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Documentary Editing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HighKey Agency

YouTube Video Editor

$25/hr

Experience with documentary or reality-style editing * Experience creating short-form cutdowns from long-form content * Basic motion graphics or After Effects knowledge Compensation $25/hr Why Join ...

M&S Consulting

Videographer VI

Pasadena, CA · On-site

Conduct a range of video shoots, including interviews, documentary-style field production, b-roll capture, and short-form digital content. * Edit video content using contractor-provided editing ...

M&S Consulting

Videographer VI

Pasadena, CA · On-site

Conduct a range of video shoots, including interviews, documentary-style field production, b-roll capture, and short-form digital content. * Edit video content using contractor-provided editing ...

Hearst Newspapers

Part-Time Editor

Needham, MA

$27.55 - $36.73/hr

Experience editing long-form television, news, documentary, or magazine-style programming * Familiarity with archival workflows and legacy broadcast formats * Familiarity with Chronicle a plus Value ...

Hearst Television

Part-Time Editor

Needham, MA

$27.55 - $36.73/hr

Experience editing long-form television, news, documentary, or magazine-style programming * Familiarity with archival workflows and legacy broadcast formats * Familiarity with Chronicle a plus Value ...

Hearst Newspapers

Part-Time Editor

Needham, MA

$27.55 - $36.73/hr

Experience editing long-form television, news, documentary, or magazine-style programming * Familiarity with archival workflows and legacy broadcast formats * Familiarity with Chronicle a plus Value ...

Hearst Newspapers

Part-Time Editor

Needham, MA

$27.55 - $36.73/hr

Experience editing long-form television, news, documentary, or magazine-style programming * Familiarity with archival workflows and legacy broadcast formats * Familiarity with Chronicle a plus Value ...

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Documentary Editing information

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How much do documentary editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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 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.

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 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 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.

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What cities are hiring for Documentary Editing jobs?

Cities with the most Documentary Editing job openings:

What states have the most Documentary Editing jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Documentary Editing jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Documentary Editing jobs are:

Documentary Editing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Editing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Senior Motion Designer & Editor

Astranis

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Senior Motion Designer & Editor 

We're looking for a Senior Motion Editor to help tell our stories through world-class video.

This role is responsible for crafting compelling films, product videos, customer stories, social media content, sales materials, and executive presentations that communicate complex technology with clarity and emotion.

This is more than an editing role. You'll shape how Astranis looks, feels, and moves across every screen.

Role

  • Lead post-production for Astranis videos, including marketing, product, commercial, recruiting, and corporate communications videos.
  • Create polished motion graphics and animations.
  • Build reusable motion systems, templates, transitions, and graphic packages that strengthen the Astranis brand.
  • Collaborate with creatives, engineers, marketers, and leadership to translate complex technical concepts into clear visual stories.
  • Contribute to creative development from concept through final delivery, helping shape narratives, pacing, and visual direction.
  • Manage color correction, sound mixing, finishing, and delivery across a variety of formats and channels.
  • Help establish and evolve Astranis' visual storytelling standards.

Requirements

  • 5+ years editing high-end commercial, technology, documentary, or brand films in a hardware or physical goods company.
  • Outstanding portfolio demonstrating both storytelling and motion graphics.
  • Experience building and implementing scalable motion design systems and templates.
  • Expert knowledge of Premiere Pro, After Effects, Blender, Davinci Resolve, and AI creative tools and workflows.
  • Strong understanding of typography, pacing, composition, and animation, 
  • Ability to manage multiple fast-moving projects with exceptional attention to detail and strong project management skills.
  • Collaborative mindset and comfort working with cross-functional teams.

Bonus

  • Experience with Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, and Unreal Engine.
  • Experience creating 3D animations and compositing.
  • Familiarity with aerospace, robotics, defense, hardware, or deep-tech companies.
  • Camera operation, lighting, or cinematography experience.
  • Experience building scalable motion design systems and templates.

Apply