How Much Do Youtube Editors Make

How Much Do Youtube Editors Make

YouTube is one of the biggest platforms for sharing video content. In fact, it’s the most extensive video search engine right now. Thanks to the popularity of YouTube, video editing has become the most demanding job. The platform has over 2.1 billion monthly users and it sees approximately 122 million users per day.

This means people across the globe are turning to YouTube either to learn or earn through monetization. The platform was able to generate $28.8 billion in revenue in 2021 while every day more than 1 billion hours of video are watched.

YouTube content creators often film and edit their own videos but not all have the right skills. That’s why many people ask YouTube editors to help them produce high-quality videos. These are professional video editors who know how to produce engaging videos that meet the platform’s standards.

So is editing for YouTube a good career for you?

Well, we are going to explore this topic in detail. You’ll learn how much YouTube editors make and the factors that affect their earnings. But first, let’s find out why someone will hire video editor for YouTube.

Related: How To Learn Video Editing For YouTube

Why YouTubers Hire Editors

You may be wondering if a person can shoot videos, why can’t they edit themselves?

The answer may vary depending on who you are asking this question. There can be more than one reason to hire someone to edit YouTube videos. We’ve enlisted a few main reasons why hiring YouTube video editor is necessary and a good move.

Time Constraints

Creating YouTube content requires a significant amount of time and effort. YouTubers may not have the time to edit their videos while also foreseeing their channel. They are often busy producing new content, engaging with their audience, and managing other aspects of their channel.

Hiring a video editor for YouTube frees up time for them to focus on other important tasks.

Quality Control

Editing is a critical part of the video production process. Professional editing can help to ensure that videos are well-paced, engaging, and visually appealing. Hiring an editor can help YouTubers produce high-quality content that meets the expectations of their audience.

Expertise

Professional video editors have specialized skills and knowledge that can help YouTubers improve their videos. They may have expertise in areas such as color correction, sound design, or visual effects. These are the aspects that can take a YouTuber’s videos to the next level.

Consistency
The number one rule to grow on YouTube is consistency. Viewers expect a certain level of quality and frequency from their favorite channels. Hiring a YouTube editor can help you maintain a consistent release schedule. Moreover, you can ensure that your videos have a consistent look and feel.

Creative Collaboration

Working with an editor is also a collaborative process that can fuel creativity. YouTubers can work with their editors to develop new ideas and approaches for their videos. This can lead to more creative and engaging content to ensure the growth of your YouTube channel.

Related: Advantages And Disadvantages Of Digital Video Editing

Overall, hiring an editor can help YouTubers to create high-quality. They can produce engaging content that meets the expectations of their audience. In addition, this way YouTubers can free up time to focus on other important aspects of their channels. The type of collaboration also defines how much video editors make.

Types of YouTube Video Editors

How-Much-Does-It-Cost-To-Hire-A-YouTube-Editor-1

There are several types of YouTube video editors, each with its own unique set of skills. We have enlisted the most common types of YouTube video editors that are high in demand. 

Basic YouTube Editors

 Basic editors typically use entry-level video editing software to edit videos. They may trim footage, add basic transitions and effects, and adjust color and audio levels.

Professional Editors for YouTube

 Professional editors typically use high-end editing software and have advanced skills in video editing. So their hourly video editing rate is often higher than normal YouTube editors’ salary. They can add complex visual effects, create motion graphics, and edit complex multi-camera projects.

Motion Graphics Designers

 Motion graphics designers specialize in creating animated graphics and visual effects. They may use software such as Adobe After Effects to create dynamic titles, logos, and special effects.

YouTube Shorts Editors

There are video editors that specialize in creating short-form videos for YouTube and TikTok. They use vertical or square aspect ratios, add subtitles and use engaging visuals to capture viewers’ attention.

Related: Best Video Editing Software For Short Films

Color Correction Specialists

There are editors that specialize in adjusting color and tone in videos to create a consistent look and feel. Brands and businesses hire color correction specialists to ensure their brand image. They use software such as DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro to adjust exposure, white balance, and color grading.

Sound Designers

Don’t let the name fool you, sound designers specialize in creating and editing audio for videos. They may add sound effects, create custom music, and edit dialogue to ensure it sounds clear and natural.

Travel YouTube Editors

Travel video editors specialize in creating visually stunning videos that showcase travel destinations. They may add drone footage, create time-lapse sequences, and incorporate music to create a cinematic experience.

Gaming Video Editors

These editors specialize in editing videos for gaming channels. They add special effects, create montages, and incorporate gaming-related graphics and sound effects.

These are just a few examples of the types of video editors that work in the YouTube industry. Many video editors have skills that overlap with other types of editors. You can offer a combination of these services if you have the skills to do the job.

Factors that Affect How Much YouTube Editors Make

Before we dive into how much YouTube editors make, you must know that there are several factors involved. It’s important to understand these factors as they can affect your earnings.

Experience

Like with any profession, experience is a critical factor in determining how much a YouTube editor can earn. An entry-level editor may earn less than a mid-level or senior-level editor. As an editor gains more experience, their earning potential typically increases.

Skill Level

The skill level of a YouTube editor is another important factor. A highly skilled editor who can produce high-quality videos can command a higher salary. If you are good at editing YouTube videos that meet the platform’s standards you can earn more than a less skilled editor.

Location

The location of a YouTube editor may also impact their earnings. That’s because editors work in larger cities or regions with a higher cost of living. Competition is higher in such areas and they are also more skilled 

Type of Editing Content

The type of content being edited can also impact an editor’s earnings. For instance, editing a simple vlog video may not command as much pay as editing a high-production music video or short film.

Negotiation Skills

Lastly, an editor’s negotiation skills can greatly impact their earnings. An editor who can effectively negotiate their salary or fees can earn more. It’s all about how well you can portray your services to YouTubers and get a higher rate for your services.

Additional Factors Affecting Video Editing Rates

  • Video length
  • Scriptwriting
  • Shooting
  • Stock photos
  • Video editing equipment
  • Plots
  • Audio tracks
  • Sound effects
  • Video complexity

Qualifications for Video Editors

Qualification is like the selection criteria for hiring a video editor. YouTubers select a video editor depending on their experience, skills, and the resemblance of their works.

Beginner YouTube Editors

Beginner video editors generally have a low price as they are just starting their careers. But this does not mean you can earn without expertise as you must possess proven severe skills. You’ll have to demonstrate your skills to YouTubers and they’ll raise the price accordingly.

So how much to charge for video editing beginner?

According to the current industry standards, a beginner YouTube video editor’s pay should be between $25 and $45.

Expert YouTube Editors

Professional editors for YouTube have proven skills and a good portfolio. This enables them to work with well-known YouTubers and big brands. Their YouTube video editor rates are also higher based on their skills and software usability.

The average YouTube video editor’s salary is around $58,783 a year. This means an editor for YouTube videos in the US earns $28 /hour.

So if you are wondering how much YouTube editors make, it mainly depends on the type of work. You can set a video editing hourly rate to increase your earnings. If you are a professional, you can fix video editing rates per minute.

How Much Do YouTube Editors Make?

Full-time YouTube video editors typically earn between $34,500 and $55,000 per year in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In developing countries, salaries for video editors are much lower.

The average salary for a YouTube video editor in the United States is $47,723 per year. However, wages in other countries tend to be less- especially in developing countries such as India.

But professional editors—or specialists in a particular production style—can often command $30-150 or more per hour, and for a good reason.

A talented editor will have skills beyond mere proficiency with editing software; they understand how to construct a narrative from the disparate elements given.

Salary Ranges of YouTube Editors

The salary range for YouTube editors can vary greatly depending on their experience level. According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for a video editor in the United States is $47,579 per year. However, this can vary widely depending on the editor’s location, experience level, and type of content they edit.

Entry-level editors with less than one year of experience can expect to earn around $35,000 per year. Mid-level editors with 1-4 years of experience can expect to earn around $50,000 per year, while senior-level editors with more than five years of experience can earn upwards of $70,000 per year

Examples of Popular YouTube Editors’ Earnings

Popular YouTube editors have been known to earn significant amounts of money.

For example, Matt Johnson, the editor for the popular YouTube channel Dude Perfect, reportedly earns between $250,000 and $300,000 per year. Similarly, the editor for the popular YouTube channel PewDiePie, BradWOTO, has reportedly earned over $1 million in his time working with the channel.

Of course, these high earnings are not typical for all YouTube editors. But these examples illustrate the earning potential for those who are highly skilled and working with successful channels.

It’s also worth noting that many YouTube editors do not work as full-time employees. They usually work as freelancers or contractors, which can make it difficult to estimate their earnings. Also, some YouTube editors charge a flat fee per video, while others charge an hourly or per-minute rate. You can also earn a percentage of the ad revenue generated by the videos you edit.

How to Become a YouTube Editor

If you’re interested in becoming a YouTube editor, there are several steps you can take to get started. Below is a small guide including the key steps that you must take.

Education and Training Requirements

There are no specific educational requirements for becoming a YouTube editor. However, having a degree or certification in film editing, graphic design, or a related field can be helpful. It’s also important to have a strong understanding of video editing software.

Tools and Software for YouTube Editing

As a YouTube editor, you’ll need access to a computer with sufficient processing power, storage, and RAM. You’ll also need to stay up-to-date with the latest video editing trends and techniques.

Also, you should know how to work with the best video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. You should also learn how to use AI YouTube editing software like RAV.AI or other popular tools.

Building a Portfolio

To attract clients as a YouTube editor, you’ll need to build a strong portfolio of your work. This can be done by editing videos for friends, family members, or local businesses. You can also participate in online video editing competitions or submit your work to online video communities.

How to Set Video Editing Rates

video editing

Once you’ve mastered the skill, create a portfolio of your best work. The next step is to set your YouTube video editing rate. You can charge on the below bases as a video editor for YouTube.

Hourly Rate

Most people hire YouTube video editors at hourly rates. It is also one of the most famous and liked methods by most editors. This rate guarantees that every minute spent working will generate payment.

Daily Rate

The service charge is in fixed pricing when you offer daily services. This means that no matter how many hours you rendered for the project, your rate is already final. This type of payment is suitable if the video editor can finish the project ahead of time. However, if the task is too complex, the work can be very exhausting.

Fixed Rate

Professional YouTube editors usually charge a fixed rate for their services. Having fixed rates means it does not matter if you complete the work in an hour or day. You will get a fixed rate for completing the YouTube editing work within the set time period.

FAQs about How Much Does a YouTube Editor Make

Can you make money as a YouTube editor?

Yes, you can make handsome money as a YouTube editor. A freelance video editor’s average salary is $20 an hour in the US. However, earnings mostly depend on your experience and type of task. For example, editing promotional videos for businesses pays more than editing for newbie YouTubers.

How do I price my video work?

Your best bet ranges from $25 an hour to $75 for just basic Premiere Pro editing projects. You can be flexible, but the most significant way to ensure fair value is to be upfront about your expectations based on the project.

How much does a 5-minute video cost?

A 5-minute video cost usually depends on the type of video. The pricing generally ranges anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 per finished minute. When creating your budget, it’s better to refer to averages. So a safe estimate for 5-minute videos would be $3,000 per finished minute.

How do you become a video editor?

Becoming a video editor for YouTube is easy, but requires passion. Colleges offer courses in the field of cinematography or video-editing software. You can also learn video editing through online classes. The Coursework involves a mix of film theory with practical training, and editors may complete a brief period of on-the-job training.

The Bottom Line

YouTube editing can be a lucrative and rewarding career for those who are passionate. The salary range for YouTube editors can vary widely depending on several factors. However, there is potential for high earnings for those who are highly skilled. So if you’re interested in becoming a YouTube editor, be sure to develop your skills, and build a strong portfolio.

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