The video editing industry has a big problem! There is still not enough transparency around salaries, pricing, and work trends often feel out of reach. At Cutjamm, we believe knowledge is power—and we’re on a mission to empower video editors worldwide. This report is our way of shedding light on what’s really happening in the industry: how much editors are earning, how they price their work, and what kinds of projects they’re tackling.

Our goal is simple: to provide clarity and build connections. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, this report is here to help you understand where you stand and where the industry is heading.

For those unfamiliar, Cutjamm is more than just a portfolio platform; it’s a space where video editors showcase their projects, get inspired, and connect with a global community of creative professionals. With over 2,500 users and growing, Cutjamm is built to celebrate the art and craft of video editing while bringing editors closer together.

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Methodology

We collected responses from 201 video editors over the last three months of 2024. The survey reached editors from different parts of the world, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the UK, ensuring a broad and diverse perspective.

Most responses came from Cutjamm’s community of over 2,500 users, while others were gathered through platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, and Discord. Sharing the survey on these platforms helped us get a mix of insights from both Cutjamm users and editors active in other creative communities.

This diverse input forms the backbone of our report, giving an authentic look into the video editing industry as it stands today.

150+ respondents between 1 - 10+ years of experience in varied editing works have shared their salary data to fuel insights within this report.

3500+ data points were considered to generate video editor salary insights reported here.

If you have any feedback on the report after you’ve read it, do let us know!

Your input will help us make future reports even more useful for video editors worldwide.

Who took our survey?

Over 200 video editors from around the world participated in this survey, representing a wide range of experience levels. The majority of respondents are in the early to mid stages of their careers, providing insights into how the industry looks for editors actively growing in their profession.

Work & Client Acquisition

Workload & Project Management

Most video editors work over 40 hours per week, making it one of the more demanding creative professions.

The main reason? A majority handle between 2 to 5 projects simultaneously.

Where Do Video Editors Find Clients?

Social media is the biggest source of clients, with 32% of editors finding work through platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. Many editors successfully pitch themselves by creating personalized, high-quality sample edits for potential clients.

Another 36% rely on word-of-mouth and repeat clients, emphasizing the importance of building strong client relationships for long-term success.

Who Are Video Editors Working With?

The most common clients are individual content creators (YouTubers, vloggers, influencers), with 38% of editors primarily working on social media content.

Editors working with agencies (21%) often don’t have full transparency on the final client, while corporate clients and studios make up a smaller but higher-paying segment.

📝 Key Takeaway: Social media dominates video editing, both in client acquisition and project type.

Now coming to the part which you all have been waiting for…

Pricing & Compensation

How Do Video Editors Charge?

Excluding full-time employees, most freelance video editors prefer charging per project (35%). However, pricing models shift with experience:

📝 Trends by Experience Level:

• New Editors (1-3 years): Prefer per project or per minute pricing.

• Mid-level Editors (3-6 years): Shift toward monthly retainers and hourly rates for steady income.

• Experienced Editors (6+ years): Often move toward stable annual salaries or higher retainers.

This suggests that as editors gain experience, they prioritize stability and long-term income sources. ​

What Are the Average Rates?

Based on survey responses, the following are average earnings across different pricing models:

• Hourly rates average around $27.55.

• Monthly retainers tend to be the highest, averaging $1206.60.

• Per minute of video edited charges are around $148.95.

• Per project flat fees average around $287.16.

The monthly retainer model clearly stands out as the most lucrative, followed by per-project and per-minute rates.

Here’s a table of the rates by experience, and the average rates you can charge based on your preferred method.

Best Video Niches for Higher Rates

Corporate & Branded Content: The highest-paying niche, requiring polished editing styles and strong storytelling.

Social Media Content: Lower per-project rates, but high volume and fast turnaround make it a lucrative niche.

📊 Satisfaction & Rate Increases

77% of editors are satisfied with their current rates.

97% plan to increase their rates in the next 12 months.

Industry Trends & Future Outlook

Growing Demand for Video Editing

The demand for corporate video editing is increasing, as more B2B companies shift from written content to video. This industry is high-paying but difficult to break into.

The Role of AI in Video Editing

30% of editors predict more automation and AI tools will shape the industry in the next 2-3 years.

34% see higher demand for specialized editing skills to stand out against automation.

📝 Key Takeaway: Editors should adapt to AI tools while honing specialized skills to stay competitive.

Let's Bring More Transparency to Video Editing

The video editing industry is constantly evolving, and transparency around rates, workload, and client acquisition is more important than ever. By sharing insights like these, we can help editors make informed decisions about their careers, set fair prices, and navigate industry trends with confidence.

If you found this report valuable, share it with fellow editors, freelancers, and anyone in the video industry. The more data we collect, the clearer the picture becomes—and together, we can create a more transparent, fair, and thriving industry for video editors worldwide.