Film and Video Editors earn a median of $75,420 per year ($36.26/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 3.7% through 2035, with about 3,100 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 27-4032
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Film and Video Editor in four numbers
- Median pay
- $75,420a year, or $36.26/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $40KTop 10% $149K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +3.7%About as fast as averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+3.7%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +3.7% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 3,10039,400 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202539.4K
- Projected 203540.8K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 39.4K Projected 2035 40.8K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school16.3%
- Some college1.2%
- Associate's16.9%
- Bachelor's65.1%
- Master's0.6%
Highest education held by film and video editors Segment Value High school 16.3% Some college 1.2% Associate's 16.9% Bachelor's 65.1% Master's 0.6%
Also advertised as: Editor, Film Editor, News Editor, News Video Editor, News Videotape Editor, Non-Linear Editor.
Pay
How much do Film and Video Editors make?
Every film and video editor in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$75,420
Middle half earn $52,720 to $105,310
- 10th
- $40,280
- 25th
- $52,720
- 75th
- $105,310
- 90th
- $148,550
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $40,280 |
| 25th | $52,720 |
| Median | $75,420 |
| 75th | $105,310 |
| 90th | $148,550 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $75,420
- Median hourly wage
- $36.26/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $86,130
- People employed
- 25,610
Versus all US occupations
At $75,420, Film and Video Editors earn 48% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $24,440 a year.
Versus arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations
Inside the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media group, where the middle occupation pays $68,060, this is 11% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $148,550 or more while the bottom 10% earn $40,280, a gap of 3.7×. That is an unusually wide spread, which usually tracks specialisation, employer type and years of experience.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 50% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
New York pays the most at $103,440, and still leads at $95,848 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Film and Video Editors the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1New York | $103,440 | $95,848 | 3,710 |
| 2District of Columbia | $98,830 | $89,926 | 370 |
| 3Massachusetts | $92,130 | $87,115 | 550 |
| 4California | $88,490 | $79,922 | 8,110 |
| 5Colorado | $84,620 | $82,114 | 380 |
| 6Connecticut | $83,550 | $80,639 | 600 |
| 7New Jersey | $82,890 | $76,182 | 620 |
| 8Virginia | $78,740 | $77,880 | N/A |
| 9Maryland | $78,380 | $74,677 | 250 |
| 10Utah | $76,240 | $77,116 | 370 |
Job outlook
Is Film and Video Editor a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
About as fast as average. +3.7% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Film and Video Editors | +3.7% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
About as fast as average
BLS projects employment of Film and Video Editors to change 3.7% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 1,500 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 3,100 openings are projected each year, 7.9% of the 39,400 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Overall demand for content and an increase in special effects are expected to create jobs for film and video editors over the projections decade.
The consolidation of roles, such as editors who determine the best angles for a shoot, as well as the use of robotic cameras and the increasing reliance on amateur film footage may reduce employment growth for camera operators.
Getting in
How to become a Film and Video Editor
Film and video editors and camera operators typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field related to film or broadcasting.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Medium preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as film and video editors.
- Bachelor's Degree65.1%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree16.9%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)16.3%
- Some College Courses1.2%
- Master's Degree0.6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 65.1% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 16.9% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 16.3% |
| Some College Courses | 1.2% |
| Master's Degree | 0.6% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Film and Video Editor 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.
Film and video editors and camera operators manipulate images that entertain or inform an audience. Camera operators capture a wide range of material for television, movies, and other media. Editors arrange footage shot by camera operators and collaborate with producers and directors to create the final content.
Day-to-day tasks
- Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.
- Review assembled films or edited videotapes on screens or monitors to determine if corrections are necessary.
- Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.
- Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.
- Verify key numbers and time codes on materials.
- Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.
- Cut shot sequences to different angles at specific points in scenes, making each individual cut as fluid and seamless as possible.
- Study scripts to become familiar with production concepts and requirements.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most film and video editors and camera operators work full time, although part-time work is common. Work hours often vary with the type of operator or editor. Those who work in broadcasting may put in additional hours to meet a deadline. Those who work in the motion picture industry may have busy schedules while filming, but they go through a period of looking for work once a film is complete and before they are hired for their next job.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where film and video editors work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Self-employed workers35%
- Motion picture and video industries21%
- Publishing, broadcasting, and content providers14%
- Professional, scientific, and technical services8%
- Employment services4%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Self-employed workers | 35% |
| Motion picture and video industries | 21% |
| Publishing, broadcasting, and content providers | 14% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 8% |
| Employment services | 4% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Active Listening3.8
- Critical Thinking3.5
- Reading Comprehension3.4
- Speaking3.3
- Active Learning3.3
- Writing3.1
- Monitoring3.0
- Learning Strategies2.6
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | 3.8 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.5 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.4 |
| Speaking | 3.3 |
| Active Learning | 3.3 |
| Writing | 3.1 |
| Monitoring | 3.0 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Complex Problem Solving3.3
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1
- Time Management3.1
- Coordination3.0
- Social Perceptiveness2.9
- Persuasion2.8
- Systems Analysis2.8
- Systems Evaluation2.6
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.3 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.1 |
| Time Management | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.9 |
| Persuasion | 2.8 |
| Systems Analysis | 2.8 |
| Systems Evaluation | 2.6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Desktop publishing software · in demand
- Enterprise application integration software · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Video creation and editing software · in demand
- Web platform development software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Filesystem software
- Internet browser software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Film and Video Editor?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Film and Video Editor |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 3 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 6 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 3 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Artistic5.6
- Conventional3.8
- Realistic3.1
- Enterprising3.1
- Social2.0
- Investigative1.9
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Film and Video Editor
O*NET related occupations
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Office and Administrative Support
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
More arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media careers
Median annual pay, with film and video editors highlighted
- Art Director$114,850
- Technical Writer$90,390
- Editor$77,920
- Writer and Author$76,910
- Film and Video Editor$75,420
- Public Relations Specialist$74,750
- Interior Designer$67,190
- Graphic Designer$62,960
- Photographer$44,660
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Art Director | $114,850 |
| Technical Writer | $90,390 |
| Editor | $77,920 |
| Writer and Author | $76,910 |
| Film and Video Editor | $75,420 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $74,750 |
| Interior Designer | $67,190 |
| Graphic Designer | $62,960 |
| Photographer | $44,660 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within film and video editor
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Film and Video Editor appears on
Questions
Film and Video Editor: frequently asked questions
How much do Film and Video Editors make?
Film and Video Editors earn a median of $75,420 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 48% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $36.26/hr. The middle half earn between $52,720 and $105,310. The top 10% earn $148,550 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Film and Video Editor?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Film and Video Editors, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as medium preparation. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 65.1% hold bachelor's degree.
Is Film and Video Editor a growing career?
It is stable rather than fast-growing: employment is projected to change 3.7% over 2025–2035, about the same as the 3.5% projected across all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 3,100 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Film and Video Editor do?
Film and video editors and camera operators manipulate images that entertain or inform an audience. A core O*NET task: review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product. Employers most often ask for Desktop publishing software, Enterprise application integration software, Graphics or photo imaging software.
Which states pay Film and Video Editors the most?
The highest state medians for Film and Video Editors are New York ($103,440), District of Columbia ($98,830), Massachusetts ($92,130) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Film and Video Editor?
O*NET scores Film and Video Editors highest on the Artistic, Conventional and Realistic interest areas, so the work mixes creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.