Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
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.
Top skills:Active ListeningCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingActive Learning
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Film and Video Editors salary by industry
Information
17,670 workers
$94,000
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
3,220 workers
$73,500
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
1,000 workers
$72,000
Educational Services
840 workers
$61,500
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
820 workers
$112,000
Wholesale Trade
450 workers
$81,000
Management of Companies and Enterprises
430 workers
$99,500
Other Services (except Public Administration)
320 workers
$75,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
The average base salary for a Film and Video Editors in the United States is $89,000 per year, or about $42.79 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $54,500 and $109,000 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media roles?
The Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media job family averages $86,500 across 41 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
