Video Editor Job Titles

In the diverse video editing domain, job titles are a key indicator of roles, responsibilities, and areas of specialization. A Video Editor's day-to-day tasks can significantly differ based on their specific job title, so it's crucial to understand what they all mean. To help Video Editors and professionals in the industry gain clarity about how to approach the job market, we've created a comprehensive guide to common Video Editor job titles. 

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 Skills

Video Editors are the modern-day jack of all trades. These multipotential professionals must balance the technical training required to use video editing software with the ability to be adaptable and organized and to work independently and in a group in a fast-paced environment. If these skills seem overwhelming to learn all at once, fear not! Several career development and certificate programs can help you identify the skills you need to be a successful video editor.

Many employers prefer or subscribe to different computer applications relevant to video editing. A background in video editing applications like those offered by Adobe Creative Cloud, Blender, Cinema 4D, and Final Cut Pro can help you be eligible for more career opportunities and stand apart from your competition. Technical schools and training programs offer users a variety of on-demand, live online, and in-person learning opportunities that can help them navigate these programs and build robust portfolios showcasing their creative and technical skills.

Video Editor Career Path

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a successful Video Editor, but there are several paths you can take. Each path has a different set of skills and qualifications, so it's important to understand what is expected of each role before pursuing a career in Video Editing. Freelancing and independent contractors are attractive options for many aspiring Video Editors, as it allows them to bypass the traditional corporate structures and work on projects that align with their own interests and passions. Many freelance jobs can be landed without formal qualifications or degrees, but it's important to understand the industry and have a portfolio of work showcasing your skills. 

If you want to pursue a more traditional career path as a Video Editor, many jobs require at least some formal education. Many universities offer video editing, motion graphics design, and visual effects design courses. These courses can help you gain insight into the field and learn the necessary practical skills for a successful career in video editing. Internships are also a great way to get your foot in the door, as they offer invaluable experience and mentorship from experienced professionals. It's important to ensure any internship you take is paid, as there are many qualification standards and laws around unpaid internships that can be difficult to navigate. 

Once you have the skills and experience required for the job, it's time to apply for entry-level positions. Entry-level jobs as a Video Editor usually involve assisting senior editors and producers with shooting, editing, color correction, motion graphics, and sound design. Mid-level Video Editors often take on more responsibility and creative control, while senior Video Editors can take on larger projects with bigger budgets.

Read more about the typical Video Editor career path. 

Video Editing Apprentice

One entry-level role that individuals pursuing a Video Editor career may consider is working as a Video Editing Apprentice. This position usually requires little to no prior experience and involves working under the guidance of experienced professionals, gaining an understanding of industry standards and best practices while completing basic tasks. 

Some tasks apprentices may be asked to perform include setting up production equipment for shoots, organizing footage into project libraries, and editing basic clips according to predetermined directions. Apprentices may also be asked to help create simple graphics and animations while learning the ropes of the industry from respected professionals.

Assistant Video Editor

A more established role within the industry is Assistant Video Editor. This job requires individuals to have a basic understanding of video editing applications and equipment, as well as an ability to work on deadline-driven projects while helping direct editorial decisions.

Assistant Video Editors often help create detailed project plans for shoots and adjust timelines accordingly. They may also have to edit primary footage following the Lead Video Editor's requests, make requested changes to existing footage, and help create graphics and animations. 

Motion Graphics Designer

With experience and a talent for the creative side of video editing, individuals may opt to become Motion Graphics Designers. This specialized role involves using graphics software to combine images, text, motion effects, and music into visually appealing design sequences that can be used in commercials or presentations.

Motion Graphics Designers must understand color theory, typography principles, storytelling elements, and compositing techniques. They often work with a team of other Designers, Animators, and Editors to create multimedia projects for clients or employers.

Animator

Animators are responsible for creating animated visuals that tell stories or make movies come to life. Animators use a variety of tools and techniques, including 3D modeling, stop motion animation, and cel animation, to create realistic and beautiful artwork. 

To be successful in this role, animators must have an eye for detail and a knack for creative problem-solving. They must be able to create visuals that move and interact realistically with one another and translate designs into fully realized art pieces.

Video Manager

Video Managers are responsible for overseeing production projects from concept to completion. Video Managers oversee the entire creative process, from scriptwriting and storyboard design to shooting, editing, motion graphics design, and post-production. This is a senior-level role that requires strong leadership skills and an in-depth knowledge of video production processes.

Their role is to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget while helping the creative team stay organized. This requires strong problem-solving and communication skills and the ability to anticipate potential issues and use creative solutions to resolve them. Video Managers must also be able to evaluate the quality of a project's visuals and sound design before signing off on its completion.

Why Become a Video Editor?

Becoming a Video Editor offers many opportunities in the dynamically growing digital world. This profession harnesses a unique blend of technical proficiency and creativity, making it a stimulating and rewarding career choice. As visual content continues to dominate the media landscape, the demand for skilled Video Editors is constantly rising. From movies and television to online media and advertising, Video Editors can work in various sectors, making the profession versatile and promising. Additionally, the role of a Video Editor goes beyond just technical editing; it's about storytelling. Video Editors can shape narratives, evoke emotions, and convey messages in meaningful and compelling ways. Each project brings new challenges and requires original solutions, ensuring that the work remains engaging and never mundane. Additionally, with the advent of cutting-edge editing software and technologies, the creative possibilities within this field are virtually limitless.

Lastly, the video editing profession offers fair compensation. Remuneration is commensurate with experience and skill level, making it an attractive option for those looking to make a career in video editing. The average Video Editor makes $60,000 in the United States, with top earners making over $100,000. Video Editors can also progress in their careers by expanding their skill set and working on more complex projects. Overall, the profession of a Video Editor is stimulating and rewarding, with ample growth opportunities. This could be the perfect career path for anyone interested in combining creative expression and technical proficiency.

Read more about whether Video Editor is a good career.

Learn the Skills to Become a Video Editor at Noble Desktop

Are you excited to begin your Video Editor career but need help figuring out 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.

Remuneration is commensurate with experience and skill level, making it an attractive option for those looking to make a career in video editing. The average Video Editor makes $60,000 in the United States, with top earners making over $100,000. Video Editors can also progress in their careers by expanding their skill set and working on more complex projects. Overall, the profession of a Video Editor is stimulating and rewarding, with ample growth opportunities. This could be the perfect career path for anyone interested in combining creative expression and technical proficiency.

Read more about whether Video Editor is a good career.

How to Find a Video Editor Job

When it comes to landing a job in video editing or any of its related careers, two crucial elements are your portfolio and knowing where to look for open positions. Your portfolio serves as a tangible representation of your skills, experience, and creativity. That’s why it’s necessary to curate your best work when creating a standout portfolio. Ensure it showcases your technical abilities and creative vision, and remember to include any distinctive projects that might set you apart from other candidates. Tailor your portfolio to the job you're applying for by including relevant work samples and highlighting buzzwords in the job listing.

Finding open careers can be achieved through several routes. Online job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor are valuable resources for current job listings. Industry-specific websites and forums may also post job opportunities. Networking is another fruitful approach; attending industry events or connecting with professionals in the field can lead to job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised. There are also freelancing sites like Upwork and Dribbble that provide a platform for hiring talent. These sites allow employers to hire professionals on a short-term or contract basis, enabling them to try different skill sets for their projects.

Learn the Skills to Become a Video Editor at Noble Desktop

Are you excited to begin your Video Editor career but need help figuring out 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.