Film and Video Editors
SOC code 27-4032 · O*NET-SOC 27-4032.00 · Considerable preparation needed
Film and Video Editors pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$75,420
a year
Hourly
$36.26
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$86,130
$41.41 per hour
Middle 50%
$52,720 – $105,310
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$40,280 – $148,550
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
25,610
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $40,280
- $19.37/hr
- 25th percentile
- $52,720
- $25.35/hr
- Median percentile
- $75,420
- $36.26/hr
- 75th percentile
- $105,310
- $50.63/hr
- 90th percentile
- $148,550
- $71.42/hr
What do 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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 65% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree65%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree17%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)16%
- Some College Courses1%
Common questions
How much does a film and video editors earn?
The national median is $75,420 a year. The full range runs from $40,280 at the 10th percentile to $148,550 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a film and video editors without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Critical Thinking3.5/5
- Reading Comprehension3.4/5
- Speaking3.3/5
- Active Learning3.3/5
- Writing3.1/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Communications and Media4.9/5
- English Language4.6/5
- Computers and Electronics4.5/5
- Telecommunications4.1/5
- Fine Arts4.0/5
- Production and Processing3.7/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
- Engineering and Technology3.3/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management.