With the rise of remote work and freelancing, many video editors today work remotely and set their own rates. Depending on experience level, skills, demand and other factors, remote video editor salaries can vary quite a bit. Here is an overview of typical remote video editor pay and factors that impact earnings.
Average Salary for Remote Video Editors
According to various salary websites and surveys, the average annual salary for a remote video editor ranges from $40,000 to $65,000 per year. This comes out to approximately $20-35 per hour. However, there is a large range in remote video editor pay. Entry-level editors may make closer to $15 per hour, while highly experienced editors can make $50 per hour or much more.
Some key factors that influence remote video editor rates include:
- Experience level and editing skills
- Types of projects and clients worked with
- Education and formal training
- Certifications and technical expertise
- Location and local cost of living
- Reputation, reviews and references
Less experienced editors who are just starting out will fall on the lower end of the pay scale, while professionals who have many years under their belt take on more complex projects and command higher rates. Editors who work with high-budget advertising, film and television projects tend to earn more than those doing basic editing for small business videos and the like.
Pay by Experience Level
Here is a breakdown of typical remote video editor rates based on years of experience:
Experience Level | Hourly Rate Range |
---|---|
Entry-level (0-2 years) | $15 – $25 per hour |
Mid-level (3-9 years) | $25 – $50 per hour |
Expert (10+ years) | $50 – $100+ per hour |
As shown, the more years an editor has been working in the field, the higher their earning potential usually is. Entry-level remote editors just getting started can expect to make around $15-25 per hour. Those with a solid 3-9 years experience under their belt command $25-50 per hour. And expert remote editors with 10+ years experience can make $50 per hour or much more, with some making over $100 per hour.
Pay by Type of Videos Edited
In addition to experience, the types of videos and projects a remote editor works on impacts their earnings potential. Editors who work on bigger-budget corporate, advertising, film and TV projects are able to charge higher rates than those editing simpler videos.
Here are typical remote video editor rates based on project types:
Video Type | Hourly Rate Range |
---|---|
Basic editing of vlogs, wedding videos, etc. | $20 – $40 per hour |
YouTube and social media videos | $25 – $50 per hour |
Corporate and nonprofit videos | $40 – $75 per hour |
TV commercials and movie trailers | $60 – $150+ per hour |
Video editors who work on big-budget TV and film projects for major studios and networks can command the highest rates, sometimes over $100 or $150 per hour. Editors who work on basic projects like vlogs and wedding videos are at the lower end, making around $20-40 per hour. Corporate videos, social media content and the like fall somewhere in the middle.
Factors That Increase Remote Video Editor Pay
Here are some of the key factors that can increase how much a remote video editor can make:
Technical Expertise
Editors who have expertise in specialized technical skills like motion graphics, animation, color correction and audio editing can charge a premium. These skills are in high demand.
Certifications
Having certifications in top editing programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects and Avid Media Composer signals a high skill level to potential clients.
Clientele and References
Established editors who have worked with recognizable brands, companies and clients can leverage those references to justify higher rates.
Positive Reviews
Strong reviews and testimonials from past clients on freelancing sites like Upwork help attract new clients who will pay higher rates.
Quick Turnaround
Editors who can work quickly and handle tight deadlines and quick turnarounds can negotiate higher pay from clients with rush projects.
Communication Skills
Being able to communicate editing concepts clearly and collaborate effectively with clients adds value editors can charge for.
How Remote Video Editors Charge for Projects
When working as a remote video editor, there are a few common pay models:
- Hourly rate: Most common for remote editors. Pay is based on an hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours worked.
- Flat project fee: Some clients prefer to pay a single fixed price for the entire video editing project.
- Per video rates: Some freelancers charge per individual edited video, such as $250 per 3-minute video.
- Monthly retainer: For ongoing video editing work, clients may pay a monthly fee for a minimum number of videos per month.
The hourly rate model gives editors the most flexibility and ability to charge fairly for their time. However, clients sometimes prefer a flat project fee for predictability. Hybrid models are also possible, such as charging an hourly rate up to a maximum per-project cap.
How Much You Can Make as a Remote Video Editor
For remote video editors, annual earnings of $50,000 to $100,000 or more are possible depending on your experience, technical skills, clientele and how much you take on. Top remote video editors can even make over $150,000 per year.
However, it takes time to build up your skills, portfolio and client base. In the first few years, a more realistic range is $30,000 to $60,000 in annual income. Focus on gradually raising your rates and reaching higher-paying clients to increase your earning potential over time.
Improving Your Income as a Remote Editor
Here are some tips to earn more money over time as a remote video editor:
- Constantly improve your technical skills in popular editing programs
- Earn certifications to signal your expertise to clients
- Build a diverse portfolio of video projects
- Network and connect with video production companies
- Get reviews and testimonials from happy clients
- Set competitive rates based on local market conditions
- Learn to communicate your value and justify your rates
- Increase your rates each year as you gain experience
With hard work, skill development and business savvy, remote video editors can grow into a lucrative career field with a high income ceiling.
Conclusion
Remote video editor salaries vary based on experience, skills, projects worked on and other factors, but range from around $40,000 to $65,000 on average. Entry-level remote editors start at around $15-$25 per hour, mid-level editors make $25-$50 per hour, and expert editors with 10+ years experience can charge $50-$100+ per hour. The most lucrative remote video editing work tends to be with high-budget TV, film and advertising projects. With constant technical development, building a client base, and incrementally increasing rates, remote video editors have strong earning potential over the course of their careers.