Video Editor Salary in 2026
Video editors cut and assemble footage into polished videos for film, television, social media, and corporate content. They add effects, music, and transitions to tell compelling stories.
Median Salary
$75,420
$6,285/mo
Entry Level
$47,600
starting pay
Senior Level
$115,100
experienced
Job Growth
+12%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Film and Video Editors (SOC 27-4032) at a national median of $75,420 per year (mean $86,130), or $36.26 per hour, with 25,610 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Video Editor Overview
Video editors cut and assemble footage into polished videos for film, television, social media, and corporate content. They add effects, music, and transitions to tell compelling stories.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Creative
Total Jobs (US)
26K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Creative
Hourly Rate
$36.26/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,285
Video Editor Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Video Editor salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Video Editor Salary
$92,000
$7,667/month · $3,538/biweekly · $44.23/hr
Video Editor Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Video Editor field.
Entry-level Video Editors earn around $47,600, while the top 10% earn $127,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Video Editors
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $89,000 | +$13,580 |
| New York | $87,000 | +$11,580 |
| Texas | $74,000 | $-1,420 |
| Florida | $74,000 | $-1,420 |
| Georgia | $73,000 | $-2,420 |
Top Paying Cities for Video Editors
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $89,000 | +$13,580 |
| Los Angeles | $84,000 | +$8,580 |
| Austin | $78,000 | +$2,580 |
| Miami | $77,000 | +$1,580 |
| Atlanta | $74,000 | $-1,420 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Video Editor Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Video Editor from entry level to expert.
$47,600
0-2 years
$81,000
3-7 years
$115,100
8-14 years
$138,900
15+ years
Related Creative Jobs
Video Editor Salary FAQ
How much does a Video Editor make in 2026?
The median salary for a Video Editor in the United States is $75,420 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Film and Video Editors (SOC 27-4032); the mean is $86,130. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $47,600, senior professionals around $115,100, and top earners at $138,900 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Video Editor?
A Video Editor typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 1-3 years of experience. Key skills include Premiere Pro, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve. Relevant certifications such as Adobe Certified Professional or Avid Certified can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Video Editors?
The job market for Video Editors is projected to grow by 12% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 26K Video Editor positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Video Editors the most?
The highest-paying states for Video Editors include California, New York, Georgia. In California, the median salary is approximately $89,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Video Editor salary?
To increase your Video Editor salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Premiere Pro and After Effects. Pursue certifications such as Adobe Certified Professional. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 1-3 years of experience, you can progress from $47,600 to $115,100 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Video Editor Salary
How we calculate Video Editor salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Film and Video Editors (SOC 27-4032), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $75,420, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Film and Video Editors; BLS mean $86,130; BLS hourly median $36.26.
- Entry-level ($47,600) and senior-level ($115,100) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +12% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 25,610 Film and Video Editors jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Creative sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $75,420; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Video Editor compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Video Editor job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Creative
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Video Editor salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Premiere Pro, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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