Hiring a video editor in 2025? You’re not alone.
Between TikTok takeovers, YouTube series, internal training videos, and branded shorts, demand for editing talent is off the charts. And yet—most job descriptions floating out there? They’re either too generic, too vague, or way too loaded with technical fluff.
That means underqualified applicants. Wasted interviews. And way too much back-and-forth trying to explain what “cut to beat” or “vertical native assets” really mean.
We’ve got you covered. This guide gives you copy-paste templates for the exact roles you’re likely hiring for today:
- Film video editor
- Freelance video editor
- Social media video editor
- Lead/senior video editor
And yes, we’ve added salary benchmarks, skills checklists, and FAQs—because you deserve more than a blank Google Doc.
What Does a Video Editor Do?
A video editor takes raw footage and transforms it into something worth watching—whether it’s a film, an explainer, a product demo, or a TikTok ad. They blend technical know-how with storytelling instincts to shape the final cut, add transitions, sync audio, and maintain visual flow.
But not all editors are the same. Here’s how responsibilities vary by role:
- Film Video Editor
Focuses on long-form content—movies, documentaries, branded series. They manage pacing, story arcs, color correction, and often collaborate with directors and DPs
- Social Media Video Editor
Specialises in short-form, high-impact clips. Think: Reels, Stories, YouTube Shorts. They’re fluent in fast cuts, captions, meme culture, and platform-native formats (9:16, 1:1).
- Freelance Video Editor
Juggles multiple projects and clients. They need to be self-directed, tool-agnostic (Premiere, Final Cut, CapCut, you name it), and capable of adapting quickly to different brand styles.
All these roles share the same heartbeat: turning footage into content that connects.
What Skills Are Needed for Video Editing?
To hire the right person (and not spend weeks sifting through shaky reels), it helps to know what actually matters. So here’s a breakdown hiring managers love:
4 Must-Have Skills
- Editing software expertise: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve
- Storytelling & pacing: Knowing when to cut, how to build emotion, and how to keep things tight
- Audio editing: Cleaning sound, syncing dialogue, adding music or effects
- Basic color correction: Keeping visuals consistent and polished
3 Nice-to-Have Skills
- Motion graphics: Light animations or intros (especially for YouTube or social)
- Subtitling & captioning: For accessibility or platform compliance
- Social media formatting: Editing natively for TikTok (9:16), Instagram (1:1), or YouTube (16:9)
The best editors think like storytellers and troubleshooters. Especially in fast-paced environments, it’s not just about cuts—it’s about knowing what to cut.
Video Editor Salary (2025 Guide)
Whether you’re hiring in-house or freelance, here’s a snapshot of US salary ranges for 2025 based on experience level and role type:
📊 These numbers vary based on region, industry, and the platforms your editor specializes in. Social-first editors, for example, may command different rates than long-form film editors—especially in cities like LA, NYC, or SF.
Video Editor Job Description Templates (Copy + Paste)
Ready-to-go templates for fast, aligned hiring. Just copy the one that matches your role → customise it to fit your needs.
Film Video Editor Job Description Template
We’re looking for a Film Video Editor with a strong narrative sense and a love for long-form storytelling. You’ll be the final storyteller—bringing together visuals, sound, and pacing to craft emotionally engaging films that resonate.
Responsibilities
- Edit long-form narrative content, documentaries, and branded films
- Sync sound, color grade footage, and apply transitions for cinematic flow
- Collaborate with producers and directors to shape final output
- Organize and manage large amounts of raw footage
Requirements
- 3+ years experience in film editing
- Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve
- Strong grasp of cinematic pacing, visual storytelling, and continuity
- Familiarity with sound design and color grading workflows
Freelance Video Editor Job Description Template
We’re seeking a Freelance Video Editor who can jump into projects quickly, manage timelines, and deliver polished edits with minimal oversight. If you’re a self-starter with a killer reel and a range of editing tools, let’s talk.
Responsibilities
- Edit short and long-form content for a variety of clients and formats
- Follow creative briefs and turn around edits quickly
- Manage your own workflow and asset organization
- Communicate clearly with stakeholders across time zones
Requirements
- 2+ years freelance editing experience
- Proficiency in Adobe Suite and at least one additional editing tool (e.g., Final Cut, CapCut)
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Experience delivering for digital platforms (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok)
Lead/Senior Video Editor Job Description Template
We’re hiring a Senior Video Editor to lead post-production on major video initiatives—from brand storytelling to thought leadership content. You’ll set editing standards, guide junior editors, and work cross-functionally with creative, marketing, and product teams.
Responsibilities
- Own the editing pipeline for key brand and campaign videos
- Lead post-production from rough cut to final delivery
- Mentor and review work of junior editors and freelancers
- Partner with creative leads to shape visual storytelling
Requirements
- 5+ years in video editing, with senior or lead-level experience
- Mastery of Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and Final Cut Pro
- Exceptional storytelling chops and post-production judgment
- Comfortable managing timelines, teams, and feedback loops
Social Media Video Editor Job Description Template
We need a Social Media Video Editor who lives and breathes TikTok trends, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. If you’re fast, witty, and know how to stop the scroll—this is your playground.
Responsibilities
- Edit short-form video content tailored to each social platform
- Add captions, memes, motion graphics, and sound effects to boost engagement
- Follow trends and best practices for reach and virality
- Work closely with marketing to hit brand voice and tone
Requirements
- 2+ years experience editing social-first video content
- Fast turnaround using tools like CapCut, Adobe Rush, Premiere
- Strong understanding of aspect ratios, platform norms, and native styles
- Bonus: Ability to storyboard or shoot mobile-first content
Remote/Contract Video Editor Job Description Template
We’re looking for a Remote Contract Video Editor to join our distributed creative team. This is a project-based role with flexible hours, perfect for editors with availability across global time zones.
Responsibilities
- Edit promotional, tutorial, and event-based video content
- Work asynchronously with producers, designers, and marketers
- Keep clean project files and communicate updates via Slack or Asana
- Deliver on time with minimal revisions
Requirements
- 3+ years professional editing experience
- Fluent in remote tools (Dropbox, Frame.io, Slack, Google Drive)
- Strong project management and file organization
- Comfortable working independently
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the difference between a film editor and a social media editor?
Film editors focus on long-form storytelling—movies, documentaries, commercials. Social media editors work on short-form, fast-turnaround videos optimized for digital platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts).
2. How much does a freelance video editor charge?
Freelance video editor rates range from $40–$100/hour or $750–$5,000+ per project, depending on scope, turnaround time, and niche expertise.
3. What are the top tools for video editing in 2025?
Popular tools include Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, CapCut, and Frame.io for reviews and feedback.
4. How do I write a great video editor job description?
Start with clarity: define the output (e.g., YouTube, brand video), list must-have skills (e.g., Premiere Pro, storytelling), and be specific about scope. Then add a compelling reason to apply.
5. Is a video editor the same as a motion graphics designer?
No. A video editor assembles footage, audio, and narrative. A motion graphics designer creates animated graphics—like intros, title cards, or animated explainer assets.
