The Cost of Hiring a Full-Time Video Editor (and Why There's an Option for All Budgets)

Hiring a full-time video editor might seem like a big expense, especially for growing businesses trying to keep up with content demands.

But the truth is that video editing costs vary, and the good news is that there are ways to find skilled editors who align with both your needs and budget. For example, knowing where to hire the best video editors—like in offshore regions with lower costs of living—can help you find cost-effective solutions for your video editing needs. 

In this article, we'll look into the costs, the factors that affect these costs, ways to budget effectively for your editing needs, and strategies for finding the right video editor without settling for less.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Video Editor?

Marketers have invested more in video content in recent years as it's become the go-to format for building awareness, driving clicks, and making messages stick, especially on social media.

While video delivers strong results, it requires more time, tools, and expertise than static images or layout ads, hence the need for a professional video editor. Without careful planning, though, video production can quickly eat into your budget.

That said, it's far from impossible to find a high-quality video editor within your budget. Businesses just need to balance their creative goals with budget realities. With the right hiring model, securing an effective video editor for your company is definitely achievable.

The three main hiring models—full-time employees, freelancers, and agencies—come with different costs. Let's break these down.

Average cost to hire a full-time US-based video editor

A full-time video editor typically works in-house or as a dedicated member of your team. That setup allows for stronger collaboration, more efficient feedback loops, and faster turnaround times, especially if you're producing video content regularly. 

Hiring a full-time in-house editor also gives you long-term reliability and creative consistency across projects. But because you're paying for ongoing access, employee benefits, and a deeper level of involvement, this is usually the most expensive option.

Average cost to hire a US-based freelance video editor

Estimated per-project rates: 

• Simple projects (basic cuts, simple transitions, and straightforward social media content): $150 - $2,000
• Intricate and larger projects (corporate videos, commercials, branded content, documentaries, and projects requiring motion graphics and color grading): $2,000 - $10,000+

Source: MarkUp 

Freelancing continues to rise, with around one million people yearly shifting to freelance work between 2014 and 2024. With such a large talent pool, it's becoming a reliable option for businesses looking to create video content.

Hiring a freelance video editor gives you flexibility, letting you bring in talent with a high level of expertise on an hourly or daily basis for short-term projects without a long-term commitment. Freelancers can also work under project-based pricing arrangements, providing a single, flat rate for the entire scope of work.

For one-off campaigns that require a fast turnaround, consider outsourcing video editing to a freelance editor. 

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Average cost to contract a US-based video editing service via an agency

Agencies often handle more than the editing work and manage the entire production process. Some act as creative partners and help oversee the project from planning to delivery. Others operate more like staffing agencies, matching your business with pre-vetted, experienced editors and handling tasks like payroll, compliance, and onboarding.

While agency services often come at a premium, they reduce your workload and minimize hiring risks, leading to cost savings in the long run. This option works best for companies that need high-volume content, end-to-end management, or a reliable partner for time-sensitive campaigns.      

Average cost to hire a full-time nearshore video editor

If you're working within a budget but still need a full-time video editor, offshoring could be an ideal solution. Nearshoring is a type of offshore hiring that provides the same cost-saving benefits but with the added bonus of real-time collaboration thanks to time zone alignment. Hiring a nearshore video editor from Latin America (LatAm), for example, allows US businesses to work within similar or even the same business hours.

Many of the best companies to hire creative experts source talent from nearby regions with lower costs of living, like LatAm, where they can access high-quality work at more competitive rates compared to local hires.

Factors That Influence Video Editing Costs

As you can see, the cost of hiring a video editor can vary. But why is that? Beyond choosing whether to hire someone full-time, work with a freelancer, or go through an agency, several other key factors can have a big impact on what you'll pay. 

Here are the main variables that affect video editing costs:

• Hiring model: Full-time employees can offer consistency and deeper involvement across all your content efforts, but they come at a higher cost. Freelancers bring flexibility and cost-effectiveness for shorter or one-off projects. Agencies bring support and polish, but their overhead and project management come at a premium.
• The editor's experience level: Junior editors generally charge less, but they may need more direction and time to complete the project. Mid-level and senior editors typically work faster and bring in more creative input, but they usually charge higher video editor rates.
• Type of video: A corporate explainer video, a YouTube vlog, and a social media ad all require different styles and skills. Specialized formats like branded content or ads often cost more because of the creative and strategic input involved.
• Video length and complexity: A short, simple video with a few clean cuts will be much more affordable than complex projects that involve sound design, motion graphics, custom animations, color grading, or multiple camera angles.
• Turnaround time: Need the project done in a few days? Rush jobs often come with premium pricing, especially if the editor has to rearrange their schedule to accommodate your deadline.

Costs shouldn't hold you back from hiring a video editor. Once you're clear on what you actually need and how often you'll need it, you can align your expectations to your budget. This way, you can find someone who can do the work well without exhausting your resources.

How to Budget for Your Video Editing Needs

Knowing what you truly need from a video editor helps you avoid overspending or hiring the wrong person for the job. 

Hiring someone misaligned with the role can lead to disengagement and even worker attrition, which costs big businesses $282 million annually. Hiring without a plan is a risk that companies of all sizes shouldn't take, as it can negatively impact any bottom line.

Consider these factors when setting your video editing budget:

• Your budget range: Be honest about how much you can spend. Setting a realistic upper limit helps you focus on hires that fit within your budget.
• The number of videos: If you're only producing a handful of videos per year, freelance or project-based work makes more sense. But if you're creating content weekly, hiring a full-time editor could be more cost effective in the long run.
• Project scope: Are you working on a one-off campaign, or do you need help producing larger projects or regular content? Consistent output usually justifies investing in a full-time editor or an ongoing freelance retainer.
• Complexity of the videos: The more effects, graphics, and storytelling involved, the more time and the higher the skill level it takes to edit. Simpler videos take less time and cost less to produce.
• The type of video editor: A generalist can handle a wide range of content, while a specialist may be a better fit if you have specific formats in mind, like film, gaming, and social media.

Clarifying your needs helps you determine where to allocate your budget. You don't have to overspend to get high-quality video content, but simply match your hiring approach to your production goals.

How to Choose the Right Editor for Your Budget

Now that we’ve covered how to budget, let's help you figure out what type of editor best fits your needs and cost range.

Budget is a guide, but value is what makes the hire worth it. Knowing how to hire a great video editor means you're not wasting time on the wrong fit or spending money where it doesn't count.

The following scenarios illustrate when each of these options is ideal for you.

Work with a freelance video editor:

• When your budget is limited.
• If you're working on a one-off project or a seasonal campaign, or you need a fast turnaround.
• When you want flexibility and access to specialized skills without committing long-term.

Partner with an agency-based video editor: 

• If you're looking for a consistent, reliable video editing service instead of a freelancer who may be juggling multiple projects at once.
• When you need a high volume of videos completed quickly and at scale.
• If you're willing to pay more for managed services and less hiring risk.

Hire a full-time video editor:

• If video is a core part of your business strategy and content production.
• When you need consistent output, weekly or monthly, and want someone fully dedicated.
• If you prefer close collaboration and want an editor who understands your brand inside and out.

Ultimately, think about what kind of working relationship you want, how involved you want to be, and how often you'll need videos edited.

The right editor will align with your workflow, goals, and budget, delivering the real value you’re looking for.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a full-time video editor can bring consistency, creative control, and real momentum to your content strategy. But if the cost of hiring locally feels out of reach, looking beyond the local market can open up new possibilities.

At Near, we give companies access to top LatAm talent. Our remote LatAm video editors have experience across various industries, offering both cost efficiency and high-quality work. Through Near's comprehensive, personalized hiring process, we can match you with talent that fits your needs and budget.

Curious about nearshore hiring? Download our free LatAm hiring guide. Get a step-by-step guide to the hiring process and find out the advantages of remote hiring in LatAm.