Film and Video Editors
Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Common Job Titles
- Editor
- Film Editor
- News Editor
- Video Editor
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeCreate compelling visual narratives through shot selection, pacing, and transitions applying creative thinking and storytelling techniques across film, video, and digital media formats.Advanced
- Hands-onOperate digital video editing systems and nonlinear editing software using industry-standard platforms such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer to assemble raw footage.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate visual and audio elements for narrative coherence and technical quality when organizing images and soundtracks for final production in collaboration with directors and producers.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess raw footage against project objectives and creative briefs to determine optimal content selection and identify gaps requiring additional shooting or visual effects.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate director's creative vision with technical production constraints through active listening and iterative collaboration during post-production workflows.Proficient
- MindsetBalance artistic integrity with client feedback and project constraints when negotiating creative decisions under budget and schedule pressures.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform audio synchronization and mixing using Pro Tools and audio editing software to align soundtracks with visual elements under time-sensitive production deadlines.Developing
- Hands-onExecute color correction, visual effects, and motion graphics integration using Adobe After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, and compositing tools to enhance production value.Developing
- KnowledgeOrganize media assets and project files within digital asset management systems to maintain version control and enable efficient collaboration across production teams.Developing
- KnowledgeSolve technical editing challenges involving format compatibility, codec optimization, and delivery specifications when preparing content for broadcast, streaming platforms, and theatrical distribution.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Film and Video Editors (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
28,860
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $39,170. 25th percentile: U.S. $50,230. 50th percentile: U.S. $70,980. 75th percentile: U.S. $101,570. 90th percentile: U.S. $145,900. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $39,170 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $145,900 |
| Workers on average earn | $83,530 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Communications and Media4.9/5
- English Language4.6/5
- Computers and Electronics4.5/5
- Telecommunications4.1/5
- Fine Arts4.0/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- AJAX
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Cascading style sheets CSS
- Extensible markup language XML
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- TikTok
Technology Skills
- Adobe Director
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Apple DVD Studio Pro
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Apple QuickTime
- Apple Xsan
- Autodesk Maya
- Autodesk Smoke
Tools & Equipment
- Audio patch bays
- Desktop computers
- Digital video disk DVD recorders
- Digital video editing systems
- Laptop computers
- Network routers
- Personal computers
- Video patch bays