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Documentary Editor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Distant Moon

Film Editor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Distant Moon Film Editor | Leesburg, VA Distant Moon is an award-winning production company seeking a Film Editor to help shape documentary, commercial, and narrative projects from assembly through ...

Varsity Tutors

Filmmaking Tutor

Rockville, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... editing with software like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro. Emphasizes the collaborative nature of filmmaking and connects technical skills to narrative storytelling, documentary making, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Filmmaking Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... editing with software like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro. Emphasizes the collaborative nature of filmmaking and connects technical skills to narrative storytelling, documentary making, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Filmmaking Tutor

Washington, DC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... editing with software like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro. Emphasizes the collaborative nature of filmmaking and connects technical skills to narrative storytelling, documentary making, and ...

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Documentary Editor information

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$12

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$65

How much do documentary editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for documentary editor in Washington is $35.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.23 and $44.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a documentary editor?

A Documentary Editor is responsible for assembling raw footage, shaping the narrative, and refining the visual and audio elements of a documentary film. They work closely with directors and producers to ensure the story is compelling, cohesive, and aligns with the project's vision. This role involves selecting the best takes, cutting scenes for pacing, adding effects, and integrating music or sound design. Documentary editors must have strong storytelling skills, technical proficiency with editing software, and the ability to craft engaging narratives from real-life footage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a documentary editor?

To thrive as a Documentary Editor, you need expertise in video editing, storytelling, and narrative structure, typically supported by a background in film, media, or communications. Proficiency in editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Avid Media Composer is essential, and certification in these programs is often preferred. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with directors and producers are critical soft skills in this role. These qualities ensure the ability to craft compelling stories that align with the documentary's vision and engage viewers.

What are some typical challenges a documentary editor faces during a project?

Documentary Editors often encounter challenges such as working with large volumes of raw footage, managing tight deadlines, and balancing creative input from multiple collaborators. You may need to shape a compelling narrative from unscripted content, which requires both technical skill and creative problem-solving. Additionally, editors must adapt to changes in story direction as new material emerges or feedback is provided by the production team. Successfully navigating these challenges is key to delivering a polished final product that tells an engaging and coherent story.

How much does a documentary editor make?

The average salary for a documentary editor ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Experienced editors with skills in editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Avid Media Composer tend to earn higher wages, especially when working on high-profile or long-form documentaries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Documentary Editor jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Documentary Editor jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Documentary Editor jobs in Washington?

For Documentary Editor jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Documentary Editor jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Documentary Editor jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Documentary Editor jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Documentary Editor job openings:

Documentary Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Editor job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,443 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Film Editor

Leesburg, VA • On-site

Distant Moon
Motion Picture and Video Production • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Distant Moonexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Distant Moon Film Editor | Leesburg, VA

Distant Moon is an award-winning production company seeking a Film Editor to help shape documentary, commercial, and narrative projects from assembly through final delivery.

This role is for an editor with strong storytelling instincts, solid technical ability, and a good sense of pacing, structure, and tone. We're looking for someone who can take creative direction, collaborate well with directors and post-production leadership, and consistently produce polished editorial work across a range of projects.

We care far more about the quality of an editor's work, storytelling instincts, and creative judgment than checking every box on a rsum.

What You'll Do

  • Edit projects through all stages of post-production, from assembly through final delivery
  • Collaborate closely with directors and post-production leadership to shape story, pacing, tone, and structure
  • Organize, sync, label, and manage footage and project assets
  • Build rough cuts, fine cuts, and polished client-facing edits
  • Handle basic temp sound design, music editing, and supporting audio work during editorial process
  • Source archival footage, music, and supporting media assets when needed
  • Prepare projects for color, sound, VFX, and final delivery
  • Upload and manage review versions through Frame.io
  • Maintain organized project files suitable for collaboration and archival
  • Track project tasks and time through internal workflow systems
What We're Looking For
  • Approximately 3 - 5+ years of professional editing experience across documentary, commercial, branded, narrative, or related content environments
  • A portfolio or reel demonstrating strong storytelling instincts, pacing, structure, and creative judgment
  • Strong working knowledge of Premiere Pro and Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Ability to take feedback well, adapt quickly, and collaborate effectively within a post-production team
  • Organized, dependable, and comfortable managing multiple projects and deadlines
  • Self-directed with strong attention to detail and follow-through

Exceptional portfolios and demonstrated storytelling ability may be considered in place of traditional experience requirements.

Bonus Experience

  • After Effects or motion graphics experience
  • Color workflow familiarity
  • On-set production experience
  • Interest in long-form narrative filmmaking
Work Environment

Distant Moon operates from a purpose-built creative studio in Leesburg, Virginia designed specifically for filmmakers, editors, and storytellers. Our workspace was intentionally built to support collaboration, focused editorial work, production planning, and creative development across all stages of filmmaking.

This is an in-person role working alongside directors, editors, producers, and creatives in a highly collaborative studio environment. The space includes dedicated edit suites, production areas, collaborative workspaces, and creative gathering spaces designed to support both focused work and team collaboration.

While much of the role involves desk-based editorial work, team members may occasionally assist with production-related activities, equipment movement, or on-set support as needed.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.