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.

* Unlock higher pay rates

* Work with bigger budgets

* Clients justify your value

* Gain valuable marketing experience

* Applicable across digital media roles

In this episode, I dive into the specific lane within digital media that has helped me the most in my career and can help you too: paid media.

I explain why editing for paid media, such as Facebook ads or TV commercials, can lead to higher pay and better opportunities compared to organic content. I share my experiences working with companies like DraftKings and SamCart, and how their marketing budgets and focus on ROI allowed me to command higher rates.

I emphasize that this principle applies to various roles within the digital media landscape, from graphic design to copywriting.

(00:00) Intro

(01:14) What is paid media?

(02:28) Why paid media pays better than organic

(04:50) My experience with paid media clients

(06:23) Paid media principles apply to other digital media roles

(07:49) Outro

• Ditch film school, earn more• Freelance: your fast-track to success• Boost skills through paid work• Build a network that matters• Land jobs faster, travel freely

In this episode, I share my insights on how aspiring video editors and graphic designers can make real money and build a successful career without attending film school.

I emphasize the importance of freelancing through platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, as well as reaching out to local businesses. I explain how freelancing not only provides better pay and flexibility but also helps improve skills and build valuable connections.

I share my personal experience of landing my first full-time job through freelancing and encourage listeners to take this route for quicker success and better opportunities.

(00:37) - The reality of making money in video editing and graphic design

(01:49) - The benefits of freelancing: better pay, skill improvement, and connections

(06:10) - Freelancing vs. traditional job hunting: less competition, quicker results, and better opportunities

Globetrotting 23 year-old video editor turned video agency owner, Doran McCormack shares his of expertise on life inside startups, video editing, Product Hunt launches, and more.

🍰 Go to https://niceslicestudio.com/