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What Education and Training Is Needed to Become a Video Editor?
What Education and Training Is Needed to Become a Video Editor?
To become a video editor, many professionals will earn a bachelor's degree, perhaps by attending film school. Some will complete apprenticeships and other hands-on training, and many video editors should expect to study in continuing education classes.
Education and Training Overview
Video editing is a highly technical field and generally requires some education or training. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov) reports that most video editors learn their trade through formal education after high school. Many positions for video editors require applicants to hold bachelor's degrees to be considered.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts About This Occupation</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Median Pay (2021) </td><td>$62,680 (for film and video editors)*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 14% increase in employment, which is considered much faster than average*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Key Skills </td><td>Video editors need creativity and the ability to communicate effectively and work well on computers; they must also have a good eye for detail along with strong visual skills, coordination, and time management skills</td></tr>
<tr><td>Similar Occupations </td><td>Publication editors, multimedia artists, animators, broadcast and sound engineering technicians, producers and directors</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---FormalEducation">Formal Education</h3><p>Most video editors get their start after formal training at colleges and universities. A bachelor's degree related to video editing provides prospective editors with a well-rounded education in videography, the technical aspects of editing, camera operation, and artistry. California's Employment Development Department (<i>www.calmis.ca.gov</i>) suggests that film school may also be helpful for people looking to break into video editing.
</p><h3 id="section---Training">Training</h3><p>Video editors begin work as apprentices or assistant editors. They may also pick up work experience at their university or college film department. Video editing students or young professionals may work part-time at cable and television networks or motion picture studios. This training supplements, but doesn't replace, the formal degrees that most video editors have.
</p><h3 id="section---CertificationAndContinuedEducation">Certification and Continued Education</h3><p>Although video editing is a technical profession, there is no widely accepted certification, and certification is not required for employment in the industry. However, even once they have become part of the field, video editors should expect an ongoing educational experience. The rigorous time demands of the job leave little time for 'on-the-job' training for experienced video editors. They are likely to take formal courses outside the work environment to keep abreast of new developments in the industry.</p>
