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Film and Video Editors

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.

Median pay: $70,980; per year
10-year outlook: +4%; Stable
Typical entry: Bachelor's degree

Key skills

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Active Learning
Complex Problem Solving
Writing
Judgment and Decision Making

What they do

Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.
Edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.
Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.
Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.
Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.
Trim film segments to specified lengths and reassemble segments in sequences that present stories with maximum effect.
Cut shot sequences to different angles at specific points in scenes, making each individual cut as fluid and seamless as possible.
Review assembled films or edited videotapes on screens or monitors to determine if corrections are necessary.
Verify key numbers and time codes on materials.
Manipulate plot, score, sound, and graphics to make the parts into a continuous whole, working closely with people in audio, visual, music, optical, or special effects departments.

Majors that lead here

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, Employment Projections) and O*NET, used under CC BY 4.0.