What Do Film and Video Editor Do?
Example of Film and Video Editor Job Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Life As a Film and Video Editor
- Collaborate with music editors to select appropriate passages of music and develop production scores.
- Supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in film editing, assembling, and recording activities.
- Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.
- Review assembled films or edited videotapes on screens or monitors to determine if corrections are necessary.
- Program computerized graphic effects.
- Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.
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Qualities of a Film and Video Editor
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.
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.
Other Film and Video Editor Job Titles
- Graphic Artist
- Film or Videotape Editor
- Movie Editor
- News Video Editor
- Tape Editor
Are There Job Opportunities 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.

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.
Film and Video Editor Salary
The average yearly salary of a Film and Video Editor ranges between $31,940 and $170,040.

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
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Film and Video Editors may use on a daily basis:
- 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
Individuals working as a Film and Video Editor have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Film and Video Editor?

Where do Film and Video Editors Work?

Below are examples of industries where Film and Video Editors work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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:
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