What is a video editor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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Video editors use special video editing software to manipulate and enhance raw video footage to create a final product. Materials like camera footage, dialogues, graphics, and sound effects are commonly worked with to produce the final project. Some typical responsibilities you might perform as a video editor are posting and managing an online video library using Shopify, Vimeo, and VHX, editing photos using Photoshop to create special effects to be included in post- production. Others are generating original theme introductions and promotional video spots for Instagram and Facebook. You might also be required to research and write news copy and package pieces for TV broadcasts.

You would need good physical stamina, visual skills, and great hand-eye coordination, as well as skills like video production, graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, YouTube, and other online skills. A bachelor's degree in journalism, photography, or communication is most commonly required for this role. The average annual salary is $46,000.

ScoreVideo EditorUS Average
Salary
4.0

Avg. Salary $51,131

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.5

Growth Rate 12%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.25%

Asian 7.14%

Black or African American 6.68%

Hispanic or Latino 18.10%

Unknown 5.24%

White 62.58%

Gender

female 24.15%

male 75.85%

Age - 36
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 36
Stress Level
5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
9.0

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.4

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Video Editor career paths

Key steps to become a video editor

  1. Explore video editor education requirements

    Most common video editor degrees

    Bachelor's

    73.3 %

    Associate

    14.6 %

    Master's

    4.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific video editor skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Video Content11.47%
    Motion Graphics9.60%
    Video Production7.91%
    YouTube4.56%
    Adobe Premiere Pro4.37%
  3. Complete relevant video editor training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New video editors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a video editor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real video editor resumes.
  4. Research video editor duties and responsibilities

    • Upgrade PC's and manage the network involving internet, cable and satellite.
    • Manage a Facebook page to help promote the show and are fans can know the latest news.
    • Manage media assets including creating graphics, digitizing, archiving, editorial 'string-outs' and tracking media assets.
    • Interact with different organizations to acquire additional footage and manage company YouTube page.
  5. Prepare your video editor resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your video editor resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a video editor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Video Editor Resume templates

    Build a professional Video Editor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Video Editor resume.
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  6. Apply for video editor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a video editor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Video Editor Job

A

Agha Khan

Video Editor

In 2014, I completed my Bachelor of Arts and soon after, I enrolled in a Master’s program in Mass Communication at the university. During my studies, a professor introduced us to video editing software. Although the introduction was brief and basic, it sparked a curiosity in me that would later shape my career path.

Tragedy struck when my grandfather’s brother passed away. This happened the day before an important exam. Exhausted and grief-stricken, I couldn't perform well in my exams, leading to my failure in the second semester. This failure was a significant blow, and I decided to leave my Master’s in Mass Communication.

Despite this setback, I continued my education privately, completing a Master's in Pakistan Studies. During this time, I taught myself video editing through various YouTube tutorials. By 2019, I had earned my Master’s degree and decided to pursue an MPhil in International Relations at a regular university.

In 2020, along with some friends, I started a YouTube channel called "The SWAG Mtv." I took on the responsibility of editing all the videos. Unfortunately, my father disapproved of my involvement with the YouTube channel, urging me to focus on my studies. My friends became busy with their own commitments, and I found myself drifting away from video editing.

Despite my passion, I faced significant technical challenges. My old PC was no longer up to the demands of modern video editing software. Even though my father is financially stable, he has been reluctant to support me in upgrading my equipment, despite promising for the last year to do so.

Determined not to let these obstacles hold me back, I have resumed video editing using my outdated system and leveraging AI tools to assist me. I am hopeful that this time, I might start earning from my passion.

Average video editor salary

The average Video Editor salary in the United States is $51,131 per year or $25 per hour. Video editor salaries range between $33,000 and $77,000 per year.

Average Video Editor Salary
$51,131 Yearly
$24.58 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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