What Are My Career Options in Video Editing?

<p>If you are aspiring to be a video editor, you may be able to find careers in the television, film, news broadcasting, and cable industries. Depending on the medium you are working with, you may need to edit footage using digital files or film stock. Some projects that you may work on include documentaries, television programs, music videos, sporting events, motion pictures, and training sessions. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutVideoEditingCareers">Important Facts About Video Editing Careers</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Editors, broadcast engineers, producers, multimedia artists</td></tr> <tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> Video editors typically work in the studio or office settings but may occasionally be required to work in the field</td></tr> <tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Communication, creativity, visual skills, computer skills, attention to detail</td></tr> <tr><td> Professional Certification </td><td> None required</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---JobDescription">Job Description</h3> <p>As a video editor, you may work with a team of filmmakers, editors, directors, and producers to complete a project. By working with these professionals, you are tasked with manipulating images to achieve the suggested overall feel of your work. Some of your duties may include formatting video files, rendering footage and finding the best takes. During your work, you may also be required to use file compression software. </p> <h3 id="section---RequiredEducationAndSkills">Required Education and Skills</h3> <p>Before you are able to find a job in this field, you will usually need to earn a bachelor's degree. Common majors include broadcasting and film. You will also need to become familiar with computer editing software. Types of computer editing software programs that you may use include: </p> <ul><li>Adobe Photoshop </li><li>Adobe Premiere Pro </li><li>Avid Pro Tools </li><li>Adobe Flash </li><li>Adobe After Effects </li><li>Apple Final Cut Pro </li></ul><p>With this software, you will sync sound, dialogue, and music with moving images. You may also need to be effective at determining the quality of particular film clips and link them together to form a cohesive story. As an editor, you are also responsible for organizing, maintaining, uploading and manipulating raw footage. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOutlook">Career Outlook</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), film and video editor employment was predicted to increase by 14% between 2021 and 2031 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). This results to a much faster than average in employment, so a lot of competition is expected. The potential growth may also be somewhat limited due to production outsourcing and technological advances. Editors may have a better chance of finding jobs in California and New York City, according to the BLS. </p> <h3 id="section---SalaryInformation">Salary Information</h3> <p>Film and video editors averaged $76,000 per year as of May 2021, reported the BLS. The motion picture and video industries employed the highest number of these professionals and offered an annual average salary of $82,240. This is followed by radio and television broadcasting which earned an average salary of $61,160 a year.</p>