For informational purposes only. Not financial or career advice. Rates vary by experience and market.
Freelance Video Editor Rates in Los Angeles
Data-driven rate insights to help you price your services confidently.
Entry Level
$50
/hour
Mid-Range
$100
/hour
Expert Level
$250
/hour
Annual Equivalent (40hrs/week)
Entry
$104,000
Mid
$208,000
Expert
$520,000
Based on 2,080 billable hours/year (actual may be 1,500-1,800 after admin, marketing, and time off)
Rates by Experience Level
Core Skills
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- DaVinci Resolve
- Color grading
- Sound design
- Motion graphics (After Effects)
- Storytelling
- File management
Premium Skills (+20-50%)
- Feature film editing
- Commercial editing
- Documentary editing
- VFX compositing
- Broadcast standards
Top Industries
Typical Clients
Rate Setting Tips
These are general suggestions, not professional advice. Your situation may differ.
- LA entertainment rates are among the highest in the world
- Union rates (IATSE) set minimums for broadcast work
- Rush fees are standard in entertainment—charge 1.5-2x
- Credit on major projects can justify lower initial rates
- Build relationships with producers and post supervisors
Common Pricing Mistakes
- Working on spec for 'exposure' projects
- Not charging for revisions beyond scope
- Underestimating render and export time
- Not having clear contracts for IP and credits
Negotiation Tips
- Reference union day rates as benchmarks
- Include equipment/software in your rate or as line items
- Negotiate credits and reel rights
- Set clear revision limits in contracts
Frequently Asked Questions
What do freelance video editors charge in Los Angeles?
Freelance video editors in LA charge $50-250/hr. Mid-level editors average $100/hr, with senior editors on commercials and features earning $175-250/hr.
Are LA video editor rates the highest in the US?
Yes, LA is the top market for video editing, especially for film, TV, and commercials. Entertainment industry rates are 30-50% higher than other markets.
Should I join the editors' union (IATSE) in LA?
Union membership provides minimum rates, benefits, and access to major productions. Non-union work offers more flexibility but less protection. Many editors do both.
What equipment should I have as an LA video editor?
A powerful Mac or PC, Premiere Pro or Avid (for film/TV), color-calibrated monitor, and fast storage. Some clients provide equipment for on-site work.
How do I break into LA's entertainment editing market?
Start with assistant editor roles, music videos, or indie films. Build relationships with producers and post supervisors. Portfolio quality matters more than schooling.
Methodology
Rates compiled from union scales, job postings, and freelancer surveys. LA's entertainment premium reflects the specialized market.
Data Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024
- IATSE Local 700 Rate Card 2024
- Mandy.com LA Market Report
- ProductionHUB Freelance Survey
Important Disclaimer
These rates are estimates for educational purposes. Actual rates vary based on experience, skills, client industry, and negotiation. This is not financial advice.
Rate estimates are not guarantees. Actual rates depend on your specific experience, portfolio, negotiation skills, client budget, and market conditions.
This is not financial or career advice. Consult with a financial advisor or career counselor for personalized guidance on pricing and business decisions.
Data limitations: Freelance rates are notoriously difficult to benchmark accurately. Our data is compiled from multiple sources but may not reflect your specific market segment.
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