Film and video editors
SOC Code: 27-4032
Film and video editors carries a 48% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $70,980 and +4.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 43,500 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Film and video editors (SOC 27-4032) carries an AI exposure score of 48%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 43,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.0% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $70,980, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Film and video editors. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.
- 2. Edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.
- 3. Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.
- 4. Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.
- 5. Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.
- 6. Trim film segments to specified lengths and reassemble segments in sequences that present stories with maximum effect.
- 7. Cut shot sequences to different angles at specific points in scenes, making each individual cut as fluid and seamless as possible.
- 8. Review assembled films or edited videotapes on screens or monitors to determine if corrections are necessary.
- 9. Determine the specific audio and visual effects and music necessary to complete films.
- 10. Mark frames where a particular shot or piece of sound is to begin or end.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
- Writing
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Communications and Media
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Fine Arts
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
- Administration and Management
- Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Film and video editors?
Film and video editors has an AI exposure score of 48%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Film and video editors?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Film and video editors is projected to grow by 4.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 43,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Film and video editors?
Key skills for Film and video editors include Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Film and video editors earn?
The median annual wage for Film and video editors is $70,980, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Film and video editors?
The typical entry-level education for Film and video editors is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Film and video editors?
Film and video editors roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).