Film and Video Editors Salary 2025: $75,420 Median, Top States, and Growth Outlook
The median salary for Film and Video Editors is $75,420 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mean earnings hit $86,130, roughly $36 an hour. The typical range spans from $40,280 at the 10th percentile to $148,550 at the 90th. With 25,610 editors employed nationally and a projected 4% growth rate from 2024 to 2034 — faster than average — this remains a competitive but viable career for those with technical and storytelling skills.
How much Film and Video Editors earn
The median annual wage for Film and Video Editors is $75,420. Half of editors earn more than this; half earn less. The mean wage — which shifts upward due to high earners — is $86,130, or about $36 per hour. The bottom 10% earn $40,280 or less, while the top 10% pull in $148,550 or more. These figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey.
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects your paycheck. The highest-paying state is New York, with a mean annual wage of $103,440. It's followed by the District of Columbia at $98,830, Massachusetts at $92,130, California at $88,490, and Colorado at $84,620. On the low end, Montana averages $42,520, South Dakota $39,090, and Alaska $38,800. The BLS notes that these figures represent mean wages for all editors in those states.
How to become a Film and Video Editor
Most editors enter the field with a bachelor's degree in film, video production, communications, or a related field. Some gain experience through certificate programs or associate degrees, but a four-year degree is common. Internships or work on student films are critical for building a portfolio. Licenses and certifications are not required, but proficiency in editing software like Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro is non-negotiable. Many start as assistant editors or in production roles before moving up.
Job outlook
Employment of Film and Video Editors is projected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,600 job openings per year are expected, largely from the need to replace workers who retire or change careers. Demand stays strong as online video content — streaming, social media, and corporate production — continues to expand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a Film and Video Editor?
Entry-level editors (10th percentile) earn about $40,280 per year, per the BLS.
Which state pays Film and Video Editors the most?
New York tops the list with a mean annual wage of $103,440, followed by D.C. at $98,830.
Is the job outlook good for Film and Video Editors?
Yes. Projected growth is 4% from 2024 to 2034 (faster than average), with roughly 3,600 openings each year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Film and Video Editors data.