What Do Film and Video Editor Do?
Occupation Description Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Life As a Film and Video Editor: What Do They Do?
- Confer with producers and directors concerning layout or editing approaches needed to increase dramatic or entertainment value of productions.
- Piece sounds together to develop film soundtracks.
- Develop post-production models for films.
- Determine the specific audio and visual effects and music necessary to complete films.
- Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.
- Cut shot sequences to different angles at specific points in scenes, making each individual cut as fluid and seamless as possible.
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Film and Video Editor 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.
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
- Videographer
- Producer
- Film or Videotape Editor
- Non-Linear Editor
- Digital Media Coordinator
Are There Job Opportunities for Film and Video Editors?
There were about 34,200 jobs for Film and Video Editor in 2016 (in the United States). 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.

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.
How Much Does a Film and Video Editor Make?
Film and Video Editors make between $31,940 and $170,040 a year.

Film and Video Editors who work in New Jersey, New York, or California, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Film and Video Editors 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 |
What Tools & Technology do Film and Video Editors Use?
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 do I Become a Film and Video Editor?
What kind of Film and Video Editor requirements are there?

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

Where Film and Video Editors Work

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

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Film and Video Editor may also be interested in:
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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