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
$57,000
$4,750/mo
Entry Level
$36,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$87,000
experienced
Job Growth
+12%
10-yr outlook
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)
55K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Creative
Hourly Rate
$27.40/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,750
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
$70,000
$5,833/month · $2,692/biweekly · $33.65/hr
Video Editor Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Video Editor field.
Entry-level Video Editors earn around $36,000, while the top 10% earn $96,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Video Editors
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $67,000 | +$10,000 |
| New York | $66,000 | +$9,000 |
| Texas | $56,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $56,000 | $-1,000 |
| Georgia | $55,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Video Editors
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $67,000 | +$10,000 |
| Los Angeles | $64,000 | +$7,000 |
| Austin | $59,000 | +$2,000 |
| Miami | $58,000 | +$1,000 |
| Atlanta | $56,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Video Editor Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Video Editor from entry level to expert.
$36,000
0-2 years
$62,000
3-7 years
$87,000
8-14 years
$105,000
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 $57,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $36,000, while senior professionals earn up to $87,000. Top earners in the field can make $105,000 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 55K 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 $67,000. 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 $36,000 to $87,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Video Editor Salary
How we calculate Video Editor salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $57,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Video Editor in the Creative sector.
- Entry-level ($36,000) and senior-level ($87,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +12% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 55K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Creative sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $57,000.
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 Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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