TLDR

* Video editor pay varies in the arts, but there's good money in digital media.

* Positioning oneself and knowing where the money is key to higher pay rates.

* Building experience and starting with low rates is necessary to reach higher pay levels.

(02:38) - The host's personal experience with pay as a video editor.

(07:22)- The host's total earnings in 2023, combining salary and freelance work.

(09:10) - Realistic salary expectations for a good video editor and the possibility of making six figures by combining freelance and full-time work.

I never thought I’d see six-figures

Video editor salaries in 2024 can vary greatly, especially in the digital media space. My personal journey began with charging $15 an hour on Upwork, but through a combination of salary and freelance work, I managed to make $120,000 in 2023.

Knowing Where the Money Is

Positioning yourself well and understanding where the money is in this industry is crucial.

Working in paid media, where video editors play a key role in driving sales, is where you can really maximize your earnings potential.

I even managed to negotiate an $80,000 salary at a startup.

Climbing the Ladder

Skilled video editors have the potential to charge at least $40 an hour on platforms like Upwork and can command a salary of $70,000 or more.

However, it's important to invest time in learning your craft, honing your skills, and be open to starting with lower-paying gigs to build up your experience before you can start demanding those higher rates.

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