Career comparison
Sound Engineer vs. Video Editor
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Video editors earn more at the median ($75,420 vs. $73,130), while sound engineers usually get to work faster (6 months–2 years of training). Sound engineers record, mix and master sound for music, film, broadcast and live events. Video editors cut raw footage into compelling films, shows, ads and online videos.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Sound Engineer | Video Editor | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $73,130 ($35.16/hr) | $75,420 ($36.26/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $37,570 – $137,370 | $40,280 – $148,550 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -3.1% (a projected decline) | +3.7% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 1,000 | 3,100 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 6 months–2 years | 4 years or portfolio-based training |
| Key credential | Avid Pro Tools certification | Avid Certified User |
| Work setting | Engineers work in recording studios, film sets, broadcast facilities, theaters and concert venues.. | Editors work in edit suites, studios and from home, at computers for long periods.. |
What each job does
Sound Engineer
- Set up microphones and recording equipment
- Record sessions
- Edit audio tracks
- Mix and balance sound
- Master final recordings
Video Editor
- 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
How they’re similar
Both careers involve creative work, indoor work, working independently, and high-pay. Both are part of the arts, media & design field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose sound engineer if…
- I love music or sound
- I have a good ear
- I enjoy technical equipment
Choose video editor if…
- I love film and video
- I’m patient with detail
- I enjoy storytelling
Still torn? Take the Sound Engineer fit quiz and the Video Editor fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, sound engineer or video editor?
Video Editors earn more at the median: $75,420 versus $73,130 for sound engineers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Sound Engineers typically train faster (6 months–2 years) than video editors (4 years or portfolio-based training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects video editors to grow +3.7% from 2025–35, compared with -3.1% for sound engineers.