A film and video editor shapes raw footage into finished stories. You'll use specialized software to cut, arrange, and refine video content for film, television, streaming, and digital media. This creative role requires a bachelor's degree and strong technical skills.
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Film and video editors work with computers to assemble and polish video content. You'll review raw footage, select the best takes, arrange scenes in sequence, and add transitions, effects, and sound. You think creatively to tell compelling stories while staying true to the director's vision. You stay current with editing software and techniques, communicate with supervisors and creative teams about project goals, and monitor your work to catch errors. Attention to detail and the ability to work under deadline pressure are essential.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Film and Video Editors earn a median of $75,420 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 3,600 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a bachelor's degree to enter this field. Your education should cover communications, media production, and digital arts. During your studies, you'll build hands-on experience with editing software and learn the technical and creative foundations of the craft. Many programs include internships or project work that let you build a portfolio. After graduation, you'll continue learning new tools and techniques as technology evolves, so a commitment to ongoing skill development matters.
Most editors earn their degree through a traditional four-year bachelor's program focused on media or digital arts. If you're deciding how to structure your education path, Pathly can map the film and video editor path that fits you with your counselor to map out the steps that fit your timeline and goals.
You do not need a license to work as a film and video editor, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to creative work and storytelling. You think visually, solve problems through editing choices, and enjoy the technical side of bringing a vision to life.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).