Video Editing Degree Options and Careers to Pursue

Key takeaways

Earning a video editing degree, whether it be an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s, may help you in your job search as a video editor.

• Seventy-three percent of video editors have a bachelor’s degree, compared to 5 percent who went on to get their master’s degree [1].

• While pursuing your video editing degree, you may major in subjects such as communications or journalism.

• You can explore various video editing jobs, including film editor, videographer, or broadcast engineer, after completing your degree.

Discover the different levels of video editing degrees, potential majors for an aspiring video editor, and other jobs you can get after studying video editing.

Do I need a degree for video editing?

To become a video editor, employers typically prefer that you complete a bachelor’s degree in a field of study related to video editing. But it’s not always necessary. Some employers may value experience or other certifications. However, to expand your job prospects, you may consider pursuing your degree at a college or university and gaining professional experience through internships and entry-level jobs.

Video editing degree options: Choosing a major

As an aspiring video editor, you may choose from many potential majors that can give you the experience and knowledge you need to be successful. These majors include:

• Communication

• Film/film production

• Digital media

• Journalism

• Photography

Video editing degree types

According to data from Zippia, the most common degree type for a video editor is a bachelor’s degree [1]. Zippia reports that 73 percent of video editors hold a bachelor’s degree, 15 percent have an associate degree, and 5 percent have advanced to a master’s degree [1]. Learn more about each video editing degree type:

Associate

An associate degree in video editing is typically a two-year degree program where you learn the basics of film and video production. Depending on your school and specific program, you may learn how to use video editing software such as Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro and may discover audio and visual editing techniques.

Bachelor’s

A bachelor’s degree in video editing typically takes four years to complete at a college or university if you’re attending as a full-time student. This degree helps you prepare for video editing careers, such as film editing or broadcasting, and allows you to practice using digital editing software and meet professional industry standards.

Master’s

A master’s degree in video editing is typically declared a Master of Arts, and the specific major or concentration you’ll pursue will fall under the category of film, film production, or digital media.

After completing your bachelor’s degree, a master’s typically takes up to two additional years to complete. Depending on your specific school or program, you may be required to submit a portfolio as a point of entry.

What degree is good for video editing?

Different degree types may benefit you in your pursuit to become a video editor. For example, you could find a degree program in video production to obtain the skills you need, or look for a university or college that offers a broader option in case you want to earn skills that could adapt to multiple roles. In cases like the latter, you could major in a subject like digital media to gain video editing and other media skills.

5 jobs you can get with a video editing degree

After completing your video editing degree, you may pursue career options ranging from film editing to broadcast engineering. Each role requires specific video editing skills and a passion for creativity. Explore five potential career options as a video editing graduate:

1. Film editor

Median annual US salary (Glassdoor): $76,000 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 3 percent [3]

As a film editor, you compile and organize footage to create a compelling story that viewers will be interested in watching. You may add music and sound effects to footage, create fluid sequences, and work alongside the film’s director to portray their creative vision effectively.

When working as a film editor, it’s important to have excellent comprehension skills, as you’ll often get tasks from directors and cinematographers. Additionally, you should have strong visualization skills as you’ll spend much of your time arranging and rearranging clips to tell a complete story.

2. Videographer

Median annual US salary (Glassdoor): $73,000 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 3 percent [3]

Videographers are responsible for recording important events or productions, such as music videos, weddings, or commercials. As a videographer, whether you work for a company or as a freelancer, you’ll meet with your clients to discuss their expectations of the product and service you’re providing.

As a videographer, you should have experience working with digital editing software such as Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro to edit your footage. You should also know how to operate a camera and problem-solve if any issues arise.

3. Assistant video editor

Median annual US salary (Glassdoor): $66,000 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 3 percent [3]

As an assistant video editor, you help the primary editor with post-production tasks. Some of your specific duties may include reviewing footage, organizing it, and preparing it for the editor. Most of your tasks may be administrative and in support of the primary editor; however, as you gain experience, you may advance in the industry.

Before becoming an assistant video editor, you must understand how digital editing software works and how to use it. Much like a primary video editor, it’s important that you have organizational skills and strength in communicating with others.

4. Animator

Median annual US salary (Glassdoor): $62,000 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 2 percent [7]

Animators use digital technology to create special effects and designs for various industries, including film, television, marketing, and advertising. As an animator, you use your art and creativity to bring a story to life.

If you’re interested in a career as an animator, you should ideally be creative and artistic. You also have to be attentive to detail so you can make tweaks and changes to your creations at a client’s or employer’s request.

5. Broadcast engineer

Median annual US salary (Glassdoor): $107,000 [8]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 1 percent [9]

As a broadcast engineer, you are responsible for ensuring that an audience gets a quality product delivered to them, typically first by setting up equipment and editing a broadcast. Your tasks may range from operating equipment to troubleshooting any issues that arise during the event you’re capturing.

As a broadcast engineer, you need to understand how the equipment you’re using works and how to solve problems by communicating with other broadcast team members.

*All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of May 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Read more: 8 Video Editing Jobs and How To Get One

Is a master’s in video editing worth it?

You may consider a master’s in video editing worth it if you want to explore advanced job opportunities compared to entry-level opportunities. With a master’s in film production or digital media, you gain more experience immersing yourself in learning various editing techniques and refining your storytelling abilities.

A master’s degree typically helps you stand out among other candidates. It gives you more time and experience to develop your video editing skills, such as advanced knowledge of sound design and the video editing and film industry.

Discover digital career resources

Join Career Chat on LinkedIn to get timely updates on popular skills, tools, and certifications. Then explore free digital resources to benefit your career journey:

• Watch on YouTube: Do College Credits Expire? Here’s What to Know

• Take a quiz: Career Test: What Career is Right for Me Quiz?

• Learn from experts: Reimagining Work and Learning with AI: Expert Insights from Dr. Jules White

Earn your degree on a schedule that works for you by exploring degree programs available from esteemed college and university partners on Coursera.