As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Film Editor in the United States is $59,700. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $51,900 to $68,500, with most professionals earning between $44,799 and $76,512.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $68,500 | $5,708 | $1,317 | $33 |
| Average | $59,700 | $4,975 | $1,148 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,900 | $4,325 | $998 | $25 |
An entry-level Film Editor with less than 1 year of experience earns about $57,139. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $57,372. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $60,357. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $64,034, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $64,297.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Film Editor | $57,139 |
| Intermediate Level Film Editor | $57,372 |
| Senior Level Film Editor | $60,357 |
| Specialist Level Film Editor | $64,034 |
| Expert Level Film Editor | $64,297 |
| Entry Level | 4% |
| Mid Level | 4% |
| Senior Level | 1% |
| Top Level | 7% |
| Experienced | 8% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Film Editor compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $56,188 in 2023 to approximately $56,283 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Film Editor salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Film Editor information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Film Editor job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Film Editor and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $59,700 | 70.9% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $4,567 | 5.4% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,806 | 3.3% | ||
| Disability | $478 | 0.6% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 7.2% | ||
| Pension | $3,284 | 3.9% | ||
| Time Off | $7,348 | 8.7% | ||
| Total Compensation | $84,237 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 6.5% |
| Associates | 12.2% |
| Bachelors | 75.2% |
| Masters | 5.3% |
What Am I Worth?
Yes, a career as a Film Editor can be very rewarding. With a salary range from $55,600 to $70,200, there are ample opportunities in both small and large studios, as well as freelance projects. The skills you acquire are transferable to other industries, making it a valuable investment of your time and effort.
Film editors in the USA typically earn between $55,600 and $70,200 annually. The average salary is around $62,300, reflecting the midpoint of this range. These figures provide a clear overview of the earning potential for film editors in the industry.
Film editors are typically paid between $55,600 and $70,200 annually, with a median salary of around $62,300. Their earnings can vary based on efficiency and reputation, as those who work quickly and produce high-quality edits often command higher salaries. Experience also plays a significant role in skill development and salary potential.
Editing can be a well-paying job, with salaries for Film Editors ranging from a minimum of $55,600 to a maximum of $70,200, with a mid-salary of $62,300. Factors such as experience, location, and industry demand can influence these figures, making it a potentially lucrative career choice for skilled professionals.
A film editor needs a keen eye for detail, creativity, and a strong interest in film and video editing. Patience, concentration, and teamwork skills are essential, along with self-motivation and dedication. Organizational and time management skills are also important. The salary for a film editor ranges from $55,600 to $70,200, with a mid-salary of $62,300.
Film editors typically work eight to ten hours a day, especially during long projects, often collaborating closely with the Director. The salary for film editors ranges from a minimum of $55,600 to a maximum of $70,200, with a mid-range salary of $62,300, reflecting the demanding nature of their work and the importance of their role in film production.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
