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.
Also called: Content Creator, Contract Video Editor, Cue Selector, Digital Media Coordinator, Digital Video Editor, Editor
Median pay
$75,420
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$40,280 – $148,550
People employed
25,610
Holland code
ACR
Artistic · Conventional · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 2.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 3.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 4.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 5.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Film and Video Editors pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (41 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What film and video editors do
- 01Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.
- 02Edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.
- 03Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.
- 04Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.
- 05Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.
- 06Trim film segments to specified lengths and reassemble segments in sequences that present stories with maximum effect.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Writing
Knowledge
- Communications and Media
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Fine Arts
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Achievement Orientation
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from film and video editors
- Special Effects Artists and Animators90% · +35%
- Producers and Directors87% · +20%
- Editors83% · +3%
- Graphic Designers81% · −17%
- Media Technical Directors/Managers78% · group pay
Change into film and video editors
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys86% · $47,340
- Editors83% · $77,920
- Producers and Directors83% · $90,360
- Graphic Designers82% · $62,960
- Special Effects Artists and Animators80% · $102,030
Majors that lead here
- Photojournalism
- Radio and Television
- Communications Technology/Technician
- Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Cinematography and Film/Video Production
- Documentary Production
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.