If you’re wondering whether video editing is still a safe career bet in 2025, you’re not alone. AI tools are everywhere, short-form content is dominating feeds, and everyone seems to be “editing” something on their phone. It’s easy to worry that the profession is becoming overcrowded or automated.
The good news: the data shows video editing is still in demand in 2025 – but the type of editor who wins today looks very different from ten years ago. This guide walks you through real numbers, trends, and skills so you can decide whether to start (or double down on) a career in video editing.
What The Job Market for Video Editors Looks Like in 2025
Official job outlook for film and video editors
Let’s start with hard numbers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow by about 3% from 2024 to 2034, roughly in line with the average across all occupations. The same projections estimate around 6,400 job openings each year on average over that decade, from both new roles and replacements.
The median annual wage for film and video editors in May 2024 was $70,980, which is higher than the median wage for all occupations.
Globally, the wider entertainment and media industry is projected to reach around $3.5 trillion in revenue by 2029, with digital and video-heavy advertising driving significant growth.
Taken together, this data shows that video editing hasn’t disappeared or collapsed. It has settled into a steady, sustainable growth path, while the broader content and media ecosystem around it keeps expanding.
Global demand for video content is still exploding
It’s not enough to know there are editing jobs; you also want to know whether people still need video in the first place. The answer is an overwhelming yes.
Multiple surveys show that around 89–91% of businesses use video as a marketing tool, and most marketers consider video essential to their overall strategy. Recent 2025 reports also highlight that about 93% of marketers report positive ROI from video marketing, the highest level recorded so far.
On the consumption side, video is deeply tied to mobile. Several industry summaries now converge on the same pattern: roughly three-quarters of global video views happen on mobile devices, and video makes up a significant share of smartphone data traffic.
Short-form and social video add another twist. Forecasts suggest that short-form video could account for up to 90% of mobile video views by the end of 2025, driven by platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and similar formats.
All of this is great news for editors who understand marketing, mobile-first viewing, and social platforms. The more video dominates how businesses communicate and how people consume content, the more editing work exists in the system.
How Much Do Video Editors Earn in 2025?
Typical salaries for employed video editors
The BLS data gives a clear baseline for editors working in film, TV, streaming, and related sectors.
For film and video editors, the median annual wage in May 2024 was $70,980. Other salary trackers show similar patterns: average annual salaries typically fall in the mid–$50,000s to low–$70,000s in the US, with higher ceilings at major media and tech companies.
This means:
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Entry-level in-house roles can feel modest but offer stability.
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Mid-level editors often move into specialized roles or higher-paying industries like streaming, advertising, or tech.
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Senior editors, lead editors, and post-production supervisors can earn high-five-figure or low-six-figure incomes.
Freelance and remote video editor rates in 2025
Freelance editing has grown massively with remote work and creator-driven platforms.
Current data shows:
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On major freelance platforms, the median hourly rate for video editors is around $35, with a typical range between $10 and $60.
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Freelance editors can earn $25 to $150 per hour depending on their skill level, niche, and complexity of projects.
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In the UK, average freelance annual income falls around £30,000–£39,000, with hourly earnings ranging between £14 and £19.
These numbers show that freelance video editors in 2025 have a wide earning spectrum. At the lower end, you might compete on price for simpler social edits; at the higher end, premium rates come from complex storytelling, brand work, or fast-turnaround commercial projects.
The Video Editing Software Market: A Signal of Future Demand
Another way to gauge demand is to look at investment in tools. If software spending rises, it usually means more professionals and businesses are editing more video.
Recent reports show:
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The global video editing software market was valued at roughly $0.60–$0.66 billion in 2024, with expectations to more than double by the early-to-mid 2030s.
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Broader studies place the segment at around $3.55 billion in 2024 and forecast growth to nearly $6.8 billion by 2033.
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Across the board, the market is expected to grow at high single-digit rates annually.
Even though dollar values differ depending on definitions, all studies agree: demand for editing tools is rising.
Rising software investment tells you that:
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More businesses are building in-house content teams.
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More creators are producing content at scale.
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More non-professionals are attempting to edit, which increases demand for experts when quality matters.
Will AI Kill Video Editing Jobs – Or Create New Ones?
What AI is already automating in 2025
AI is embedded in many editing tools now. Articles explain how AI handles auto-cutting, transcription, captioning, basic color and audio cleanup, and simple social-media repurposing. These tools are framed as productivity boosters, not full replacements.
Advertiser-focused studies show that a large percentage of brands plan to use generative AI in their video ad workflows. In workforce studies, skill requirements in AI-exposed roles are changing much faster than in traditional roles, reinforcing the need for editors to upskill.
Why are human editors still needed?
Industry commentary repeatedly stresses that storytelling, pacing, emotional nuance, brand consistency, and creative judgment remain human-led.
Analysts agree that while AI automates routine assembly, editors who supervise AI, correct errors, and maintain creative direction remain essential. Many workforce studies emphasize that combining creative and AI skills is becoming a competitive advantage.
The realistic conclusion is that AI changes how editing is done, not whether it is needed. Editors who embrace AI grow; those who avoid it fall behind.
Where The Best Opportunities Are for Video Editors in 2025
Short-form social video and mobile-first content
Reports show that short-form, mobile-first video dominates attention. Short-form clips may account for up to 90% of mobile video views by the end of 2025, and mobile devices carry more than three-quarters of global video traffic.
Social platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch are responsible for a major share of viewing time, with creator-led content becoming mainstream.
Editors skilled at cutting fast, hooking viewers’ earlearlyd delivering vertical content have strong opportunities.
YouTube and long-form content
Long-form YouTube content remains important. Marketers still rely heavily on YouTube, webinars, and educational videos.
This keeps demand high for editors who can handle:
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Long, structured videos with chapters
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Educational or course content
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Podcast-style and interview videos
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Documentary content
These clients tend to prioritize quality, pacing, and storytelling.
Corporate, e-learning, and marketing video
Video is now central to business communication. Reports show the majority of companies use video for marketing, and most marketers see strong ROI from video.
This creates sustained demand for:
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Product demos and explainers
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Testimonial videos
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Training and e-learning content
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Ads and social assets for campaigns
These industries value clarity, speed, and results over cinematic flair, which suits organized editors who understand marketing fundamentals.
Skills Video Editors Need to Stay in Demand
Core technical and software skills
In-demand editors in 2025 are expected to know:
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At least one major NLE very well
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Basic color correction and audio cleanup
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Exporting for multiple formats and platforms
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Cloud-based and collaborative workflows
Reports emphasize the industry shift toward cloud collaboration and multi-format support.
AI-assisted editing skills
Editors who can work with AI have an advantage.
This includes:
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Using AI for rough cuts, selects, transcrip, and captions
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Repurposing long content into short clips via AI tools
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Knowing limitations and correcting AI errors
The strongest editors position themselves as the creative supervisors of AI output.
Storytelling, marketing, and business skills
Modern editing is closely tied to business outcomes.
Editors who understand:
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Hooks
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Retention
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Calls-to-action
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Thumbnails and titles
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Brand consistencyThey
are far more valuable than those who only follow instructions.
Is Video Editing a Good Career to Start in 2025?
Who video editing is right for
Video editing is still a strong career path if you:
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Enjoy creative-technical work
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Adapt quickly to new tools
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Are comfortable learning AI workflows
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Understand or want to learn marketing basics
Occupational forecasts, growing software markets, strong marketing adoption, and the dominance of mobile video all point to continued demand for video editors.
Practical steps to break into the industry
If you’re starting now:
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Master one major editing tool
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Build a portfolio in one or two niches
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Work with real clients early
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Incorporate AI tools gradually
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Build direct client relationships
This approach aligns well with how 2025 businesses hire editors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Video Editing Careers in 2025
Is video editing oversaturated now?
There is more competition at the beginner level, especially for simple social edits. But overall video demand keeps rising, and many businesses struggle to produce effective, on-trend content.
Saturation exists mainly for generalists. Specialists still stand out.
Can beginners still make money editing in 2025?
Yes. Making money usually requires combining editing skills, a clear niche, and basic client skills.
Income data shows that freelance editors can earn meaningful hourly and daily rates once they move beyond beginner level.
Will AI eventually replace video editors completely?
Current evidence suggests AI will automate more mechanical tasks but not eliminate human editors. Opportunities remain strong in personalized content, storytelling, brand-focused work, and creative supervision.
Final Verdict: Is Video Editing Still in Demand in 2025?
Looking at real data:
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Job growth for video editors is steady
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The editing software market is expanding
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Video marketing usage and ROI are at record highs
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Mobile and short-form content dominate attention
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AI changes editing workflows but does not remove human demand
Yes, video editing is still in demand in 2025.
Editors who understand platforms, storytelling, business goals, and AI tools will continue to thrive.
