Is Video Editing a Good Career?

Do you consider yourself a creative person? Are you an engaging storyteller who combines varying elements to create a cohesive narrative? Does having a dynamic workday with quick deadlines, spirited collaborations, and multiple responsibilities sound like the ideal work environment? If you answered “yes” to these questions, video editing might be the best career to pursue! 

Video Editors are needed in almost every industry that relies on audience engagement, such as advertising, education, marketing, etc., allowing them to command the highest-paying and most diverse job opportunities. Skilled Video Editors can customize their careers and hours to create a unique work environment and lifestyle. Many build their careers without a four-year university degree or taking out costly loans. The following article explores the benefits of this growing career opportunity.

What is a Video Editor?

If you’re looking for a career that combines your artistic and organizational skills into a cohesive, creative experience, consider pursuing training as a Video Editor. Video Editors are responsible for compiling, editing, and producing different types of audio and visual content into a coherent and unique form of media. They frequently work with advertisers, filmmakers, directors, social media companies, and other visual media fields to create seamless and compelling narratives. 

Video Editors use professional-grade applications such as Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro to transform raw footage shot onsite or at a soundstage into the modern movie masterpieces we see on our screens today. Editing includes smoothing the transitions between camera angles, removing background noises, and adding sound and visual effects. Video editors also transform ordinary greenscreens and tennis balls into fantastical landscapes and mythical figures. 

Read more about the responsibilities of a Video Editor.

Video Editor Salary and Job Outlook

If you are a creative person pursuing your passion, you are probably very familiar with family members wondering if “you are going to be able to get a job in that field.” Luckily, Video Editors are needed in most public-facing industries with the rise of streaming platforms, social media, and other visual forms of advertisement and communication. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that video editor jobs will grow faster than the national average over the next ten years, especially as more professionals retire and more industries seek new ways of engaging audiences. 

Depending on experience level and familiarity with the latest version of editing software, a Video Editor can easily expect to make $60,000 to $72,000 per year, with states such as New York, New Hampshire, California, and Connecticut offering the highest wages. Many Video Editors have at least a bachelor’s degree in filmmaking or cinematography. Nevertheless, professionals can still be eligible for higher salaries by learning new editing programs and refining their skills. The motion picture and video industries are frequently the largest employers of Video Editors, followed by cable, radio, sound recording, and independent artists and contractors. 

What Makes Video Editor a Good Career?

There are several reasons why Video Editing is a great career option, ranging from the chance to work with new technology, a wide variety of job opportunities, and an unlimited potential for professional growth. Below is a snapshot of the most popular aspects that make Video Editing a good career.

Balance of Creative and Technical Work

One of the more unique aspects of Video Editing is the combination of technical and creative elements. Video Editors must be able to understand a project's artistic structure and have knowledge of industry-specific software and hardware. Not only do they edit raw footage, but they also collaborate with directors, actors, producers, and other professionals in the media production field to create high-quality visual stories. 

The technical and creative aspects of Video Editing also allow professionals to be flexible and take on multiple, diverse forms of media production. Video Editors can work in film, advertising, television, podcasts, music videos, and more. When given the chance to pursue a career in video editing that is both creative and technical, professionals can explore their passions while learning valuable skills that will benefit them in all areas of the industry.

Expected Job Growth 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests that video editor job growth will outpace the national average over the next decade. As more experienced professionals retire and industries seek new ways to engage audiences, Video Editors are increasingly in demand. The BLS cites that most video editors work in motion picture and video industries, cable networks, radio stations, sound recording studios, and independent contractors. 

The BLS also reports that Video Editors can earn around $60,000 per year depending on their experience level and technical expertise. To maximize earnings potential, Video Editors with at least a bachelor’s degree in filmmaking or cinematography should consider completing continuing education courses related to the latest editing software.

Ability to Choose Work Location 

Video Editors can often work remotely and don’t necessarily require a physical office space. With the increasing demand for editing software that can be used from any computer or platform, Video Editors can take on different jobs while traveling or working from home. This provides professionals with a unique opportunity to choose their own hours and negotiate their rates with freelance gigs, allowing them to take on a wide variety of projects from around the world. 

With this type of freedom, Video Editors can also explore new artistic opportunities that may not be readily available in their local market. With remote work, freelancers and independent contractors can gain access to international film festivals, television shows, or other creative projects that require specialized video editing skills.

Fast-Paced Work Environment 

Another benefit of a career in Video Editing is the fast-paced work environment that comes with it. Depending on the project, some deadlines may be tight and require a lot of quick thinking, which can be both challenging and exciting for professionals who are used to structure and routine. With video editing, there’s always something new to learn, as each project has unique requirements, and it’s up to the Video Editor to stay on top of the latest editing software and technology trends. 

Through fast-paced work environments, Video Editors are constantly improving their skill set and can gain a deep understanding of the creative process. This type of environment is also perfect for those who prefer working independently, as they have more control over how many hours they spend on a project.

Career Paths Related to Video Editor

There are several career paths that Video Editors are well-suited for due to the training and experience they have in editing videos. These roles are often found in creative industries, such as advertising and film production. One related career path is a Motion Graphics Designer, which involves creating visual effects for videos using specialized software. This profession requires an eye for detail and the ability to think creatively when creating animations that capture the viewer's attention. Motion graphics designers also need to have a good understanding of how color, light, and sound can be used in combination to create the desired effect. 

2D or 3D Animators are also an option for video editors looking to expand their skill set. Animators often work closely with graphic designers and directors to create engaging visuals that tell a story or convey a message. They need to have strong drawing and animation skills and a strong understanding of the principles of animation and storytelling. Graphic Designers are also hired in creative industries to create engaging visuals for videos. They need to have an eye for color and composition and technical skills such as typography and layout design. Graphic designers must be able to work independently to develop high-quality visuals that meet deadlines and client expectations.

Read more about other career paths related to Video Editor careers.

Learn the Skills to Become a Video Editor at Noble Desktop

Are you excited to begin your video editor career but unsure where to start? Don’t stress! Noble Desktop is here to help! Noble Desktop offers many resources relevant to video editors at each leg of their professional journey. Professionals looking for a road map to entering or building their careers can explore training opportunities and career paths through Noble Desktop’s Learn Video Editing Page. Editors looking for a comprehensive overview of educational and practical training opportunities offered live online and in-person should check out Noble Desktop’s Video Editing Topic Page. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the video editing profession and relevant editing applications that professionals regularly use. 

Video Editors use various professional-grade applications to design and create their projects. But how do you determine which programs to add to your tool kit? Noble Desktop provides a comprehensive archive of learning resources that detail the functionality, level of learning difficulty, and cost of learning different applications. Foundationally, most professionals are well-versed in video editing software such as Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro. If you are already established in the field and looking to gain a competitive edge in the job market, consider learning more about motion graphics software like After Effects or 3D animation and modeling through Cinema 4D.

As you explore these sophisticated visual graphics programs, you will likely recognize that learning these intricate programs on your own can be a lonely and complicated process. Luckily, Noble Desktop offers live online and in-person courses for video editors at all stages of their careers. For example, professionals ready to dive into the video editing field may want to enroll in a Premiere Pro Bootcamp or After Effects in a Day course. These fast-paced classes are an excellent way to rapidly build your video editing skills with the guidance of an experienced instructor. Video editors looking to diversify their portfolios and demonstrate their skills to potential employers can pursue a Video Editing Certificate or a Video Editing and Motion Graphics Certificate. Students gain robust hands-on experience through small class sizes and project-based learning opportunities. Noble Desktop even offers a free retake option so students can refresh their skills and maximize their retention within a year of their class.

Key Takeaways

• Video editing can be a rewarding and fast-paced career path that allows professionals to work on unique projects with flexibility for independent working. 
• Video Editors have many related career paths, such as Motion Graphics Designers, 2D or 3D Animators, and Graphic Designers. 
• Many programs are available to learn video editing skills, including bootcamps, certificate programs, and certification classes.
• You can receive comprehensive training to become a Video Editor through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.