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Documentary Editing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Distant Moon

Sr. Film Editor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Typically 7 - 10+ years of professional editing experience across documentary, commercial, branded, or narrative projects * A strong portfolio demonstrating high-level storytelling, pacing, emotional ...

Distant Moon

Film Editor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Approximately 3 - 5+ years of professional editing experience across documentary, commercial, branded, narrative, or related content environments * A portfolio or reel demonstrating strong ...

Podcast Management Inc

Video Editor

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Demonstrated professional experience editing scripted non-fiction or format-driven video content * Experience in digital series, documentary, or structured non-fiction episodic environments preferred

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Documentary Editing information

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$11

$31

$57

How much do documentary editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for documentary editing in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Documentary Editing vs Video Editing?

AspectDocumentary EditingVideo Editing
CredentialsOften requires editing experience, film or media backgroundRequires editing skills, often with specific software knowledge
Work EnvironmentFilm or documentary production settingsVaries from corporate videos to social media content
Industry UsagePrimarily in film, television, and documentary projectsAcross multiple industries including marketing, entertainment, and corporate

Documentary editing focuses on shaping real-life footage into compelling stories, often requiring a deep understanding of storytelling and factual accuracy. Video editing is broader, encompassing various types of video content, from commercials to social media clips. While both roles require editing skills, documentary editing emphasizes narrative construction within factual contexts, making it more specialized.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Documentary Editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Documentary Editor, you need a strong grasp of storytelling, video editing principles, and experience with non-linear editing software, often supported by a degree in film, media, or related fields. Proficiency with tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, or Final Cut Pro, as well as knowledge of formats and post-production workflows, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, time management, and collaboration are crucial soft skills that help editors craft compelling narratives and work well with directors and producers. These skills and qualities are vital for producing engaging, coherent documentaries that effectively communicate their message and meet production deadlines.

What are typical challenges faced by documentary editors when shaping a story from raw footage?

Documentary editors often encounter the challenge of organizing large amounts of unscripted footage into a compelling, coherent narrative. They must balance the director's vision with the available material, sometimes working with incomplete or evolving storylines. Tight deadlines, last-minute changes, and collaborating closely with directors, producers, and sound designers are also common aspects of the role. Strong communication and creative problem-solving skills are essential for overcoming these challenges and producing a polished final product.

What is documentary editing?

Documentary editing is the process of assembling, organizing, and refining recorded footage, interviews, audio, and other elements to create a cohesive and compelling nonfiction film or video. Editors work closely with directors and producers to shape the narrative, determine pacing, and ensure that the story is both engaging and accurate. This role often involves making creative decisions about what content to include or omit, as well as incorporating graphics, sound, and music to enhance the final product.
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Documentary Editing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Editing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 64% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Assistant Editor, The Papers of Martin Van Buren

Assistant Editor, The Papers of Martin Van Buren

CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY

Lebanon, TN

$62K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Description—The Papers of Martin Van Buren

Assistant Editor
The Papers of Martin Van Buren seeks an assistant editor for a five-year appointment
from July 2026-June 2031 (with employment beyond the end date dependent on funding), at an
annual salary of $62,000. The successful candidate will verify transcriptions and produce
annotations, appendices, and indices for The Selected Papers of Martin Van Buren print edition,
as well as assist the University of Virginia Press with preparing the print edition for publication
on its Rotunda platform, among other assigned duties.


Qualifications for the position include an M.A. in history or related field (Ph.D. in history
preferred); the ability to work both independently and as part of a team; exceptional research,
analytical, and organizational skills; and proficiency in reading and comprehending nineteenth-
century handwriting. The committee is especially interested in applicants with documentary
editing experience, expertise with Drupal and/or XML, and a research specialty in U.S. history
between 1800 and 1865. The successful hire will be required to work in person at the project
office in Cumberland University’s Vise Library, located in Lebanon, Tennessee, 30 miles east of
Nashville.


Applicants should submit a letter of application outlining their qualifications for the
position, as well as a c.v. that lists three professional references. Questions about the position can
be directed to Dr. Mark Cheathem, Project Director, at mcheathem@cumberland.edu. The
committee will begin reviewing applications in late April.

Apply