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Freelance Film Editing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

1r Agency

Freelance Digital Designer

New York, NY

Freelance Digital Designer 1R is a rapidly growing eCommerce design, strategy and technology firm ... film editing is a plus. * Experience with Jira and Monday would be a plus. * Must be highly ...

ZEALOT

Freelance Assistant Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Freelance Assistant Editor ZEALOT is a powerhouse of creativity and innovation in entertainment ... film and TV productions in the world. The Assistant Editor role creates and organizes offline ...

Zealot

Freelance Assistant Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Freelance Assistant Editor ZEALOT is a powerhouse of creativity and innovation in entertainment ... film and TV productions in the world. The Assistant Editor role creates and organizes offline ...

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Freelance Film Editing information

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$71

How much do freelance film editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance film editing in the United States is $62.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60.34 and $68.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Film Editor, you need strong storytelling abilities, technical proficiency in video editing, and a solid understanding of pacing and continuity, often supported by a background in film or media studies. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve is typically required, along with familiarity with various video and audio formats. Excellent communication, time management, and creative problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively with clients and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines. These skills ensure you can consistently produce compelling edits that meet client expectations and succeed in a competitive freelance market.

What is freelance film editing?

Freelance film editing is the process of working independently, rather than as a full-time employee, to assemble, cut, and enhance video footage for movies, commercials, web content, or other projects. Freelance film editors are typically hired on a contract basis by production companies, directors, or individual clients to edit raw footage into a cohesive and engaging final product. They use specialized software to arrange scenes, adjust timing, add effects or transitions, and ensure the final video meets the creative vision of the project. Freelance editors often manage their own schedules, negotiate rates, and work remotely, giving them flexibility but also requiring strong self-management skills.

What is the difference between Freelance Film Editing vs Film Editor?

AspectFreelance Film EditingFilm Editor
CredentialsTypically requires editing skills, portfolio, and sometimes film or media educationOften requires formal education in film or media production, with industry experience
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote or on-location, project-basedEmployed at production companies or studios, working in editing suites
Employer & Industry UsageHired by clients for specific projects, flexible contractsWorks for studios, networks, or production companies as part of a team

Freelance Film Editing involves independent professionals working on various projects for different clients, offering flexibility and diverse experience. In contrast, a Film Editor is typically employed by a company or studio, working within a structured environment. Both roles require strong editing skills, but the freelance role emphasizes self-management and client relations, while the employed editor focuses on collaborative workflows within an organization.

How do freelance film editors typically manage feedback and revisions from multiple clients simultaneously?

Freelance film editors often juggle projects for different clients, each with their own feedback cycles and revision requests. To manage this efficiently, editors use project management tools, clear communication channels, and set expectations upfront regarding revision rounds and turnaround times. Staying organized and responsive is crucial, as is maintaining detailed notes on client preferences and project changes. Successful editors build strong client relationships by being adaptable and proactive in addressing feedback while meeting deadlines.
More about Freelance Film Editing jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Film Editing jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Film Editing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Film Editing jobs? The most popular types of Film Editing jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Film Editing jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Film Editing jobs include:
Freelance Film Editing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Film Editing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,079 per year, or $62.5 per hour.
Film Instructor / Filmmaking Mentor (Part-Time Teaching Artist)

Film Instructor / Filmmaking Mentor (Part-Time Teaching Artist)

Latino Film Institute

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$31.80/hr

Part-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Film Instructor / Filmmaking Mentor (Part-Time Teaching Artist)


Compensation: $31.80/hour + paid prep + mileage reimbursement

Schedule: Part-time, 7-19 hrs/week -- starts July 2026

Locations: Stockton, CA


Keep one foot in the craft while shaping the next generation of filmmakers.

The Youth Cinema Project hires working filmmakers to teach project-based film classes to students in grades 5-12, guiding them from script to screen on a real short film over the school year. It’s flexible, part-time work that fits around freelance gigs, with paid prep time and a curriculum already built for you. You bring the craft; we bring the lesson plans.

What you’ll do

  • Teach two 90-minute film classes a week, partnered with a co-mentor

  • Guide students through the full filmmaking process, writing, shooting, and editing, to produce a finished short film

  • Teach from our ready-made, rigorous curriculum (no lesson planning from scratch)

  • Help young people find their voice and discover a path into film

Why filmmakers take this role

  • Flexible hours (avg. 7-14/week) that work around production schedules and freelance gigs

  • $31.80/hour, plus paid preparation time and paid training

  • Mileage reimbursed for any travel

  • Stay creatively engaged between projects, and give back to your community

What you’ll need

  • 3+ years working in the film industry, as a director, producer, or in any below-the-line role

  • Strong skills in at least one area of filmmaking

  • Enough editing ability to cut simple short content (DaVinci Resolve a plus)

  • Comfortable and confident working with kids in a school setting

  • Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation (some travel up to 50 miles; mileage reimbursed). Comfortable using Google Workspace.

Nice to have (not required)

  • Film degree or film-school background

  • Previous teaching or mentoring experience

  • Knowledge of camera, audio, and G&E equipment; film story structure

  • Experience with Frame.io and Dropbox


How to apply

Send your résumé and a link to your reel or portfolio. That’s all to get started. Promising candidates will be asked for a few work samples and a short note about your interest in the next step.


Good to know

This position works directly with students and requires successful completion of a background check, Live Scan fingerprinting, and a TB screening prior to employment. The role involves extended periods of standing, frequent outdoor work, and the ability to safely lift and transport up to 50 pounds of filmmaking equipment. All required state-mandated trainings, including Child Abuse Mandated Reporter and Harassment Prevention training, are provided and compensated. Please note that participation in or completion of the pre-instruction Boot Camp training does not guarantee employment or placement as a YCP Mentor.


The Latino Film Institute Youth Cinema Project is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


Apply