Film and video editors
SOC Code: 27-4032Also known as:
Contract Video Editor, Cue Selector, Digital Media Coordinator, Digital Video Editor, Editor
Median Annual Salary
$70,980
+4.0% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
44K
Current Jobs
What Film and video editors Do
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.
💰 Salary
$70,980
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.0%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
43,500
Projected Employment (2034)
45,200
Related Careers
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800 •
+1.6% growth
Producers and directors
$83,480 •
+4.9% growth
Desktop publishers
$53,620 •
-12.4% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Active Learning
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.
- 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.
- Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.
- Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.
- Trim film segments to specified lengths and reassemble segments in sequences that present stories with maximum effect.
- Cut shot sequences to different angles at specific points in scenes, making each individual cut as fluid and seamless as possible.
- Review assembled films or edited videotapes on screens or monitors to determine if corrections are necessary.
- Verify key numbers and time codes on materials.
- Manipulate plot, score, sound, and graphics to make the parts into a continuous whole, working closely with people in audio, visual, music, optical, or special effects departments.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Film and video editors
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a film and video editors:
Cinematography and Film/Video Production
9,544 degrees awarded •
285 colleges offer this program
Radio and Television
5,653 degrees awarded •
167 colleges offer this program
Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician
1,515 degrees awarded •
85 colleges offer this program
Communications Technology/Technician
1,043 degrees awarded •
40 colleges offer this program
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Other
684 degrees awarded •
16 colleges offer this program
Photojournalism
91 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
Documentary Production
88 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Film and video editors
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become film and video editors.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do film and video editors make?
The median annual salary for film and video editors is $70,980.
What education do film and video editors need?
Most film and video editors positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Cinematography and Film/Video Production, Radio and Television, Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician.
Is becoming film and video editors a good career choice?
Film and video editors is projected to see +4.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 3,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for film and video editors?
Top colleges for aspiring film and video editors include
New York University, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Southern California, Boston University, University of Florida.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to film and video editors?
Film and video editors may also be known as: Contract Video Editor, Cue Selector, Digital Media Coordinator, Digital Video Editor, Editor, Electronic News Gathering Editor (ENG Editor), Film Editor, Movie Editor, News Editor, News Video Editor, News Videotape Editor, Non-Linear Editor, Online Editor, Optical Effects Layout Person, Tape Editor, Television News Video Editor, Video Content Creator, Video Editor, Video Production Editor, Video Tape Duplicator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.