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Documentary Video Editor 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 ...

Owner

Senior Video Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Senior Video Editor is one of our early hires that will help own this function as we build a ... documentary. You'll get real creative ownership here, not template-based assembly work. The ...

NY 411

Preditor (Producer/Editor)

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

Position OverviewCSI SPORTS™ is seeking a Producer/Video Editor who will be a key member of the ... Create (write and edit) promo spots, documentary segments and sizzle reels utilizing appropriate ...

Relativity Space

Senior Video Editor

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$74K - $112K/yr

You'll be editing the videos that tell the story of Terran R and shape external and internal ... This role is geared towards someone who has experience across commercial, branded, documentary ...

Relativity Space

Senior Video Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$74K - $112K/yr

You'll be editing the videos that tell the story of Terran R and shape external and internal ... This role is geared towards someone who has experience across commercial, branded, documentary ...

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Documentary Video Editor information

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How much do documentary video editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for documentary video 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 a documentary video editor?

A Documentary Video Editor is responsible for assembling and refining video footage to create compelling, cohesive documentary films. They work closely with directors and producers to shape the story, enhance visual storytelling, and ensure a smooth narrative flow. This includes cutting scenes, adjusting pacing, adding graphics, and incorporating music or sound effects. Editors also use software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve to refine color, audio, and visual effects. Their role is crucial in transforming raw footage into a powerful and engaging documentary that effectively conveys the intended message.

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

To thrive as a Documentary Video Editor, you need strong storytelling abilities, expertise in video editing, and a solid grasp of narrative structure, typically supported by a degree in film, media, or related experience. Proficiency in editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Avid Media Composer, as well as knowledge of sound and color correction tools, is highly valued. Attention to detail, creativity, time management, and the ability to collaborate closely with directors and producers are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure that the final documentary is compelling, cohesive, and meets both artistic and technical standards.

What are the typical challenges faced by documentary video editors?

Documentary video editors often work with large volumes of raw footage and must distill compelling stories from hours of material, which can be both rewarding and challenging. Deadlines can be tight, especially for projects tied to broadcast schedules or film festival submissions, requiring effective time management and adaptability. Editors frequently collaborate with directors, producers, and sometimes archivists, so clear communication and openness to feedback are essential. Navigating rights and clearances for archival content is another common aspect of the role. Overcoming these challenges contributes significantly to delivering impactful and well-crafted documentaries.

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Documentary Video Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Video Editor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Senior Video Editor-So Expensive

New York, NY • On-site

Business Insider
501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Business Insiderexternal

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Business Insider's video team is seeking a senior videographer and editor to create original video content for our flagship series, So Expensive.
So Expensive explores the stories behind one of the most commonly asked questions: why is something so expensive? From individual products to over-consolidated industries and broader economic shifts, the team helps our audience understand an increasingly unaffordable world and the solutions that could lead to change.
The Role & Team
So Expensive takes viewers inside the businesses, industries, and processes behind unusually costly products and services, combining strong reporting with engaging visual storytelling. As an editor on the team, you'll play an important role in bringing those stories to life.
The editor will be involved in several stages of the creation process: shooting as needed, sourcing footage, editing, and post-production. You'll collaborate with producers to find the strongest narrative, sharpen scripts and story structure, and make thoughtful creative decisions about pacing, visuals, sound, and graphics. This person should have a talent for shaping stories into compelling YouTube videos with a strong narrative. We're looking for someone eager to develop our style and expand our coverage.
This role is based in New York and has an in-office requirement of three days per week. This position is union-eligible.
The Ideal Candidate
  • Has excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage deadlines, including delivering multiple documentary edits each quarter.
  • Is proficient in the Adobe Creative Suite, including Premiere (After Effects is a plus).
  • Has experience in documentary or journalistic video production.
  • Has excellent storytelling judgment: Brings creative ideas that elevate narrative structure, increase viewer engagement, and strengthen the quality and impact of our journalism.
  • Has excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
  • Is firmly committed to accuracy, fairness, and journalistic standards.
  • Has experience shooting with professional Canon and Sony cameras (this is a plus, but not required).
  • Has a proven track record of digging for visual source material that will elevate a story.

Key Responsibilities
  • Edit So Expensive episodes from start to finish while consistently meeting tight production deadlines.
  • Craft episodes for maximum impact and audience retention, making key decisions on pacing, music, and scene-building to keep viewers engaged.
  • Helpthe So Expensive team maintain efficient, scalable editing workflows and best practices.
  • Collaborate with producers, animators, and managers to deliver high-quality video journalism that succeeds on YouTube and other platforms.

Examples of the types of videos you might be editing include:
Why Owning Nothing Is So Expensive
The Real Reason Disney Is So Expensive
Why Concert Tickets Are So Expensive - And Who's To Blame
Why Airport Food Is So Expensive
Salary & Benefits
  • Salary range: $80,000-$90,000 (dependent on skills, experience, and competencies)
  • Unlimited PTO, 10 paid holidays, and 16 weeks of parental leave
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
  • Matched and vested 401k plan
  • Access to resources for financial planning guidance, family planning services, mental health resources and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Additional benefits include commuter benefits, phone reimbursement, gym membership discounts, and more

Business Insider is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and, when making employment decisions, does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, age, nationality or national origin, religion, disability, familial status, and military or veteran status. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented groups to apply.
Business Insider is a subsidiary of Axel Springer SE, a family-owned transatlantic media company headquartered in Berlin and New York. Axel Springer is dedicated to shaping the future of journalism in the free world, believing that a free and informed society is essential to democracy. The company's guiding principles - first articulated as The Essentials by founder Axel Springer in the aftermath of World War II - remain a cornerstone of the company's foundation today. Learn more about Axel Springer.
Are you passionate about this opportunity, but worried that you don't have 100% of the experience we're looking for? We still want to hear from you! Apply online and let us know why you would make a great addition to Business Insider.

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