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.

$70,570
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+3% projected 2024โ€“2034
Bachelor's degree
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Film and video editors transform raw footage into polished final products that audiences see on screens large and small. They spend their days in editing suites, carefully reviewing hours of recorded material to select the best shots and arrange them into a compelling sequence. Using sophisticated digital editing software, they cut and splice footage, adjust timing and pacing, and ensure smooth transitions between scenes. They synchronize dialogue with lip movements, layer in music and sound effects, and adjust color and lighting to create the desired mood and visual consistency.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Northwestern University, IL
$89,054
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Temple University, PA
$84,908
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(bachelors)Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA
$76,507
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)University of Washington-Seattle Campus, WA
$72,293
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(bachelors)Rochester Institute of Technology, NY
$71,549
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Michigan State University, MI
$69,257
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Drexel University, PA
$63,562
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)University of California-Berkeley, CA
$62,846
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Quinnipiac University, CT
$60,845
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Savannah College of Art and Design, GA
$60,278
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Georgetown University, DC
$59,859
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Arizona State University Digital Immersion, AZ
$58,339
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Arizona State University Campus Immersion, AZ
$58,339
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians(masters)New York Institute of Technology, NY
$56,703
Film/Video and Photographic Arts(bachelors)Tufts University, MA
$56,418
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Carnegie Mellon University, PA
$56,147
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Emerson College, MA
$56,147
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)California State University-East Bay, CA
$56,147
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Duke University, NC
$56,147
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Florida State University, FL
$56,147
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Aurora University, IL
$56,147
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Central Michigan University, MI
$56,147
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Agnes Scott College, GA
$56,147
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Arkansas Tech University, AR
$56,147
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA
$56,147

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