Key takeaways
Video editing combines technical and interpersonal skills to create compelling content for clients and audiences. At a glance, here’s what you need to know about video editors and the video editing skills you need to become one:
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They earn a competitive salary. According to Glassdoor, the median total salary for a video editor is $71,000 [1].
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Important video editing skills include the ability to communicate well, strength in problem-solving, and hand-eye coordination.
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You can improve your video editing skills by taking online courses or pursuing professional certifications.
Below, you’ll explore 10 video editing skills in more detail and learn how to strengthen them. Afterward, consider enrolling in The Art of Visual Storytelling Specialization, offered by the University of Colorado, Boulder.
10 video editing skills (+ how to develop them)
The skills of a video editor combine interpersonal and technical abilities. Below are ten video editing skills you should consider building:
1. Communication
Video editing requires receiving, processing, and delivering information orally and in writing, so the job requires sound verbal and written communication skills. As a video editor, you might work with a variety of different colleagues, including:
How to improve this skill
To improve your communication skills, try these tips:
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Think about what you want to convey before you say it.
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Keep your communication concise but clear.
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Use a friendly tone.
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Be aware of nonverbal cues like eye contact, facial expression, and body language.
2. Active listening skills
To communicate well in any job, you also need to have good listening skills. Active listening involves being attentive while communicating with another person. As a video editor, you’ll need to listen to others and understand their feedback to implement ideas and changes appropriately.
How to improve this skill
Active listening improves with practice. You can show you’re being attentive by:
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Asking the speaker to clarify all or part of what they’ve said with a phrase like “Are you saying…?”
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Using similar words to restate what the speaker said with a phrase like “It sounds like you’re telling me…”
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Reflecting on what the speaker said with a phrase like “I’m sensing you felt frustrated (or angry, sad, confused, etc.) when…”
A workshop or course on active listening may also help you enhance this vital communication skill.
Is video editing a high-income skill?
The average annual salary may vary based on your experience and the type of project on which you are working, which could be a wedding video, a documentary, or a feature film, but overall, the industry does offer opportunities for solid pay. According to Glassdoor, a video editor makes a median total salary of $72,000 [1]. Thisfigure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.
3. Attention to detail
Because companies want to put out the best possible video content, video editing requires precision and focus. Video editors may have to work on parts of a film or an entire film, and a critical eye ensures even minor details aren’t overlooked.
How to improve this skill
To increase your focus at work or home, consider practicing wellness techniques like:
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Guided imagery: This form of mindfulness focuses on an imagined location, such as your favorite vacation destination or somewhere you feel safe and loved.
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Meditation: Focus on deep breaths and still your mind while turning your attention to your senses. For example, pay attention to the sounds around you or the feeling of your breath.
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Mindful breathing or walking: Minimize distractions and focus on what you’re smelling, hearing, and experiencing.
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Physical activity: Moderate exercise, like swimming or walking, can increase attention span and cognitive abilities.
4. Computer skills: Video editing software
Video editors require basic computer skills and the ability to use various types of video editing software. Types of software professional video editors may use include:
How to improve video editing skills
To become more familiar with video editing software, practice on your own, consider taking an online class, or both.
5. Flexibility
Your flexibility refers to how well you handle changes or adapt to new situations on the job. It allows you to deal with unforeseen circumstances without letting them affect your job performance. Flexibility enables film editors to adapt to elements of the job, like tight deadlines, and overcome obstacles like production delays.
How to improve this skill
To boost your flexibility in all facets of life, consider taking a course on teamwork, problem-solving, or conflict resolution. Or you can buy books on these topics or check them out from your local library.
6. Creativity
Making a movie, film, or video better demands a creative eye. As a video editor, you have to use your imagination to know which scenes to cut and which to mesh together to generate a better viewing experience.
How to improve this skill
To improve your creative thinking skills, try these tips:
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Explore new places.
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Find inspiration in art or music.
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Gain new knowledge by reading different kinds of books.
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Interact with many types of people.
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Write poetry or engage in journaling.
7. Hand-eye coordination
Hand-eye coordination has to do with how well you can synchronize your hands and eyes to complete a task or participate in an activity. Organizing film footage and using editing equipment requires constant use of the hands and eyes, so it’s essential for you to have good hand-eye coordination as a video editor.
How to improve this skill
Numerous enjoyable activities can help sharpen hand-eye coordination. Examples include:
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Racket sports like ping-pong, pickleball, or tennis
8. Physical stamina
To meet work deadlines, you may have to put in long hours occasionally as a video editor. Having good physical stamina can help keep you focused during these times.
How to improve this skill
To improve your physical stamina, consider practicing meditation or yoga or engaging in regular exercise. Enjoyable forms of exercise might include:
9. Problem-solving
Video editors come across a range of problems in their work, from discovering subpar film footage to working with difficult colleagues. Solving problems efficiently ensures success on the job.
How to improve this skill
Taking a course on problem-solving can help improve this skill. It can help you learn how to identify problems, generate solutions, and choose the right solution by exploring different decision-making styles.
10. Visual acuity
Examining film footage frame by frame calls for good visual acuity. This refers to the sharpness of vision, which is less of a skill than an ability.
How to preserve this ability
To keep your vision sharp, think about engaging in these healthy life choices:
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Eat plenty of leafy greens and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
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Get regular exercise.
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Practice good contact lens hygiene.
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Use sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.
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Wear computer glasses to avoid eye strain if you work at a computer frequently.
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Get regular eye exams.
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Quit smoking.
Discover free career resources
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Watch on YouTube:8 Skills You’ll Learn in Adobe’s Creator Course
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Take a quiz:Career Test: What Career is Right for Me Quiz?
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Learn from experts:AI Creativity Unleashed: Expert Insights from Vanderbilt’s Dr. Jules White
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