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Creative Industries

Film and Video Editor

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

Annual openings

107

Median wage

$84,620

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

+11%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

No certification is required or expected for this job.

Work experience

Previous work experience in Film/Video editing, potentially as an Audio & Video Technician, is expected.

Work-based learning

No information available

Many productions have a Production Assistant and/or an Intern on the team, providing a way to break into the industry.
Experience with non-linear editing and post-production tools is valued, such as those from Adobe or Avid. Use one of these tools to ingest footage, add sound, correct color, etc. to put together videos to highlight is fun, and can be used to show future employers.
To stand out, go beyond the basics to add after effects in layers and with key frames, understand 2D versus 3D, leverage the free tools in Blender. The skills you learn will be transferable to the more expensive industry standard tools.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerYes
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsNo

Interests it draws on

  • Arts, Design, and Entertainment
  • Filmmaking

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.
  2. Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.
  3. Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.
  4. Review assembled films or edited videotapes on screens or monitors to determine if corrections are necessary.
  5. Program computerized graphic effects.
  6. Supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in film editing, assembling, and recording activities.
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