If you're looking for a career that promises wide job prospects for the future along with adequate compensation, look no further than this! 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected the employment of film and video editors to grow 29 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 8,600 openings for film and video editors and camera operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 

That's not it. Since these roles are in demand, they come with handsome compensation. The median annual wage for film and video editors was $67,250 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,870, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $152,720. 

So, if you love watching movies, TV shows, and YouTube videos, and have ever dreamed of being part of the creation process for these moving media, a career as a film and video editor might be your calling!

Film and Video Editor in a Nutshell

A film and video editor is a technical professional who applies his or her creative side to produce a final video. Such videos involve both technology and creativity. There are video editing software programs installed on computers through which a video editor puts various effects on picture quality, edits sound, adds music, cuts reels, and arranges shots in a sequence that narrates a story in an intriguing manner.

While camera operators capture a wide range of material for television, movies, and other media, editors arrange the materials to tell a story. They often work alongside the producers and directors to achieve their overall vision for the project and create the final content.

Work Environment of a Film and Video Editor

According to the latest data published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 38% of film and video editors are self-employed, as of 2020. The largest employer for this profile is the motion picture and video industry, followed by television broadcasting companies and professional/technical services.

In this role, you'll conduct most of your work alone. You may work with a director and, on larger products, assistant editors, sound effects editors, and music editors. 

Most film and video editors and camera operators work full time, although part-time work is common. Work hours often vary with the type of operator or editor. Those who work in broadcasting may put in additional hours to meet a deadline. Those who work in the motion picture industry may have busy schedules while filming, but they go through a period of looking for work once a film is complete and before they are hired for their next job.

Educational Requirements and Career Pathway

The key skills required in a film and video editor are great communication skills, computer and visual skills, a creative mind, and orientation to detail.

If you think you suit these requirements and are keen on exploring a career in the field, we recommend you start your preparations from high school.

High school students can prepare by choosing elective courses in film and video editing to see if they would be interested in furthering their education.

This career field relies on training, education, and hands-on experience. While there aren't many colleges offering a specific degree in editing, most editor positions require a bachelor’s degree in a field related to film or broadcasting, such as communications. Many colleges offer courses in cinematography or video-editing software. Coursework involves a mix of film theory with practical training. 

Degree programs go by different names. These can include Bachelor's Degrees in Film Production, Film and Photographic Technology, Film Production, Cinema Studies, and Theatre Arts.

A lesser taken path is to work as a journeyman or apprentice, working for a film, production, video, or movie studio. In this case, the apprentice would work under a professional film and video editor.

Still, confused whether film and video editing is the right career for you? 

Take InternMart's Career Map Test to know if it's your calling and get a detailed breakdown of why you may or may not make a good editor.

The free career aptitude test will do the math for you and help you figure out your personality traits and how they relate to the career pathways you can explore and pursue.