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Sound Editor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Distant Moon

Film Editor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

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 ...

Distant Moon

Sr. Film Editor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

This role is for a highly experienced editor with strong storytelling instincts, sound creative judgment, and the ability to independently guide projects from assembly through final delivery. We're ...

History Factory

Video Editor

Washington, DC · Remote

Video Editor (Contract) Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid/Remote options available) About History ... You know that the right sound effect or color grade can make or break a scene. * An Expert Operator:

History Factory

Video Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

Video Editor (Contract) Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid/Remote options available) About History ... You know that the right sound effect or color grade can make or break a scene. * An Expert Operator:

Shield AI

Staff Video Editor (R5256)

Washington, DC

$100K - $150K/yr

You execute end-to-end post-production workflows, including media organization, editing, color correction, sound mixing, and finishing. You maintain clean, organized project files to support ...

New

Shield AI

Staff Video Editor (R5256)

Washington, DC

$100K - $150K/yr

You execute end-to-end post-production workflows, including media organization, editing, color correction, sound mixing, and finishing. You maintain clean, organized project files to support ...

New

Stagwell Global LLC

Video Editor

Washington, DC

$110K - $120K/yr

Create and/or contribute sound design to your work, or the work of other editors. * Does not need to identify as a colorist, but has the ability to work with the Creative Director on spots color.

Skdk

Video Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Create and/or contribute sound design to your work, or the work of other editors. * Does not need to identify as a colorist, but has the ability to work with the Creative Director on spots color.

Skdk

Video Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Create and/or contribute sound design to your work, or the work of other editors. * Does not need to identify as a colorist, but has the ability to work with the Creative Director on spots color.

Condé Nast

Senior Copy Editor

Adelphi, MD · Hybrid

Reporting to the Chief Sub Editor, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced production ... Strong fact-checking skills and sound editorial judgement. * Excellent organisational and time ...

LexisNexis

Legal Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$64K - $107K/yr

The Editor/Publisher II evaluates the relationship between citing and cited authorities, determines ... Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and escalation when appropriate

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Sound Editor information

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How much do sound editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for sound editor in Washington is $35.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.23 and $44.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Sound Editor typically collaborate with directors and other post-production team members during a film project?

A Sound Editor works closely with directors, producers, and other post-production professionals such as picture editors and sound designers to ensure the audio elements align with the creative vision of the project. Regular meetings and feedback sessions are common, where the Sound Editor presents drafts of the audio track, discusses adjustments, and incorporates input from the team. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as the role often involves revising soundscapes based on evolving creative decisions. This collaborative process helps achieve a cohesive and immersive final product.

How do I become a sound editor?

To become a sound editor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in audio engineering, film production, or a related field, along with experience using digital audio workstations like Pro Tools. Developing strong editing skills, understanding sound design, and building a portfolio through internships or freelance projects are also important steps in entering the profession.

What is the job of a sound editor?

A sound editor is responsible for selecting, editing, and mixing audio elements for film, television, or other media productions. They use specialized software and tools to ensure sound quality, clarity, and synchronization, often collaborating with directors and sound designers to achieve the desired auditory effect.

What is the average salary for a sound editor?

The average salary for a sound editor typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Experienced sound editors working in film, television, or gaming may earn higher salaries, especially with specialized skills and advanced editing software knowledge.

What is the difference between Sound Editor vs Sound Designer?

AspectSound EditorSound Designer
CredentialsAudio editing certifications, relevant experienceAudio editing certifications, creative portfolio
Work EnvironmentPost-production studios, film, TV, video projectsFilm sets, game development, multimedia projects
Industry UsagePrimarily in film, TV, and video editingIn film, gaming, advertising, and multimedia
Primary FocusEditing and assembling audio clipsCreating and designing unique sound effects and atmospheres

While both roles involve working with audio, a Sound Editor primarily focuses on editing and assembling existing audio clips, ensuring clarity and synchronization. A Sound Designer, on the other hand, creates original sound effects and atmospheres to enhance the storytelling. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications but differ in creative scope and application.

What does a Sound Editor do?

A Sound Editor is responsible for selecting, editing, and mixing audio elements for film, television, video games, or other media productions. Their work includes cleaning up dialogue, adding sound effects, balancing levels, and ensuring the final audio track enhances the storytelling. Sound Editors collaborate closely with directors, producers, and other post-production professionals to create immersive and high-quality audio experiences that match the visual content.

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

To thrive as a Sound Editor, you need a solid understanding of audio engineering, sound design, and post-production processes, often supported by a degree in audio production or related experience. Proficiency with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, as well as familiarity with plugins and sound libraries, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication help a Sound Editor collaborate with directors and other team members. These skills ensure high-quality soundtracks that enhance the storytelling and emotional impact of media projects.

Are audio editors in demand?

Audio editors, including sound editors, are in demand across industries such as film, television, gaming, and advertising, especially as media production continues to grow. Skilled professionals with proficiency in editing software like Pro Tools or Adobe Audition and a strong understanding of sound design are sought after to meet industry needs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sound Editor jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Sound Editor jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Sound Editor jobs in Washington? For Sound Editor jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sound Editor jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Sound Editor jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Sound Editor jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Sound Editor job openings:
Sound Editor jobs near you
Film Editor

Film Editor

Distant Moon

Leesburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 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.