Arts, design, media and sports
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.
Median pay
$75,420
Growth to 2035
+4%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
3,100
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Film and video editors
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Film and video editors: 38% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Editor · Film Editor · News Editor · News Video Editor · News Videotape Editor · Non-Linear Editor · Online Editor · Tape Editor
Outlook and AI
Film and video editors held 39,400 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 40,800 by 2035 (+4%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Film and video editors vs. Editor
- Film and video editors vs. Producers and directors
- Film and video editors vs. Special effects artists and animators
- Film and video editors vs. Desktop publisher
- Film and video editors vs. Audio and video technicians
- Film and video editors vs. Graphic designer
- Film and video editors vs. Sound engineering technician
- Film and video editors vs. Camera operators, television, video, and film
- Film and video editors vs. Proofreaders and copy markers