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Documentary Film Editor Jobs (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 ...

Distant Moon

Sr. Film Editor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Distant Moon Senior Film Editor | Leesburg, VA Distant Moon is an award-winning production company seeking a Senior Film Editor to lead editorial work across documentary, commercial, and narrative ...

Danbren Media

Wedding Video Editor

Dallas, TX · Remote

$27/hr

A 3-5 minute cinematic highlight film -- emotionally paced, music-driven, showcasing the best ... An extended edit up to 45 minutes -- a fuller documentary-style cut covering the ceremony, toasts ...

Commonpoint Queens

$16.50/hr

Film Team Supervisor Employment Type: Seasonal Position Summary: Join Commonpoint's Youth ... Collaborate on planning, shooting, and editing short documentaries and video content Create ...

Commonpoint Queens

$20/hr

Collaborate on planning, shooting, and editing short documentaries and video content Create ... film screenings, digital campaigns, and outreach events Maintain and care for film equipment and ...

Lynn University

Adjunct, Film

Lynn, MA · On-site

Depending on the successful candidate's area of expertise, courses may include Film Appreciation, Film Editing, Studio Production, Documentary, Interpersonal Communication, Public Speaking ...

Lynn University

Adjunct, Film

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

Depending on the successful candidate's area of expertise, courses may include Film Appreciation, Film Editing, Studio Production, Documentary, Interpersonal Communication, Public Speaking ...

Artportunity Knocks

FILM PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

This role focuses on introducing students to filmmaking, storytelling, video production, editing ... documentaries, or digital content pieces • Help students understand the creative and technical ...

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Documentary Film Editor information

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How much do documentary film editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for documentary film editor 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 Film Editor vs Video Editor?

AspectDocumentary Film EditorVideo Editor
CredentialsFilm editing experience, editing software proficiencyVideo editing skills, software knowledge
Work EnvironmentFilm sets, editing suites, post-production studiosBroadcast stations, corporate offices, freelance
Industry UsageFilm and documentary productionTV, online content, marketing videos

While both roles involve editing footage, a Documentary Film Editor specializes in assembling documentary films, focusing on storytelling and factual content. A Video Editor may work across various video types, including commercials, corporate videos, and entertainment content. The key difference lies in the focus on documentary storytelling versus general video production.

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

To thrive as a Documentary Film Editor, you need expertise in non-linear video editing, storytelling, and a solid understanding of pacing and narrative structure, often supported by a degree in film or media production. Proficiency with editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, or Final Cut Pro, as well as familiarity with audio mixing and color correction tools, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and effective collaboration with directors and producers are key soft skills. These competencies are crucial for crafting compelling stories, maintaining project timelines, and ensuring a polished final product that engages audiences.

What does a Documentary Film Editor do?

A Documentary Film Editor is responsible for assembling raw footage, selecting the best takes, and creating a compelling narrative that aligns with the director's vision. They work closely with directors and producers to ensure the story flows smoothly and maintains factual accuracy. Editors also add music, sound effects, and graphics, shaping the emotional tone and clarity of the documentary. Their work is crucial in transforming hours of footage into a cohesive, engaging final product.

What are some common challenges a Documentary Film Editor faces during post-production, and how can they be addressed?

Documentary Film Editors often deal with organizing vast amounts of unscripted footage, requiring strong storytelling instincts to create a coherent and engaging narrative. One challenge is balancing the filmmaker's vision with factual accuracy and sensitivity to the subjects portrayed. Effective collaboration with directors, producers, and sound designers is crucial to ensure the final product meets both creative and ethical standards. Staying organized, maintaining open communication, and being adaptable to feedback are key strategies for success.
What cities are hiring for Documentary Film Editor jobs? Cities with the most Documentary Film Editor job openings:
What states have the most Documentary Film Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Documentary Film Editor jobs include:
Documentary Film Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Film Editor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 67% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Film Editor

Film Editor

Distant Moon

Leesburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 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.