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Trailer Editor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ZEALOT

Freelance Assistant Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Freelance Assistant Editor ZEALOT is a powerhouse of creativity and innovation in entertainment marketing with a rich history of crafting compelling trailers, TV spots, and digital campaigns for some ...

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 marketing with a rich history of crafting compelling trailers, TV spots, and digital campaigns for some ...

Plutus LLC

Adult Video Editor IC

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$40/hr

Independent Contractor - Adult Video Editor Engagement Type: Independent Contractor (1099) Location ... Create trailers, promotional clips, and social media content. * Apply graphics, subtitles, branding ...

Smosh

Social Media Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The editor will partner closely with Social Media, Production, and Marketing to create engaging ... Edit marketing materials such as highlight reels, vertical trailers and vertical teasers.

Smosh

Social Media Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$71K - $75K/yr

The editor will partner closely with Social Media, Production, and Marketing to create engaging ... Edit marketing materials such as highlight reels, vertical trailers and vertical teasers.

Smosh

Social Media Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The editor will partner closely with Social Media, Production, and Marketing to create engaging ... Edit marketing materials such as highlight reels, vertical trailers and vertical teasers.

Smosh

Social Media Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The editor will partner closely with Social Media, Production, and Marketing to create engaging ... Edit marketing materials such as highlight reels, vertical trailers and vertical teasers.

Create

Producer, In-House Editorial

Culver City, CA · On-site

Partner closely with editors and assistant editors to ensure projects are properly set up ... Proven track record producing high-volume editorial output -- trailers, TV spots, social, digital ...

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All JobsTrailer Editor JobsTrailer Editor Jobs in California

Trailer Editor information

See California salary details

$12

$28

$46

How much do trailer editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for trailer editor in California is $28.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.83 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a trailer editor do?

As a trailer editor, you cut and edit film footage to create a preview trailer for a movie. In this role, you may help decide which scene or scenes to highlight in the trailer and work to fulfill a specific advertising or project goal. For example, action movies often have trailers that portray the movie as fast and exciting, while mystery films may highlight a question while avoiding any information about the answer. Trailer editors often work with other advertising staff to ensure a consistent marketing campaign across all channels. This job frequently involves modifying audio and video and may require coordinating with a special effects studio.

What is the difference between Trailer Editor vs Video Editor?

AspectTrailer EditorVideo Editor
CredentialsTypically requires editing experience, possibly film or media-related certificationsRequires general editing skills, often with a broader range of software knowledge
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in film, TV, or advertising industries focusing on trailersIn various industries including corporate, entertainment, social media
Industry UsageCommonly used in entertainment and advertising for promotional contentUsed across multiple sectors for diverse video projects

While both roles involve editing videos, a Trailer Editor specializes in creating promotional trailers for films, TV shows, or commercials, focusing on capturing audience interest. A Video Editor has a broader scope, working on various types of video content across industries. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Do trailer editors get paid a lot of money?

Trailer editors can earn a wide range of salaries depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may pay modestly, while experienced editors working on major film or advertising projects can earn high salaries, often supplemented by freelance work or bonuses. Overall, trailer editing is a specialized skill that can be financially rewarding for those with strong editing and storytelling abilities.

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

To thrive as a Trailer Editor, strong video editing skills, a creative eye for storytelling, and proficiency with editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro are essential, often supported by a degree in film, media, or a related field. Familiarity with sound design, motion graphics, and industry-standard tools like After Effects is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and the ability to interpret creative briefs make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure engaging, high-quality trailers that effectively capture audience attention and convey the intended message under tight deadlines.

What is a trailer editor?

A Trailer Editor is a professional responsible for creating captivating trailers for films, TV shows, video games, or other visual media. They skillfully select and arrange footage, sound, and music to craft a compelling preview that attracts audiences and conveys the essence of the full production. Trailer Editors work closely with directors, producers, and marketing teams to ensure the trailer aligns with the project's vision and promotional goals. Their work requires strong storytelling abilities, technical editing skills, and creativity under tight deadlines.

How much money do trailer editors make?

Trailer editors typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Senior or highly skilled editors working in major markets can earn higher salaries, especially if they have expertise in editing software like Adobe Premiere or Avid Media Composer.

What are some typical challenges faced by trailer editors when working with limited source material?

Trailer editors often encounter the challenge of crafting a compelling narrative from incomplete or unfinished footage, especially when working on projects that are still in post-production. This requires creativity in storytelling and the ability to repurpose available scenes to evoke emotion and excitement without revealing spoilers. Close collaboration with directors, producers, and marketing teams is essential to ensure the trailer aligns with the film’s tone and promotional strategy. Flexibility and strong communication skills are crucial for addressing last-minute changes and meeting tight deadlines.
More about Trailer Editor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Trailer Editor jobs in California? The most popular types of Trailer Editor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Trailer Editor jobs in California? For Trailer Editor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Trailer Editor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Trailer Editor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Trailer Editor jobs? Cities in California with the most Trailer Editor job openings:
Trailer Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trailer Editor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $59,026 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Senior Video Editor & AI Motion Designer

Wolf Games

Los Angeles, CA • On-site, Remote

$40 - $60/hr

Contractor

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About the Role
We're looking for a senior editor with extensive knowledge of AI video production and motion design to own our video production pipeline, from early creative concepting and storyboarding through editing, motion graphics, sound design, AI-generated sequences, and final delivery.
You'll create cut scenes for interactive stories, gameplay videos, social content, product announcements, and brand storytelling that capture the imagination of players and bring our worlds to life. Working closely with creative, product, marketing, and game teams, you'll continuously experiment with new tools and techniques to produce high-quality content at startup speed.
This role is ideal for someone who pairs feature-caliber storytelling craft with an AI-first creative mindset and thrives in a fast-moving, highly collaborative environment.
What You'll Do
  • Create high-impact game trailers, teaser videos, concept trailers, launch campaigns, and social content, carrying projects from initial key frame creation through final delivery.
  • Transform scripts and rough ideas into polished cinematic videos.
  • Use generative-art tools to rapidly create and edit marketing assets.
  • Collaborate closely with marketing, creative, product, and game teams to tell compelling stories.
  • Develop motion graphics, titles, transitions, and visual effects in After Effects.
  • Edit across viral-ready social formats and platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, X, Instagram, Discord, Steam, and app stores.
  • Continuously experiment with emerging AI tools and workflows to improve speed and quality.
  • Help establish scalable editing standards and production workflows and mentor newer editors as the team grows.
What We're Looking For
Who You Are
You're obsessed with storytelling. You know when to let a shot breathe, when to cut, and how music transforms emotion. You love experimenting with new AI tools - not because they're trendy, but because they let you tell better stories faster.
You thrive in ambiguity, enjoy building as you go, and are excited to shape the creative identity of a growing game studio. You bring a proactive, problem-solving mindset and a commitment to continuous learning.
Must Have
  • 5+ years of professional video editing experience (9+ preferred) spanning short-form social through long-form narrative.
  • Exceptional storytelling instincts, strong grasp of narrative structure, and cinematic pacing.
  • Strong portfolio featuring trailers, commercials, branded content, or entertainment marketing. Bonus for viral social content, web series, or feature films.
  • Expert-level Adobe Premiere Pro. Bonus for knowing Capcut too.
  • Strong After Effects and motion graphics skills, including conceptual layout and asset compilation.
  • Experience across the Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop).
  • Strong command of audio synchronization and mixing, color grading, typography, and visual composition, with rigorous quality control and consistency across projects.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-moving startup environment.
  • Comfortable managing multiple projects with minimal direction.
Nice to Have
  • AI-native and generative-art video workflows using tools like Runway, Kling, Veo, Pika, Luma, or ComfyUI.
  • Proficiency with additional NLEs and finishing tools such as Avid Media Composer and DaVinci Resolve.
  • Storyboarding and pre-visualization experience.
  • Experience editing game trailers.
  • Mobile gaming experience.
  • Experience capturing gameplay footage.
  • Familiarity with Steam, mobile stores, and live-service marketing.
  • Background in film, VFX, or advertising.
  • Motion design experience.
  • Experience mentoring or leading other editors.
  • Experience directing AI-generated cinematic sequences.
Particularly Relevant Backgrounds
We'd love to see experience in one or more of the following:
  • Game marketing, cinematic trailers, or gameplay capture for PC, console, or mobile titles.
  • Entertainment marketing, film trailers, streaming content, feature/documentary post-production, or commercial production.
  • Web series and episodic content produced for social-first platforms.
  • Creative agencies or production companies producing high-impact branded video campaigns.
  • AI-native and generative video production using tools such as Runway, Veo, Kling, Luma, Pika, or similar.
  • Fast-paced startup or creative studio environments where speed, experimentation, and iteration are essential.

To apply, please include your demo reel and a link to your portfolio or website - plus links to any specific trailers, cinematics, or content you're proud of.

Apply