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Video Encoder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineer - Video

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$293.80K - $343.34K/yr

Play a crucial role improving the quality of video encoding and playback on a wide range of devices, from mobile to high-end platforms. * Invent new creative uses for video in a 3D world. * Work with ...

Senior Software Engineer, Video Compression

Reston, VA · On-site

$127.70K - $168.30K/yr

Proven experience developing video codec software, including hands-on development of software video encoders (e.g., encoder architecture, tool integration, rate control, performance optimization, or ...

Senior Software Engineer, Video Compression

Reston, VA · On-site

$127.70K - $168.30K/yr

Proven experience developing video codec software, including hands-on development of software video encoders (e.g., encoder architecture, tool integration, rate control, performance optimization, or ...

Senior Software Engineer

Burbank, CA · On-site

$130.30K - $171.80K/yr

Our team is also in charge of managing services tasked with ingesting content into video cms, encoding, packaging with DRM, delivery and content distribution of premium content to millions of users ...

As part of the Phantoms Creative Department, the Video Production Intern will report to the Senior ... Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud - particularly Premiere Pro and Media Encoder (familiarity ...

Senior Software Engineer

Burbank, CA

$130.30K - $171.80K/yr

Our team is also in charge of managing services in charge of ingesting content into video cms, encoding, packaging with DRM, delivery and content distribution of premium content to millions of users ...

Senior Software Engineer

Manhattan, NY

$134.80K - $177.70K/yr

Our team is also in charge of managing services in charge of ingesting content into video cms, encoding, packaging with DRM, delivery and content distribution of premium content to millions of users ...

Senior Software Engineer

Burbank, CA · On-site

$130.30K - $171.80K/yr

Our team is also in charge of managing services in charge of ingesting content into video cms, encoding, packaging with DRM, delivery and content distribution of premium content to millions of users ...

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Video Encoder information

See salary details

$30.5K

$88.3K

$139.5K

How much do video encoder jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for video encoder in the United States is $88,303.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $108,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Video Encoder, you need a solid understanding of video formats, compression techniques, and digital media workflows, often supported by experience or a degree in media technology or a related field. Familiarity with encoding software like Adobe Media Encoder, FFmpeg, and media asset management systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure high-quality video output, efficient workflow management, and seamless collaboration with production and post-production teams.

What are some common challenges a Video Encoder faces when working with large-scale video streaming platforms?

One of the main challenges Video Encoders encounter on large-scale streaming platforms is optimizing video quality while maintaining efficient compression to reduce bandwidth usage. Encoders must balance factors such as file size, resolution, and latency, particularly when handling live events or adaptive streaming. Additionally, staying current with evolving codecs and platform-specific requirements is essential, as well as troubleshooting encoding errors and ensuring compatibility across a wide range of devices. Collaboration with developers, content creators, and network engineers is often necessary to resolve issues and implement improvements.

What are video encoders?

Video encoders are professionals or devices that convert raw video files into compressed digital formats suitable for streaming, broadcasting, or storage. They use specialized software or hardware to encode video data, reducing file size while maintaining visual quality. Video encoders optimize videos for different platforms, ensuring compatibility and efficient delivery. This role is essential in media production, live streaming, and post-production workflows.

What is the difference between Video Encoder vs Video Editor?

AspectVideo EncoderVideo Editor
Primary RoleConverts raw video files into compressed formats for distributionAssembles, trims, and enhances video footage for final production
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of codecs, encoding software, and compression standardsProficiency in editing software like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, and creative skills
Work EnvironmentTypically in post-production or broadcasting settingsIn film, TV, or digital media production environments
Industry UsageUsed by broadcasters, streaming services, and content creatorsUsed by filmmakers, video production companies, and content creators

While both roles involve working with video files, a Video Encoder focuses on compressing and converting videos for optimal playback and distribution, whereas a Video Editor is responsible for assembling and enhancing footage to create a polished final product. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role in the video production industry.

More about Video Encoder jobs
What states have the most Video Encoder jobs? States with the most job openings for Video Encoder jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Video Encoder jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Video Encoder jobs are:
Infographic showing various Video Encoder job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 14% Physical, 80% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,303 per year, or $42.5 per hour.
Research Engineer - Video Tone Mapping

Research Engineer - Video Tone Mapping

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Apple's Camera Algorithm team is looking for extraordinary engineers and researchers interested in developing next generation of image capture, processing and rendering algorithms to be used across all Apple product cameras! As part of the team you will research and develop novel ways to improve the image and video quality of Apple's camera systems. In order to reduce the computational complexity of your methods you are encouraged to take advantage of Apple silicon technologies such as the Image Signal Processor (ISP) or the Apple Neural Engine (ANE). The Camera Algorithm Tone Mapping team works at the intersection of software and hardware, developing real time algorithms required for camera operation, and has major impact on the final image and video quality! The team has a history of delivering solutions running on Apple products, for example Smart HDR, HDR video tone mapping or Apple Log encoding. This interdisciplinary team works closely with many other groups including silicon design, camera hardware and camera software teams to deliver industry leading consumer imaging devices. The work environment champions innovation, rapid iteration and awards independence and creativity in solving engineering problems.
As an algorithm developer you will be responsible for crafting the creative look of videos captured with Apple cameras by developing capture side tone mapping algorithms. You will drive algorithm development across all stages of the cycle; from the initial idea and proof of concept work through on-device implementation all the way to field testing, validation and finally surprising and delighting our customers.
MS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience.Track record of developing image processing algorithms for example: auto white balance, tone mapping, auto exposure and high dynamic range capture.Validated coding skills in Python or MATLAB.
Familiarity with a digital camera image processing pipeline and the Image Signal Processor (ISP).Understanding of image quality metrics and subjective evaluations.Proven knowledge of HDR encoding standards.Prior experience with professional video content postproduction and color grading workflows.Curiosity about vision science and/or color science.Programming skills in C/C++.Exposure to machine learning algorithms.Passion for photography and videography.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976