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Videographer vs freelance video editor

The differences between videographers 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 videographer, 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 $43,620 average annual salary of a videographer.

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

Videographer vs freelance video editor overview

VideographerFreelance Video Editor
Yearly salary$43,620$54,795
Hourly rate$20.97$26.34
Growth rate10%12%
Number of jobs1,2675,910
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age4237
Years of experience26

What does a videographer do?

A videographer specializes in shooting and editing high-definition videos of different events, making them presentable to clients. They are primarily responsible for having their video equipment, coordinating with clients to learn any preferences or particular requests, capturing and recording from the best angle, and producing results quickly and accurately. Most of the time, a videographer may travel to different places, direct clients on what to do during filming, and edit any obstructions to produce an optimal result. Furthermore, it is essential to build rapport with clients to establish a client base and earn more projects.

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.

Videographer vs freelance video editor salary

Videographers and freelance video editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

VideographerFreelance Video Editor
Average salary$43,620$54,795
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $62,000Between $32,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyYahoo-
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between videographer and freelance video editor education

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

VideographerFreelance Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityNew York University

Videographer vs freelance video editor demographics

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

VideographerFreelance Video Editor
Average age4237
Gender ratioMale, 76.1% Female, 23.9%Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 5.1% 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 Percentage8%10%

Differences between videographer and freelance video editor duties and responsibilities

Videographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage the company s Instagram.
  • Manage media assets including creating graphics, digitizing, archiving, editorial 'string-outs' and tracking media assets.
  • Work as a DP on promotional content for TVSEMINARY.com.
  • Design skills using various software applications for graphics and animation.
  • Have experience in DSLR video, capturing and editing the footage.
  • Position require experience with DSLR cameras, stabilizers, sliders, and drones.
  • 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

Videographer vs freelance video editor skills

Common videographer skills
  • Training Videos, 31%
  • Video Production, 8%
  • Video Content, 6%
  • Photography, 6%
  • Motion Graphics, 3%
  • Audio Equipment, 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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