Film and Video Editors

O*NET 27-4032.00 · SOC 27-4032

Film and Video Editor is a solid career choice. Median pay is $75k a year with +3.7% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 3,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+3.7%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$75k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
3k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Assemble raw footage into polished productions
  • →Apply color correction and visual effects
  • →Sync audio and video tracks
  • →Collaborate with directors on creative vision
  • →Manage media files and project timelines

Education & How to Get In

🎯
Job Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Film and Video Editor roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Film and Video Editor? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
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Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
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LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Creative, studios, agencies, or remote

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Film and Video Editor involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningAssemble raw footage into polished productions
MiddayApply color correction and visual effects
AfternoonSync audio and video tracks

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Artistic (Creators)5.6
Conventional (Organizers)3.8
Realistic (Doers)3.1
Enterprising (Persuaders)3.1
Social (Helpers)2.0
Investigative (Thinkers)1.9

Who Thrives as Film and Video Editor?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISFPThe ComposerENFPThe CampaignerINTJThe StrategistENTPThe Innovator

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Film and Video Editor Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

Indeed ↗LinkedIn Jobs ↗ZipRecruiter ↗

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Job Outlook

Employment of Film and Video Editors is projected to grow 3.7% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

25/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·48% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Film and Video Editor make?

The median Film and Video Editor earns $75k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Film and Video Editor jobs?

Our model puts Film and Video Editor at 25 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 48% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.

Is Film and Video Editor a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 3.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 3,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Film and Video Editor?

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Film and Video Editor roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.

How long does it take to become a Film and Video Editor?

Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Film and Video Editor career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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