How to become a Film and Video Editor
Makes and implements editorial decisions regarding mood, pace and climax of films, television programs, video productions or commercials.
Main tasks
- Reviews and selects footage for editing based on the script or brief
- Assembles and edits footage to create a coherent and engaging story
- Collaborates with directors, producers and other team members to achieve the desired creative vision
- Adds visual effects, sound effects and music to enhance the overall production
- Adjusts and fine-tunes the timing, pacing and sequencing of scenes
- Maintains organised and accurate records of all edited materials
Ways in
- University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA60620); Certificate III in Screen and Media (CUA31020); Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services (CUA40420); Certificate IV in Screen and Media (CUA41220); Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA51020); Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services (CUA30420)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $102,700 a year
- About 15,500 people work in this job group now, and about 18,400 are projected by 2035. (+19.1%)
- AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Related jobs
- Artistic Director
- Audio or Live Performance Director
- Cinematographer
- Production Manager (Screen or Live Performance)
- Screen Director
- Screen or Live Performance Designer
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Film and Video Editor?
Ways in include: Communications & Media degrees; Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media; Certificate III in Screen and Media.
How much does a Film and Video Editor earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $102,700 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Film and Video Editor a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 19% by 2035, from about 15,500 to about 18,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Film and Video Editor?
Not always. 55% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Communications & Media degrees; Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media; Certificate III in Screen and Media.
Will AI change the work of a Film and Video Editor?
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04