TV Editor Career Profile, Salary & Job Outlook
What does a TV Editor do?
A TV editor removes unwanted footage in post-production and puts the remaining shots together to create a complete, finished show. They review materials, including the script, shot list, and footage outline. Then, editors go through raw footage taken during principal photography and choose the most effective shots.
How much does this career make?
According to Ziprecruiter, TV Editors make a national average of $52,329 or $25.16 an hour (as of March 2022). Entry-level TV editors make around $28,000 annually, with senior-level TV editors making $107,500 a year. Of course, this wide range also depends on skill, seniority, company, and location.
What impact does this career have towards the television industry?
During filming, directors capture hundreds of hours worth of footage. Editors go through that footage to pick out which scenes best convey the story. They create shows that are cohesive and resolve narratively.
What is the job outlook for this career?
Analysts forecast that television revenue will grow to $231 billion by 2024. In addition, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities in the editing field (including TV Editors) are expected to increase by 29% during the 2020-2030 decade.
How to kick off your career:
- Practice editing software.
- Network with local filmmakers and edit short films.
- Explore the NYU x Rolling Stone x IndieWire Film + TV Industry Essentials online course.
- Download Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Television Career Guide.
Learn from:
Maisha Closson, Film & TV Industry Essentials contributor,
Executive Producer of The L Word: Generation Q
Related Careers:
Colorist | Title Sequence Designer | Foley Artist | Sound Mixer | ADR Mixer | Assistant Editor | Graphic Artist | Composer | Sound Designer | Music Supervisor | Foley Engineer
