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Arts, Media & Design career
Video Editor
Also called: Film Editor · Post-Production Editor · Assistant Editor · Content Editor
What video editors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a video editor do?
Film and video editors assemble raw footage into finished products, choosing shots, cutting scenes, adding sound and effects and shaping the story. The median pay is $75,420 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years or portfolio-based training, and employment is projected to grow +3.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$75,420$36.26/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+3.7%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year3,100Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 years or portfolio-based trainingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs39,400Employment, 2025
What video editors do
Video editors shape stories. They organize footage, select the best takes, cut scenes, add music, sound effects, graphics and color correction, and work with directors and producers to refine the final piece. They edit films, TV, commercials, YouTube content, corporate videos and news.
Many editors have bachelor’s degrees in film or communications, but reels and software skills matter most. Most start as assistant editors or with freelance work.
Typical duties
- Organize and log footage
- Select shots and assemble cuts
- Edit for story, pacing and rhythm
- Add music, sound effects and graphics
- Color correct and finish
- Collaborate with directors and producers
- Export and deliver final files
Work environment and schedule
Editors work in edit suites, studios and from home, at computers for long periods.
Schedule: Hours can be long near deadlines; freelance work varies.
A day in the life
- Ingest footage and organize bins.
- Build an assembly cut of an interview.
- Refine pacing and select B-roll.
- Review the cut with the director.
See a full day in the life of a video editor →
Video Editor salary
Half of video editors earned more than $75,420 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $40,280 for the lowest 10% to $148,550 for the top 10%.
Full video editor pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a video editor
- Learn editing software
- Edit lots of projects
- Build a reel
- Start as an assistant editor or freelancer
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in film, communications or a related field is typical, though many editors are self-taught with strong reels.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a video editor →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Editing software
- Storytelling and pacing
- Audio editing
- Color correction
- Graphics and titles
People skills
- Patience
- Creativity
- Collaboration
- Attention to detail
All video editor skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Creative storytelling
- Remote and freelance options
- Growing online video demand
- Work on exciting projects
Cons
- Long hours near deadlines
- Sitting for long periods
- Competitive entry
- Frequent revisions
Certifications and licenses
- Avid Certified User: Media Composer certification.
- Adobe Certified Professional in Premiere Pro: Editing certification.
- DaVinci Resolve certification: Blackmagic Design training.
- Demo reel: The key credential for editors.
Career path
- Assistant Editor: Organize footage and support editors.
- Video Editor: Cut projects.
- Senior Editor: Lead major projects.
- Post-Production Supervisor: Manage post-production.
Learn the job before day one
Our Video Editor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as build a rough cut and use j-cuts and l-cuts, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Video Editor vs. Camera Operator · Video Editor vs. Animator · Video Editor vs. Sound Engineer · Video Editor vs. Photographer
Video Editor FAQ
Do video editors need a degree?
Not always; a reel matters most.
Is video editing remote-friendly?
Yes, many editors work remotely.
Which software should I learn?
Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve or Avid.
How much does a video editor make?
The median annual wage for video editors was $75,420 ($36.26 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $40,280 and the highest 10% earned more than $148,550.
How long does it take to become a video editor?
Most people need about 4 years or portfolio-based training of training. A bachelor’s degree in film, communications or a related field is typical, though many editors are self-taught with strong reels.
Do you need a degree to be a video editor?
Not always. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, but many editors are hired on the strength of a demo reel and software skills.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-4032 (Film and video editors).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Film and video editors (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.