1

Motion Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We're looking for a skilled Video/Motion Editor to support our video and motion team as a key right-hand partner to the Video/Motion Director. In this role, you'll take raw footage and creative ...

This role is not motion-only-you'll work across stills, motion, video editing, and AI-assisted production in a highly collaborative, fast-turn environment. You'll partner closely with our creative ...

Our client, a fast-growing digital media and entertainment company, is seeking a Junior/Mid-Level Social-First Motion Designer/Editor for a remote freelance/contract opportunity. This role will ...

Cresta is hiring a Motion Graphics & Video Editor to help scale our product and brand storytelling through high-impact video and motion. Demand for videos and motion graphics continues to grow ...

Key Responsibilities Motion Graphics & Editing * Edit short-form and long-form video content for social media, web, product marketing, and brand campaigns * Create motion graphics, animated ...

Cresta is hiring a Motion Graphics & Video Editor to help scale our product and brand storytelling through high-impact video and motion. Demand for videos and motion graphics continues to grow ...

Be Seen First

Video and Motion Graphics Editor Team: Content Production Part-time or Full-time: Full-time Locations: Plano Salary Range: Based on experience - $75,000 - $90,000 As a Video and Motion Graphics ...

Be Seen First

Video and Motion Graphics Editor Team: Content Production Part-time or Full-time: Full-time Locations: Plano Salary Range: Based on experience - $75,000 - $90,000 As a Video and Motion Graphics ...

We're looking for an inspired Motion Designer / Video Editor to join our small and mighty video production team. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with writers, art directors, creative ...

The TEGNA Design Tank is looking for a talented Senior Motion Designer/Editor to join our team of 24+ designers. This role requires strong design, animation, editing, leadership, and communication ...

We're looking for an inspired Motion Designer / Video Editor to join our small and mighty video production team. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with writers, art directors, creative ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Motion Editor information

See salary details

$11

$31

$57

How much do motion editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for motion 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 Motion Editor vs Video Editor?

AspectMotion EditorVideo Editor
Primary FocusCreating and refining motion graphics and animated sequencesEditing and assembling raw video footage into a final product
Skills & ToolsAfter Effects, motion graphics, animation techniquesPremiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, editing workflows
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, post-production houses, advertising agenciesFilm, TV, online media, corporate video production
Common CertificationsMotion graphics certifications, Adobe After Effects trainingVideo editing certifications, Adobe Premiere Pro training

While both roles involve editing visual content, a Motion Editor specializes in creating animated graphics and motion sequences, often working with animation software. A Video Editor primarily focuses on assembling and editing raw footage into a cohesive video. Understanding these differences helps employers and professionals choose the right skill set for their projects.

How does a Motion Editor typically collaborate with animators and other creative team members during a project?

Motion Editors work closely with animators, directors, and visual effects artists to refine and enhance character movement and performance. They often receive raw animation or motion capture data, which they clean up, edit, and blend to achieve realistic, expressive results that align with the project's vision. Regular communication and feedback sessions are common, ensuring the final motion seamlessly integrates with the creative direction and technical requirements. Collaboration is key, as Motion Editors may need to quickly iterate on feedback or adapt to changes in the animation pipeline.

What is a Motion Editor?

A Motion Editor is a professional who specializes in editing and refining motion in digital media, such as animation, video games, or film. They work with motion capture data, keyframe animation, and other movement sequences to ensure smooth, realistic, or stylized motion as required by the project. Motion Editors collaborate closely with animators, directors, and other team members to achieve the desired visual results. Their expertise lies in adjusting timing, spacing, and transitions to enhance the overall quality and believability of the animated scenes.

Are motion designers in demand?

Motion designers are in high demand across industries such as advertising, entertainment, and digital media, as visual content continues to grow in importance. Skills in animation software like Adobe After Effects and a strong portfolio can improve job prospects, especially with experience in multimedia projects and a good understanding of design principles.

What does a motion editor do?

A motion editor is responsible for refining and assembling animated footage, often working with video editing software like Adobe After Effects or Premiere Pro. They adjust timing, add effects, and ensure smooth transitions to create polished motion graphics or visual effects for videos. Strong attention to detail and knowledge of animation principles are essential for this role.

What is the salary of a motion editor?

The average salary of a motion editor varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 per year. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with advanced skills in software like Adobe After Effects can earn higher salaries. Freelance motion editors may charge hourly rates or project-based fees instead of a fixed salary.

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

To thrive as a Motion Editor, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, motion capture data editing, and video production, typically supported by a degree in animation, film, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Autodesk MotionBuilder, Adobe After Effects, and Maya, as well as familiarity with motion capture systems, is essential. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills help motion editors collaborate effectively and bring dynamic visual content to life. Mastering these skills ensures high-quality, seamless animation and efficient workflow in fast-paced production environments.

Is motion design replaced by AI?

Motion editors use AI tools to assist with tasks like automating repetitive animations and generating visual effects, but AI has not fully replaced the need for human creativity and technical skills in motion design. Professionals in this field still rely on expertise in software such as Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D to produce high-quality work. AI serves as a complementary tool rather than a complete replacement for motion designers.
More about Motion Editor jobs
Infographic showing various Motion Editor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Video/Motion Editor

Video/Motion Editor

smartdept. inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

Contractor

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

We're looking for a skilled Video/Motion Editor to support our video and motion team as a key right-hand partner to the Video/Motion Director. In this role, you'll take raw footage and creative assets and turn them into polished, finished content ready for use across web, mobile, social, and broadcast. You'll collaborate closely with the team to ensure every deliverable meets quality standards, brand expectations, and project goals.
Key Responsibilities
  • Edit video and motion graphic content for a variety of formats and platforms (web, mobile, social, broadcast)
  • Assemble raw footage, dialogue, music, sound effects, and graphics into finished video deliverables
  • Create and/or enhance motion graphics, animation, and visual effects as needed
  • Support the production team by assisting with video shoots when necessary
  • Collaborate with internal team members to ensure final edits meet creative intent and desired outcomes
  • Maintain strong attention to detail and ensure content is delivered on time and production-ready
Required Skills / Qualifications
  • Strong video editing experience with a solid understanding of pacing, storytelling, and visual flow
  • Motion graphics experience with the ability to build or modify graphics/animations as needed
  • Comfortable working with multiple types of media assets (footage, audio, graphics, effects)
  • Ability to take direction well and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced creative environment
  • Reliable, responsive, and able to manage deadlines while maintaining quality
Nice to Have
  • Experience supporting or participating in live video shoots
  • Ability to jump in wherever needed during production to help the team meet deadlines

smartdept. logo

About smartdept.

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

smartdept. is a nationwide creative, digital, and marketing talent resource. We provide companies with freelance, contract, direct hire, and contract-to-hire candidates for on-site, remote, and hybrid opportunities. Our ability to service customers of all sizes, while still taking a boutique approach to service, allows us the best chance to cultivate the successful relationships we value. Our detailed matching process lets us really get to know everything about our talent – their short- and long-term goals, strengths and weaknesses, favorite playlist, go-to social media influencer, you name it. So when you present us with your criteria, we can provide the most ideal candidate, not just the most available one.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2001

Social media