A video editor is responsible for assembling recorded raw material into a finished product suitable for broadcasting, streaming, or cinema. This includes cutting and rearranging footage, adding sound, music, and visual effects, and collaborating with directors and producers to achieve the desired outcome. Video editors use specialist software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Avid Media Composer. The role demands creativity, attention to detail, technical skills, and the ability to work to tight deadlines. Video editors can work on films, television programmes, commercials, corporate videos, online content, and more. Many are employed by production companies, broadcasters, or work as freelancers.
The average salary for a video editor in the UK is around £25,000 to £35,000 per year, with experienced editors earning up to £45,000 or more.
There were approximately 16,000 people employed as video editors and related roles in the UK media sector in 2023.
Most employers require at least A-levels or equivalent, but many video editors have a degree or diploma in film production, media studies, or a related field.
Specialises in creating engaging trailers for films and television shows, focusing on pacing, music, and storytelling to attract audiences.
Edits videos for businesses, such as promotional content, training videos, and internal communications.
Works closely with directors and musicians to edit music videos, combining footage and effects to match the song's mood and style.
Familiarise yourself with popular video editing programmes such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
Many editing programmes offer free trials or basic versions, such as DaVinci Resolve and iMovie. Experimenting with these tools will help you understand the basics of cutting, arranging, and exporting footage. Look for online tutorials or free workshops to get started.
Start editing your own videos or use sample footage to practise basic editing techniques.
You can film short clips with your phone or download free stock footage to practise. Focus on cutting, adding transitions, and syncing audio. Try creating short montages or simple stories to develop your creative eye.
Learn about editing principles such as pacing, continuity, and storytelling.
Reading books or watching videos about editing theory will help you understand how to construct engaging narratives. Explore concepts like the ‘invisible cut’, match cuts, and how to use music and sound to enhance emotion.
Take a GCSE, A-level, or college course in Media Studies, Film Production, or Digital Media.
Many colleges and sixth forms offer courses that teach the fundamentals of video production and editing. These courses often include access to equipment and software, as well as opportunities to work on practical projects.
Apply for a university degree, HND, or apprenticeship in film, media, or post-production.
Degrees in film or media production often include advanced editing training and work experience. Alternatively, apprenticeships let you earn while you learn, working directly with experienced professionals in the industry.
Edit videos for school projects, local organisations, or online content creators.
Offer your editing skills to friends, family, or local groups who need videos made. You can also collaborate with YouTubers, charities, or small businesses to build your experience and gain references.
Compile your best editing work into a short video to showcase your skills.
A showreel is essential for applying to jobs or freelance opportunities. Keep it concise, featuring a variety of styles and techniques. Upload your showreel to platforms like Vimeo or YouTube for easy sharing.
Apply for junior video editor roles or offer your services as a freelancer.
Search for assistant or junior editor positions at production companies, broadcasters, or creative agencies. You can also find freelance work on websites like Upwork or Mandy Network. Use your portfolio to demonstrate your abilities.
Oversees the creative aspects of a film or video production, guiding the cast and crew to realise the vision of the project.
Operates the camera and works closely with the director and technical crew to capture the footage needed for a production.
Specialises in editing and mixing sound effects, dialogue, and music to enhance the audio quality of films, TV shows, and videos.
Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.
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LOCALLY WE DO... LTD
( Added 03 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )
Join Locally We Do... Ltd as a Content Creator Apprentice and master the art of impactful storytelling across digital platforms. Learn to craft videos, images, and articles that connect with audiences, while gaining hands-on experience in modern marketing and creative production.
Closing date: in 9 days
Possible start date: 01 Nov 2025
S B K COMPUTERS LTD
( Added 05 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )
Join SBK Computers Ltd, a friendly and trusted IT company that’s been supporting businesses in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire since 1998. As an apprentice, you’ll get hands-on experience fixing hardware, installing software, first-line support, and more. You will be working with a supportive team that has helped numerous apprentices learn and grow.
Closing date: in 2 days
Possible start date: 21 Oct 2025
BIG HEAD CONTENT LIMITED
( Added 08 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )
This role is integral to the production process, requiring a proactive individual who can handle various administrative and logistical tasks. The ideal candidate will have a passion for the industry, a strong work ethic, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Closing date: in 1 month
Possible start date: 01 Dec 2025
FORESIGHT (NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE)
( Added 08 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )
Are you organised, detail-oriented, and passionate about making a difference behind the scenes? As a Data Processor, you’ll play a key role in keeping things running smoothly, from managing vital records to coordinating services that support the community every day.
Closing date: in 21 days
Possible start date: 22 Nov 2025
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A Video Editor primarily focuses on assembling and refining visual content, which is closely related to the skills required for a Web content editor. Both roles involve editing digital media to produce cohesive and engaging presentations, ensuring the visual flow and storytelling are effective.
You can get into this job through:
You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate course in:
You'll usually need:
A college qualification could help you to get practical skills like using editing equipment and software. The most useful courses include work placements and the chance to build contacts in the industry. Courses include:
You'll usually need:
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
You can get started in this job through the following advanced apprenticeships:
You'll usually need:
Employers often value technical skills and personal qualities, like patience and creativity, more than formal qualifications. It's common to move into video editing in film or TV by starting off as a production runner and working your way up.
Experience is highly valued and can give you a taste of what it's like to work in the industry. It can also help you to get practical skills. Getting experience is also a great way to make contacts with people who already work in the industry. Not all jobs are advertised, so your contacts could help you find paid work later on.
You could get relevant experience from:
You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge.
You may be able to get training through one of the entry level training schemes that broadcasters and film bodies offer, for example:
You could also take short courses in video editing run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.
As you get experience, you could make a 'showreel' DVD or online profile of productions you've worked on to demonstrate your skills to employers when looking for work.
You can find out more about careers in editing from ScreenSkills.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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