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Trailer Editor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Trailer Editor information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$28

$46

How much do trailer editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for trailer editor in Virginia is $28.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.92 and $31.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

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 trailer editors typically earn moderate wages, while experienced professionals working on major film or advertising projects can earn higher salaries, sometimes exceeding six figures annually. Skills in editing software like Adobe Premiere or Avid, along with a strong portfolio, can influence earning potential.

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 the most commonly searched types of Trailer Editor jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Trailer Editor jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Trailer Editor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 10% Temporary, and 39% Contract. Highlights an 73% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,296 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Creative Marketing Strategist & Short-Form Video Editor

Two Robots Studios

Richmond, VA • Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Remote | Contract | Marketing & Creative

Build the videos that make people stop scrolling.

Learn more about us at tworobots.com

Two Robots Studios is building Two Robots: Unleashed, a competitive sci-fi multiplayer card game designed to become the next great competitive gaming ecosystem.

We’re looking for someone who doesn’t just edit videos.

We’re looking for someone obsessed with why videos work.

Someone who studies TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Meta ads, Steam trailers, and viral gaming content, then turns those insights into creative that actually gets people to click, share, and play.

If you’ve ever watched an ad and immediately started thinking “I know how I’d make this perform better,” you’ll probably enjoy this role.

What You’ll Do

Create high-performing short-form videos for:

  • TikTok
  • Instagram Reels
  • YouTube Shorts
  • Meta Ads
  • Steam marketing
  • Discord announcements

Work with our team to:

  • Transform gameplay into compelling stories.
  • Develop multiple creative concepts for the same feature.
  • Find better hooks, pacing, and endings.
  • Continuously improve videos using performance data.

Experiment constantly.

Instead of making one trailer…

…you might make five completely different openings to discover which one captures attention.

What Success Looks Like

You’re constantly asking questions like:

  • Why would someone stop scrolling?
  • What makes this exciting?
  • Can the hook be stronger?
  • Is the payoff worth watching?
  • Would someone who has never heard of this game understand why they should care?

Editing is only half the job.

The other half is creative thinking.

You’ll Receive

We’ll provide:

  • Gameplay footage
  • Access to the game
  • Original artwork
  • UI assets
  • Logos
  • Sound effects
  • Music
  • Design guidance
  • Feedback from our art and marketing team

You bring the creative vision that ties everything together.

Who You Are

You probably have experience with:

  • Premiere Pro
  • DaVinci Resolve
  • After Effects
  • CapCut
  • Final Cut Pro

But software isn’t what we’re hiring for.

We’re hiring someone who understands:

  • Hooks
  • Storytelling
  • Retention
  • Marketing psychology
  • Gaming audiences
  • Viral creative

You know how to structure information so people keep watching.

Bonus Points

Experience creating content for:

  • Mobile games
  • PC games
  • Steam launches
  • TikTok
  • Meta advertising
  • Gaming creators
  • Influencer marketing

Extra bonus if you’ve worked with A/B testing or performance marketing.

Our Hiring Process

Rather than judging portfolios alone, we start with a small paid creative trial.

We’ll provide gameplay footage and access to the game.

Your challenge is simple:

Create a short marketing video that makes people want to play.

We care far more about the idea than flashy editing.

Why Join Two Robots Studios?

  • Fully remote
  • Work directly with the founder
  • Creative freedom
  • Help define the studio’s marketing voice
  • Long-term opportunity as the game grows
  • Real ownership over our creative direction

Ready to Apply?

To be considered, you must complete our candidate survey. We use it to filter applicants who pay attention to detail and genuinely care about the role — applications without it will not be reviewed.

👉 Application Form: https://airtable.com/appdgbcpjKsZq2xTi/pagGGFDsTTPO2y3lR/form

🌐 Learn more about us: https://tworobots.com