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Film and Video Editor

All About Film and Video Editors

Job Description: Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

A Day in the Life of a Film and Video Editor

  • Edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.
  • Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.
  • Conduct film screenings for directors and members of production staffs.
  • Trim film segments to specified lengths and reassemble segments in sequences that present stories with maximum effect.
  • Record needed sounds or obtain them from sound effects libraries.
  • Confer with producers and directors concerning layout or editing approaches needed to increase dramatic or entertainment value of productions.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Film and Video Editor?

Film and Video Editors state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

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

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

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

Types of Film and Video Editor

  • Film Editor Supervisor
  • Editor
  • Online Editor
  • Multimedia Artist
  • Video Tape Editor

Film and Video Editor Employment Estimates

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 34,200 jobs in the United States for Film and Video Editor. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 4,000 job openings in this field each 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.

Salary for a Film and Video Editor

The typical yearly salary for Film and Video Editors is somewhere between $31,940 and $170,040.

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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 each U.S. state?

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

What Tools do Film and Video Editors Use?

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 AfterEffects
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Adobe Systems Adobe After Effects
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Director
  • Apple QuickTime

How to Become a Film and Video Editor

Education needed to be a Film and Video Editor:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Similar Careers

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

Are you already one of the many Film and Video Editor in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: via CC0 Public Domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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