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Video Editor Internship Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Red Edge LLC

Video Production Intern

Arlington, VA · On-site

Grab an internship with the video team at Red Edge! Red Edge, a digital advocacy firm that serves ... Have video production, animation or editing experience. * Use immense attention to detail to create ...

Red Edge

Video Production Intern

Arlington, VA

Grab an internship with the video team at Red Edge! Red Edge, a digital advocacy firm that serves ... Have video production, animation or editing experience. * Use immense attention to detail to create ...

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Video Editor Internship information

See Washington, DC salary details

$5

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How much do video editor internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for video editor internship in Washington, DC is $16.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a video editor internship?

Video editor internship opportunities are available to students and recent graduates of a degree or certificate program focused on learning video editing techniques and skills. Whether they’re for school credit or paid, these internships provide training for budding video editors and are a way to get your foot in the door as you gain skills and experience. As an intern, your duties and responsibilities center around learning how to edit various footage according to production specifications. You learn how to use video editing software to transform raw footage into what audiences see at the movies or on television, including commercials, advertisements, or local news efforts.

What does a video editor intern do?

A Video Editor Intern assists in editing and assembling recorded raw material into a finished product that’s suitable for broadcasting or publishing. They typically work with footage, audio, graphics, and effects to create engaging videos under the guidance of senior editors. Interns often help organize media files, cut and trim video clips, and ensure the final product aligns with the project’s vision and objectives. This role is an opportunity to learn industry-standard editing software and workflow in a professional environment.

What types of projects and collaboration can I expect during a video editor internship?

As a Video Editor Intern, you'll typically work on a variety of projects such as promotional videos, social media content, interviews, and internal communications. You can expect to collaborate closely with content producers, graphic designers, and marketing teams to bring creative visions to life. Interns often participate in brainstorming sessions, receive feedback from senior editors, and gain hands-on experience with editing software. This collaborative environment helps you develop both technical skills and teamwork, preparing you for more advanced roles in the industry.

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

To thrive as a Video Editor Intern, you need a solid grasp of video editing fundamentals, storytelling, and a basic understanding of visual aesthetics, often supported by coursework or a portfolio of sample projects. Familiarity with editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve is typically required, and knowledge of file formats and media management is beneficial. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to accept feedback gracefully are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure high-quality content creation, effective collaboration, and adaptability in a fast-paced media environment.

What is the difference between Video Editor Internship vs Video Editor?

AspectVideo Editor InternshipVideo Editor
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in film, media, or related fieldsProfessional experience or specialized training in video editing
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, often in media companies, production houses, or creative agenciesFull-time or freelance roles in similar environments
ResponsibilitiesAssist with editing tasks, learn editing software, support senior editorsLead editing projects, make creative decisions, finalize videos

The main difference between a Video Editor Internship and a Video Editor is experience level and responsibility. Internships are entry-level positions focused on learning and supporting editing tasks, while Video Editors are experienced professionals responsible for creating and finalizing video content.

More about Video Editor Internship jobs

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

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

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

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Video Editor Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Video Editor Internship job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,559 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Senior Video Editor / Video Producer

Washington, DC • On-site

Cato Institute
Social Sciences and Humanities Research • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Cato Instituteexternal

$90K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 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