Professional Video Editor Salary Ranges in 2025
I put my ideas into practice. That may be the reason people hate me.
–Emir Kusturica
Professional Video Editor Salary Ranges in 2025
Video editor salaries have expanded significantly in 2025. The average video editor salary now starts at $39,000 for entry-level positions, while senior editors can earn more than $100,000 in annual video editor pay. This growth reflects the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the video editing industry.
The current market offers diverse compensation for video editors. Job postings on listing sites show video editing job salaries average between $51,131 and $62,485 yearly. Location remains a vital factor in determining earnings. Video editors in New York City earn about $87,411 per year, positioning it among the top-paying cities for the profession. Their counterparts in Washington, DC can take home up to $127,429, showcasing the significant income potential in certain markets.
Your chosen industry can substantially affect your video editor’s average salary. Editors in entertainment typically earn the highest pay, with experienced professionals making over $70,000. Tech giants have pushed these numbers even higher, offering attractive full-time video editor salaries. Microsoft and Google offer compensation packages that reach $143,959 and $139,959 respectively, far exceeding the typical video editor annual salary in many other sectors.
Career prospects and job opportunities look bright for video editors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a steady 3% growth in film and video editor positions through 2033. Other sources predict a dramatic 29% growth from 2020 to 2030, indicating significant career advancement potential. The expansion of online video platforms and increasing content needs propel this growth in the video editing industry.
🎬 Your Next Film Gig Starts Here
Whether you’re looking for crew work or acting roles, we’ll connect you with job openings, hiring managers, and expert tips to get hired faster.
By signing up, you agree to receive emails from FilmLocal. You may also receive relevant offers from trusted partners. Opt-out anytime. Privacy Policy
How Much Does a Video Editor Make in 2025?
Professional video editors’ salaries in 2025 paint a complex picture. The market rates differ based on multiple sources, making it tricky to guide professionals through their career choices and accurately estimate their income potential.
Video Editor Average Salary Overview
Video editors’ salaries in 2025 range from basic to impressive numbers. Salary.com puts the average annual salary at $59,655. Payscale shows a slightly lower number at $56,657. Glassdoor paints a brighter picture with total compensation reaching $73,842. This includes a $63,757 base salary plus $10,085 in extra pay. Freelancers and hourly workers make between $29 and $31.60, which aligns with the average hourly rate for video editors. Some freelancers can charge much more, especially those with higher skill levels and specialized expertise.
Factors Influencing Overall Pay
Experience drives the biggest salary jumps in video editing. Coursera’s March 2024 data shows clear growth patterns in video editor job salaries:
Entry-level video editor salary (0-1 year): $37,000-$63,000
Mid-career (4-6 years): $42,000-$72,000
Senior-level (15+ years): $52,000-$92,000
Location makes a big difference in what you can earn. Los Angeles tops the list at $72,384 per year. San Francisco ($64,654) and San Jose ($64,760) come next, further emphasizing the importance of location in determining video editor pay.
Your industry choice can really boost your earning potential. IT jobs offer the highest average at $79,985. This beats media and communication roles that pay $64,272, showcasing the variability across different sectors of the video editing industry.
Technical skills set your market value. Adobe After Effects experts earn about $55,150. This edges out Adobe Premiere specialists who make $54,219, highlighting how specific skill levels can impact earnings.
Comparison with Other Creative Roles
Video editors’ pay matches what broadcast technicians, photographers, and newspaper analysts make. The ceiling can be much higher though, especially at major tech companies. Big players like Microsoft ($143,959), Google ($139,953), and Apple ($127,519) offer full-time video editor salaries nowhere near the industry average.
Education pays off in video editing. Professionals with bachelor’s degrees earn $54,046 yearly compared to associate degree holders’ $49,756. This $4,290 education bonus adds up to a big deal over a career, potentially influencing long-term income potential.
Video Editor Salary by Experience Level
Professional video editors’ salaries in 2025 depend mainly on their work experience. Your earning potential grows as you progress through different career stages, with each level offering new job opportunities and increased video editor pay.
Entry-Level Salary Insights
New video editors with up to 2 years of experience can earn an average hourly rate of $31.60 across the country. The yearly video editor starting salary ranges from $39,000 to $50,833, averaging around $41,707. This entry-level video editor salary provides a solid foundation for career growth.
Location plays a big role in what you can earn. ZipRecruiter shows that Chicago editors make about $33.00 per hour, which is 3% above the national average. Some markets pay even better – editors in Scotts Valley, CA earn 29.4% more than the national average, showcasing the potential for higher earnings in certain regions.
Mid-Level Salary Insights
Your salary takes a big jump after 3-5 years in the field. Mid-level editors typically earn $49,961 to $66,000 yearly. This represents a 20-30% increase from entry-level pay, reflecting career advancement and increased skill level.
This stage brings better projects and more responsibilities. Editors who specialize in specific industries or technologies often earn the higher end of this range, demonstrating how specialization can boost income potential in the video editing industry.
Senior-Level Salary Insights
Senior editors with 6+ years of experience see the biggest pay increases. Their salaries range from $70,000 to $85,000+. The average goes even higher according to Indeed, reaching $87,850. Top performers can make up to $133,035, showcasing the significant income potential at this level.
Where you work matters a lot at the senior level. Sunnyvale, CA offers the highest senior editor salaries at $243,915 per year – almost three times the national average. Nashville ($139,946) and Washington DC ($114,648) also pay well, further emphasizing the impact of location on video editor annual salary.
Senior video editor salaries vary the most, ranging from $65,000 (25th percentile) to $104,500 (75th percentile) based on ZipRecruiter data. This wide range reflects the many specializations and leadership roles available at this career stage, each offering different levels of video editor pay.
Freelance vs Full-Time Video Editor Salary
Video editors in 2025 face a big decision when choosing between freelance and full-time work. The financial impact goes well beyond basic salary numbers, affecting overall income potential and job stability.
Freelance Video Editor Salary Range
Freelance video editors can earn between $25-$150 per hour. Their rates depend on experience, project complexity, and client budgets. The nationwide average hourly rate for video editors reached $31.60 in April 2025. This adds up to about $65,728 yearly for editors who keep steady work. Glassdoor shows slightly different numbers, with freelancers making $57,953 per year plus $3,232 in extra compensation.
Location plays a huge role in what freelancers earn. ZipRecruiter data shows Frankston, TX, Kentville, NS, and Dimondale, MI lead the pack for freelance earnings. Florida sits at the bottom, where freelance video editors make $23.61 per hour – about 25% less than the national average. These variations highlight the importance of considering location when estimating how much a freelance video editor can make.
Full-Time Video Editor Salary Range
Full-time editors can count on steadier paychecks. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median annual salary at $66,600. Salary.com shows a range from $44,671 to $76,532 for full-time video editor salaries. Motion picture industry jobs offer the best stability at $92,070 per year, showcasing the potential for higher earnings in specialized sectors.
Benefits packages are a big deal as they boost full-time compensation value. These jobs usually come with health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off – worth about $20,000 extra each year. This additional value is an important consideration when comparing freelance video editor hourly rates to full-time salaries.
Pros and Cons of Each Path
Freelance Pros:
You control your schedule and pick your clients
Specialized skills can earn you more through higher video editing freelance rates
More diverse projects and creative freedom
Potential for higher earnings through project-based fees
Freelance Cons:
Your income can swing wildly ($20,000 one week, zero the next)
You handle your own taxes, insurance, and equipment costs
Finding new clients takes constant effort
Full-Time Pros:
Regular paychecks and detailed benefits
Clear career advancement paths
Team environment helps you develop professionally
Stable monthly pay and predictable income
Full-Time Cons:
Less say in project selection and creative decisions
Set schedules with little wiggle room
Base pay might not match top freelance earnings
Many pros now take a mixed approach. They keep part-time jobs while taking on select freelance work – getting both steady income and creative freedom. This strategy allows them to benefit from both worlds and potentially increase their overall video editor pay.
More Filmmaking Articles
Top-Paying Industries for Video Editors
Professional video editors’ salary scales in 2025 vary significantly across industries. Experience levels may be similar, but earnings can differ substantially based on the chosen sector, highlighting the diverse income potential within the video editing industry.
Entertainment and Film
Video editors in the entertainment industry earn the highest salaries, and experienced professionals typically make above $70,000 per year. The motion picture and video industries have the largest workforce with 14,790 professionals who earn an impressive $92,070 average annual wage. These high salaries reflect the complex projects and substantial budgets in film production.
Some specialized niches provide even better compensation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows accounting and tax preparation services as the highest-paying specialty, with average annual wages reaching $109,180. Artists’ agents and managers earn close behind at $102,150. These figures demonstrate the significant income potential for video editors who specialize in high-paying niches.
Marketing and Advertising
The marketing and advertising sector stands as the third-largest employer of video editors. Salaries range competitively from $55,000 to $75,000. This industry employs about 2,220 video editors nationwide and offers an average annual wage of $81,470.
Video’s role in digital marketing campaigns continues to grow steadily. Companies have embraced video marketing tools at a rate of 60%, and 94% plan to continue using them. This trend suggests ongoing job opportunities and potential for career advancement in this sector.
Gaming and Streaming
Gaming and streaming has become one of the most dynamic sectors for video editors in 2025. Gaming content specialists typically earn $60,000+ yearly. Major companies like SoaR Gaming pay their video editors approximately $50,194 annually. This sector also offers opportunities for YouTube video editors, with salaries varying based on the channel’s size and success.
Media streaming services employ about 2,370 video editors nationwide with an annual mean wage of $82,310. This emerging sector shows great promise, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a significant 29% field expansion by 2030. The growth in this area presents exciting job opportunities and potential for increased video editor pay.
Your choice of industry shapes both your immediate earning potential and your career’s future direction. Each sector offers unique opportunities for specialization and growth within the video editing industry.
Video Editor Salary by Geographic Region
Your earning potential as a video editor in 2025 varies significantly based on where you live and work. Geographic location plays a crucial role in determining video editor pay and job opportunities.
Best US Cities for Video Editors
New York City guides the market with video editors earning approximately $87,411 annually. Washington DC takes it even further with salaries reaching $127,429. Los Angeles stands strong at $72,384, which makes sense given its entertainment industry presence. These figures highlight the substantial differences in video editor annual salary across major US cities.
The job market tells an interesting story. New York dominates with 247 video editor positions. This is a big deal as it means that it has more than triple the opportunities compared to Los Angeles’s 74 openings. The San Francisco Bay Area might have fewer positions, but compensates well with average salaries of $68,008. This data showcases how job opportunities and salaries can vary significantly by location.
The top five US markets for video editors based on salary potential and job availability are:
New York, NY – $65,197 average
San Francisco, CA – $68,008 average
Los Angeles, CA – $59,482 average
Chicago, IL – $48.74 hourly
Washington, DC – Up to $127,429
These cities consistently rank among the top-paying cities for video editors, offering attractive salaries and numerous job opportunities.
International Salary Comparisons
The global salary landscape shows interesting patterns. Canadian video editors earn about CAD$49,000 yearly, while UK editors make around £27,000. Australian editors see better numbers at roughly AUD$60,000.
European salaries paint a different picture. German video editors earn about €42,000 annually, which puts them ahead of their French counterparts at €35,000. Japan stands out in Asia with annual salaries of ¥4,000,000, way beyond China’s ¥70,000 and India’s ₹500,000. These international comparisons provide valuable context for understanding global video editor pay trends.
Remote Work Trends
Remote video editing has come into its own in 2025. Remote editors now earn $65,728 annually, matching their in-office colleagues almost perfectly. This trend has opened up new job opportunities for video editors who prefer to work from home.
Remote work lets editors earn well without geographic restrictions. Remote editors in expensive markets like New York command $35.00 hourly, about 9.4% more than the national average. This flexibility allows editors to maximize their income potential while enjoying the benefits of remote work.
Some unexpected cities offer the best remote opportunities. Nome, AK ($81,535) and Cupertino, CA ($81,091) top the list, giving editors a chance to maximize both their income and quality of life. These trends highlight the evolving nature of work in the video editing industry and the increasing viability of remote career options.
Emerging Specializations and Their Salaries
Technology is revolutionizing video editing in 2025. New specialized career paths have emerged with unique salary structures, offering exciting job opportunities and potential for increased video editor pay.
VR and AR Video Editing
Video specialists focusing on virtual and augmented reality are in high demand. The field shows remarkable growth with projected job increases of 47% between 2020-2030. AR/VR designers earn $93,319 on average nationwide, showcasing the lucrative nature of this specialization.
Different employers offer varying compensation packages. Apple’s AR/VR developers earn between $157,000-$243,000 per year. Intel Corporation compensates Unity3D (AR/VR) developers around $137,000. Meta leads the pack by offering AR/VR designers $190,000-$295,000 in total compensation. These figures highlight the significant income potential in this emerging field.
Your location plays a big role in how much you earn. Los Angeles and San Francisco positions pay more than $90,000. Senior specialists based in Palo Alto can earn $230,000 or more each year. This geographic variation emphasizes the importance of location in determining salaries for specialized video editing roles.
AI-Assisted Editing
AI tools have created exciting opportunities for video editors who blend technical knowledge with creative abilities. These roles focus on building smart automation and content editing features using AI models and services, representing a growing niche in the video editing industry.
Specialists work on various AI-powered projects. They handle automated video editing, script-to-video generation, upscaling, and frame enhancement. Popular platforms include Synthesia with its realistic avatar generation, Filmora’s AI cutout and audio denoise features, and CapCut’s AI background removal capabilities.
The job market looks promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects film and video editor jobs to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032. This growth means about 8,200 new positions will open yearly, indicating strong career advancement potential in this field.
Interactive Media Editing
Interactive media editing blends classic video skills with modern storytelling techniques. This field requires knowledge of 3D programming, Unity and Unreal Engine development, and C# coding, representing a unique skill set within the video editing industry.
US professionals in this field typically earn $78,000 annually. Top performers can make more than $201,000. This makes interactive media editing one of the most rewarding specializations in video editing, offering significant income potential for skilled professionals.
Tech companies value these combined skills highly. VMware exemplifies this trend by offering AR/VR software engineers around $265,000 in total compensation. This premium salary reflects the value of mixing video editing expertise with interactive development abilities, showcasing the lucrative opportunities available in specialized niches.
🎥 Find More Film Work with Insider Connections
Get exclusive film job listings, career-building resources, and direct access to recruiters and industry experts who can help you land your next role.
By signing up, you agree to receive emails from FilmLocal. You may also receive relevant offers from trusted partners. Opt-out anytime. Privacy Policy
Ready to Become A Video Editor?
The video editor salary landscape depends on several key factors in this ever-changing field. Experience drives the biggest impact on pay. Entry-level positions start at $39,000, while senior editors can earn up to $133,000 per year. Your location makes a big difference too. Sunnyvale tops the charts with salaries reaching $243,915, which is far higher than the national average of $62,485.
Specialization can create big financial rewards. VR/AR editors are seeing exceptional growth, with a 47% increase expected through 2030. Companies like Apple offer packages up to $243,000 for these specialists. Content creation platforms pay well too. TikTok’s average salary of $89,065 beats the national average by 17%.
Career path choices shape your long-term earning potential. Freelancers might see ups and downs in their income but get to choose their projects and clients freely. Corporate jobs offer steady paychecks and complete benefits packages. Tech giants like Microsoft and Google are especially attractive with compensation packages over $140,000.
Smart salary negotiation matters whatever path you choose. Market research, a strong portfolio, and the ability to showcase your unique value help you earn premium pay in this competitive field. The video editing world changes faster every day. One thing stays the same: editors who combine technical skills with specialized knowledge and business sense will earn the highest salaries in 2025 and beyond.
While you’re at it, you should check out more of FilmLocal! We have plenty of resources, and cast and crew. Not to mention a ton more useful articles. Create your FilmLocal account today and give your career the boost it deserves!
FAQs
Q1. What is the typical salary range for video editors in 2025? Video editor salaries in 2025 vary widely, with entry-level positions starting around $39,000 and experienced editors earning up to $133,000 annually. The average salary falls between $51,000 and $62,000, depending on factors like location, experience, and specialization.
Q2. How does location impact a video editor’s earning potential? Location significantly affects video editor salaries. For example, editors in Sunnyvale, CA can earn up to $243,915 annually, while those in smaller markets may earn closer to the national average. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco generally offer higher salaries due to increased demand and cost of living.
Q3. What are the highest-paying specializations in video editing? VR/AR editing and motion graphics are among the highest-paying specializations. VR/AR editors can earn up to $243,000 at top tech companies, while motion graphics specialists in television can make around $92,350 annually. Content creation for platforms like YouTube and TikTok also offers competitive salaries, often exceeding industry averages.
Q4. How does freelance video editing compare to full-time employment in terms of salary? Freelance video editors typically charge between $25-$150 per hour, with potential for higher earnings but less stability. Full-time corporate positions offer more consistent income, with salaries ranging from $66,000 to $121,000 at major companies. Each path has its pros and cons, with freelancing offering more flexibility and corporate roles providing better benefits and job security.
Q5. What skills can help increase a video editor’s salary? Mastering advanced software like Adobe After Effects, developing motion graphics expertise, and honing storytelling abilities can significantly boost a video editor’s earning potential. Additionally, specializing in emerging technologies like VR/AR or AI-assisted editing can lead to premium compensation packages, especially at tech-focused companies.