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Film and Video Editor

What Does it Take to Be a Film and Video Editor?

Film and Video Editor Definition Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

What Do Film and Video Editors Do On a Daily Basis?

  • Discuss the sound requirements of pictures with sound effects editors.
  • Supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in film editing, assembling, and recording activities.
  • Develop post-production models for films.
  • Mark frames where a particular shot or piece of sound is to begin or end.
  • Program computerized graphic effects.
  • Trim film segments to specified lengths and reassemble segments in sequences that present stories with maximum effect.

Film and Video Editor Needed Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Film and Video Editors say are important on the job.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Video Editor
  • Director
  • Videographer
  • Graphic Engineer
  • Supervising Producer

Job Demand for Film and Video Editors

In the United States, there were 34,200 jobs for Film and Video Editor in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 17% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,800 new jobs for Film and Video Editor by 2026. There will be an estimated 4,000 positions for Film and Video Editor per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Film and Video Editor are Utah, Georgia, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Wisconsin, or Missouri. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Film and Video Editors Salary

Film and Video Editors make between $31,940 and $170,040 a year.

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Film and Video Editors who work in New Jersey, New York, or California, make the highest salaries.

How much do Film and Video Editors make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $51,480
Arizona $70,420
Arkansas $40,880
California $112,530
Colorado $54,310
Connecticut $73,710
District of Columbia $69,410
Florida $50,410
Georgia $64,470
Idaho $45,550
Illinois $64,820
Iowa $53,730
Kansas $46,720
Kentucky $64,580
Maine $56,090
Maryland $53,920
Massachusetts $74,090
Michigan $64,620
Missouri $56,160
Montana $48,020
Nevada $45,560
New Jersey $87,150
New York $92,170
North Carolina $51,570
Ohio $54,430
Oklahoma $43,870
Oregon $52,720
Pennsylvania $61,920
South Carolina $41,740
Tennessee $70,100
Texas $61,990
Utah $54,010
Virginia $64,590
Washington $71,120
Wisconsin $52,260

Tools & Technologies Used by Film and Video Editors

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Film and Video Editors:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • JavaScript
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Web browser software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • YouTube
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Suite
  • AJAX
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Flash Player
  • Adobe Systems Adobe After Effects
  • Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffects
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Director
  • Apple QuickTime

Becoming a Film and Video Editor

What education or degrees do I need to become a Film and Video Editor?

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What work experience do I need to become a Film and Video Editor?

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Where do Film and Video Editors Work?

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The table below shows the approximate number of Film and Video Editors employed by various industries.

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming a Film and Video Editor might also be interested in the following careers:

Career changers with experience as a Film and Video Editor sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

Image Credit: via CC0 Public Domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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