Video Editor

Professional with 1-2 years of experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Trim footage and organize sequences.

• Add basic transitions and effects.

• Apply simple color correction and audio cleanup.

• Follow clear editing guidelines and brand templates.

Autonomy & Decision-Making

Requires close supervision and detailed briefs. Works best with well-defined tasks and feedback loops.

Tools & Skills

• Basic proficiency in editing software (e.g., Premiere Pro, Final Cut).

Ideal For

• Brands looking for a fast-learning, adaptable professional who is motivated to grow, eager to learn, and excited about working with international teams.

Across the range

At the lower end, expect someone who follows templates closely and needs detailed briefs. At the higher end, expect someone who has edited ads for US or e-commerce brands and needs fewer rounds of feedback.

Professional with 2-5 years of experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage full edits from raw footage to final delivery.

• Source stock assets and add basic Motion Graphics.

• Perform sound design and more advanced color grading.

• Suggest creative solutions within brand guidelines.

Autonomy & Decision-Making

Takes ownership of projects and works independently on most tasks, while still requiring occasional guidance or creative direction.

Tools & Skills

• Strong proficiency in editing tools.

• Working knowledge of Motion Graphics (e.g., After Effects) and Color Grading, with stronger skills expected toward the higher end of the range.

Ideal For

• Growing teams seeking a skilled editor to craft high-quality marketing content, branded videos, and training materials.

• Brands looking for a professional who can contribute ideas to campaigns.

Across the range

At the lower end, expect solid end-to-end edits with some creative direction. At the higher end, expect stronger motion and color skills, US e-commerce experience, and more input on the creative itself.

Professional with 5+ years of experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute complex edits from start to finish and manage a larger workload.

• Collaborate on creative direction and storytelling.

• Apply direct response editing principles and key metrics (e.g., hook rate, watch time, CTR, CVR, ROAS) to guide creative decisions. Deep, hands-on performance experience is more typical at the higher end of the range.

• Design custom graphics and animations.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing and/or creative teams.

• Ensure consistency across formats. At the higher end of the range, they'll often own the overall editing strategy.

• Mentor junior editors. Managing a team of editors is more typical at the higher end of the range.

Autonomy & Decision-Making

High autonomy across the range. Can propose and participate in video strategy, apply performance-driven creative decisions, and mentor junior team members. At the higher end of the range, candidates are trusted to make final calls on execution and lead strategy. At the lower end, candidates are stepping up into that level of ownership. Leads editing strategy for their team, and usually reports into a creative director or head of marketing who sets the overall creative direction.

Tools & Skills

• Advanced skills across editing, Motion Graphics, Color Grading, and Sound Design.

Ideal For

• Companies scaling their video function, looking for a senior editor to lead high-impact projects like ad campaigns, product launches, and documentaries.

• Brands needing an experienced professional to run a small team of editors, typically at the higher end of the range.

Across the range

Everyone in this range is a strong, independent senior editor. What moves a candidate toward $4,500 is proven performance results, leading editing strategy, and managing other editors. If you need a hands-on editor who also runs the team, plan for the higher end. If you need an editor who also designs static ads or leads creative strategy beyond video, that's usually two roles, not a higher salary.