ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Video Editor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

NPR

Senior Video Editor, Wild Card

Washington, DC · On-site

NPR is looking for an experienced video editor to help Wild Card further develop its video presence and reach new audiences. We're looking for a creative and organized video editor with experience ...

New

Bowhead

Video Editor

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Overview Video Editor (DTRA PAO) Bowhead is seeking a Video Editor for the upcoming DTRA PAO ... Senior Producer's vision and storyboard * Execute precise cuts, sequence arrangements, and ...

Bowhead

Video Editor

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Overview Video Editor (DTRA PAO) Bowhead is seeking a Video Editor for the upcoming DTRA PAO ... Senior Producer's vision and storyboard * Execute precise cuts, sequence arrangements, and ...

Agile Defense

Senior Video Producer

Washington, DC · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Senior Video Producer Location: Washington, D.C. * Manages the day‑to‑day operations and ... Most photo editing will require a same‑day turnaround for posting to the bureau's online ...

Al Jazeera Media Network

Program Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Work with creative on creating video walls and producing sections for certain shows, Key ... Minimum 7 years of professional experience in al newsroom as a senior journalist * Local and ...

The Washington Post

Editor, The 7 Live

Washington, DC · On-site

... video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work ... C., newsroom and reports to Senior Editor Annah Aschbrenner. What Motivates You: * You are ...

The Washington Post

Editor, The 7 Live

Washington, DC · On-site

... video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work ... C., newsroom and reports to Senior Editor Annah Aschbrenner. What Motivates You: * You are ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVideo Editor JobsSenior Video Editor JobsSenior Video Editor Jobs in Washington

Senior Video Editor information

See Washington salary details

$41.9K

$94.1K

$136.5K

How much do senior video editor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior video editor in Washington is $94,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior video editor do?

A Senior Video Editor is responsible for assembling recorded footage into a finished project that matches a director’s vision and is suitable for broadcasting. They manage the post-production process, which includes selecting footage, editing sequences, adding effects, color grading, and ensuring audio quality. Senior Video Editors often lead a team of junior editors, collaborate closely with producers and directors, and oversee the technical and creative aspects of video editing to deliver high-quality content on deadline.

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

To thrive as a Senior Video Editor, you need advanced proficiency in video editing, storytelling, color grading, and a strong portfolio demonstrating creative and technical expertise. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve, along with experience in motion graphics and sound design, is typically required. Strong collaboration, time management, and communication skills help you work effectively with clients, directors, and production teams. These skills are vital to producing high-quality, engaging content that meets client objectives and tight deadlines in a competitive media environment.

How does a senior video editor typically collaborate with directors and other creative team members during a project?

A Senior Video Editor often works closely with directors, producers, and motion graphics artists to ensure the final video aligns with the creative vision. This collaboration involves regular meetings to discuss project goals, reviewing rough cuts for feedback, and incorporating suggestions from various stakeholders. Clear communication and adaptability are essential, as editors must balance creative input with technical constraints and deadlines. Many teams use shared editing platforms and project management tools to streamline feedback and maintain workflow efficiency.

What is the difference between Senior Video Editor vs Video Producer?

AspectSenior Video EditorVideo Producer
CredentialsTypically requires a strong portfolio, experience in editing software, and sometimes a degree in film or mediaRequires project management skills, experience in production, and often a background in media or communications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in editing suites, post-production facilities, or remote editing setupsInvolves overseeing entire projects, including planning, shooting, and editing, often on location or in studios
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across media companies, advertising agencies, and production houses for editing rolesFound in media companies, production firms, and corporate communications for overseeing video projects

The main difference is that a Senior Video Editor focuses on editing and post-production tasks, while a Video Producer manages the entire video project from conception to delivery. Both roles require media knowledge, but the Producer has broader responsibilities including planning and coordination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Video Editor jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Senior Video Editor job openings:

Senior Video Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Video Editor job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,130 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Senior Video Editor / Video Producer

Cato Institute

Washington, DC • On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Cato Institute is seeking a Senior Video Editor to lead day-to-day production for its in-house AV team. This role owns the editorial and visual execution of Cato's multimedia output - podcast videos, policy documentaries, event coverage, interview series, explainer videos, and social content - and sets the technical and creative standard the rest of the team works to. The ideal candidate combines strong editing craft, motion graphics fluency, and sound judgment about how to turn dense policy material into work that holds a general audience's attention.
This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC.
The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $150,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate's educational background, experience, and skills.
About Cato
The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization - a think tank - dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.
Founded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Cato's Letters , a series of essays published in 18th-century England that presented a vision of a society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution. And the simple, timeless principles of that revolution - individual liberty, limited government, and free markets - turn out to be even more powerful in today's world of global markets and unprecedented access to information than Jefferson or Madison could have imagined. Social and economic freedom is not just the best policy for a free people; it is an indispensable framework for the future.
The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Responsibilities
  • Own the edit on Cato's highest-visibility projects - documentaries, flagship interview series, and major event coverage - from ingest through final delivery, setting pacing, structure, and visual tone.
  • Lead motion graphics design system-wide: animated lower thirds, title sequences, data visualizations, and other on-screen elements, ensuring visual consistency across every format.
  • Serve as the primary editorial partner to producers, researchers, and senior communications staff, advising on story structure and visual strategy - not just executing direction.
  • Set and maintain Cato's on-screen brand standards, and train/guide other editors, freelancers, or interns on those standards and workflows.
  • Manage the post-production pipeline end to end: media ingest, archiving, version control, and file organization across concurrent projects.
  • Handle color correction and audio mixing to a broadcast-ready standard; troubleshoot technical issues in the signal chain as needed.
  • Adapt and reformat finished content across platforms (YouTube, social, broadcast, web), optimizing for each platform's specs and audience behavior.
  • Help evaluate new tools, plugins, and workflow improvements to keep the team's output competitive with larger newsrooms and production houses.
  • Manage relationships with freelance editors or outside vendors on overflow projects, as needed.

Requirements
Education/Experience
  • 5+ years of professional video editing experience, with a track record in news, documentary, policy, or nonprofit media environments.
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects; motion graphics work should be a core strength, not a secondary skill.
  • Strong command of the broader Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) and comfort picking up new tools quickly.
  • Demonstrated ownership of full post-production workflows, including experience managing archives and multi-format delivery pipelines.
  • Experience mentoring, directing, or reviewing the work of junior editors or freelancers.
  • A personal interest in or familiarity with libertarian or classical liberal ideas, free-market economics, or related policy areas is a plus, though not required.

Skills
  • Excellent communication skills and the judgment to work directly with senior staff and subject-matter experts on editorially sensitive material.
  • A strong reel demonstrating both narrative editing and motion graphics work is required.
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple productions across different stages simultaneously.
  • Attention to detail and commitment to excellence in production work.

To Apply
Please submit the following materials:
  • Cover letter
  • Résumé
  • Example of work (description of your contribution to the project and any other relevant details)

Benefits
All Cato employees are offered the following benefits:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Generous vacation and sick days
  • Paid parental leave
  • Employer-provided life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) employer match
  • Transit/ Parking benefits
  • Pet discount plan

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

Apply