Film and Video Editors
Film and video editors assemble and arrange moving images, audio, and other media into finished productions. They work in studios, post-production facilities, and media companies, collaborating with directors and producers to shape raw footage into final form. The role requires technical skill with editing software and creative judgment about pacing, transitions, and narrative flow.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against film and video editors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reviewing hours of raw footage, organizing clips into sequences, and making decisions about cuts and transitions. Editors adjust timing, color, and sound levels, sometimes working closely with directors on revisions. They may spend extended hours at editing stations, problem-solving technical issues or refining a particular scene until it meets project standards.
Who this work suits
Holland code ACR. Artistic work is creating and designing, with room for self-expression. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this work if you have both artistic sensibility and comfort with structured, detail-oriented processes. You probably enjoy solving visual and narrative problems while working within established conventions and technical constraints of the medium.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Video Editor · PlanetScale · Remote · Remote
- Video Editor - MTN/TRO · MEAWW · United States · Remote
- Video Editor | Hyfi · LifeWay Christian Resources · United States · Remote
- Graphic Designer & Video Editor · BlueTuskr · Remote · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $75,990 | $103,440 | $135,640 | 3,710 |
| District of Columbia | $75,510 | $98,830 | $122,650 | 370 |
| Massachusetts | $78,730 | $92,130 | $112,910 | 550 |
| California | $60,810 | $88,490 | $128,630 | 8,110 |
| Colorado | $58,700 | $84,620 | $103,740 | 380 |
| Connecticut | $59,050 | $83,550 | $95,720 | 600 |
| New Jersey | $70,070 | $82,890 | $138,510 | 620 |
| Virginia | $64,050 | $78,740 | $92,200 | — |
| Maryland | $60,920 | $78,380 | $98,300 | 250 |
| Utah | $49,530 | $76,240 | $95,110 | 370 |
| Alabama | $20,540 | $74,410 | $80,680 | 120 |
| Illinois | $59,030 | $72,460 | $91,340 | 310 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Digital Video Editor (DVE) — ETA International
- Certified Video Engineer (CEV) — Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc.
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against film and video editors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-4032.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.