Video Editor
Also advertised as: Content Editor, Junior Video Editor, Motion Video Editor, Post-Production Editor, Video Editor, Video Producer
Cuts raw footage into finished videos for advertising, social media, TV or corporate use.
What the job involves
Video editors take raw footage and shape it into a finished piece, adding graphics, sound and pacing that fit the brief. Many work freelance across short-form social clips and longer broadcast or corporate projects, using software such as Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. A strong showreel opens more doors than any qualification.
Typical responsibilities
- Edit raw footage into a finished cut
- Add titles, graphics and sound design
- Colour grade footage for consistency
- Work to client or broadcast technical specifications
- Manage file organisation and version control
Common employers
- Production companies
- Advertising agencies
- Broadcasters
- In-house marketing teams
- Freelance clients
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£21,000 – £27,000 a year
With experience
£32,000 – £48,000 a year
Typical hours
37.5 hours, freelance hours vary considerably
Working environment
Studio, office or home based
Remote working
hybrid
Demand for this work
steady
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Video editing software
- Storytelling through pacing
- Colour grading
- Sound editing
- Attention to detail
Transferable skills you may already have
- Personal or hobby video editing
- Working to tight deadlines
- Managing large digital files
Requirements employers ask for
- Video editing software
- Storytelling through pacing
- Colour grading
- Sound editing
- Attention to detail
- No formal qualification required; a showreel is essential
Useful but not essential
- Personal or hobby video editing
- Working to tight deadlines
- Managing large digital files
- Degree or diploma in film production
- Adobe or DaVinci Resolve certifications
Helpful qualifications
- Degree or diploma in film production
- Adobe or DaVinci Resolve certifications
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Content Creator (Level 3)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Media studies
- Related subject: Film production
- Related subject: Digital media
Where this career can lead
next
Senior Video Editor
next
Post-Production Supervisor
next
Creative Director
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Skills are self-teachable through free software trials
- Wide range of freelance and staff opportunities
- Satisfying, visible creative output
What people find hard
- Freelance work can be feast or famine
- Tight turnarounds for social and news content
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a video editor?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. not_required
- How much does a video editor earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £21,000 to £27,000 a year, rising towards £48,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Personal or hobby video editing, Working to tight deadlines, Managing large digital files.
Related careers
Graphic Designer
Creates visual work for brands, campaigns, packaging and digital products.
Copywriter
Writes the words used in adverts, websites and marketing materials to persuade and inform.
Photographer
Plans and shoots photography for clients, ranging from products and events to portraits.
Motion Designer
Animates graphics and text to create moving visuals for adverts, apps and video content.
Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
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