Video Editing Rates & What You’re Paying For
- Diane Mi
- Mar 20
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 21
Just listing video editing rates wouldn’t be helpful, so we’ll categorize them and explain the pricing systems common in post-production. This approach will help you better estimate your video campaign expenses and effectively plan your budget.
First, we’ll cover the conventional types of rates in video editing because most post-production service providers still follow them. Then we’ll switch to the currently popular pricing models, which offer more flexibility and control for both the customer and the editor.
Video Editor's Work & How It Defines the Rates
Let's dive into the process of video editing using this specific clip as an example:
Initial Preparation: Understanding the Script
Before editing begins, the editor reviews the script or brief to grasp the intended message and expected outcome. All editors include preparation time in their video editing rates.
This process took about 30 minutes for the video above.
Technical Process: Organizing Material and Files
Next, the editor organizes the footage and project files. This involves converting raw footage into lighter "proxy" files to speed up editing.
For our short commercial with 26 frames, which was filmed within one day, this preparation took about 30 minutes.
At this step, the editor also sorts the material, selects successful takes, and arranges duplicates in a rough sequence.
Additional Tasks
Other tasks covered by video editing prices might include synchronizing video and audio tracks or selecting music. Having approved music beforehand is crucial, as it influences the video's rhythm.
Preparing audio and music tracks for our example clip took at least an hour.
Note that we already spent at least 2 hours just for the preparatory processes.
The Editing Process
With preparation complete, the editor assembles the first draft. A professional might take 1 to 1.5 hours for a 46-second clip with a clear script.
An inexperienced editor could need 1.5 to 2 hours, with more edits and iterations likely.
Review and Revisions
The draft is reviewed by the director and creative team. This collaborative process typically takes another hour. Active client involvement adds more time for revisions, which can be unpredictable, but let's assume they take 2 hours more.
Color Correction and Motion & Sound Design
Once editing is approved, the next steps are color correction and sound processing. Depending on the complexity, color correction might be handled by a separate colorist or the editor.
Adding graphics and sound processing typically take another couple of hours combined.
In our case, it all took 2.5 hours more.
Total Time and Cost
In total, the whole process can take around 9 hours, including client revisions. Without revisions, it's about 7 hours of pure editing time.
This is why editors might charge around $2,000 for a video like that. For videos of a similar editing complexity level, Vilka Agency offers a minimum starting package of $490, covering 7 working hours that can be spread over a month.
Video Editing Rates by Day, Week, or Retainer
We’ll compare these rates based on a professional editor’s fees since we wouldn’t advise anyone to ask an amateur for a complex or long-term project.
Day Rates: generally start from $440
Weekly Rates: from $ 2,000
Project Rates or Retainers: vary widely; can include 50% paid upfront
An editor is more likely to agree to retainers or project rates if they have previously collaborated with the client and can evaluate the project scope with certainty.
By the way, YouTube video editing rates are generally easier for the editor to calculate if you provide references to vlogs with the editing style you like.
Video Editing Cost & Examples of What You Can Get
To make these rates more tangible, let's explore common video types and their associated costs.
Event Video Editing Cost
Naturally, expert video editors charge more than beginners and amateurs. However, how each editor sets their rates reflects their individual style or is influenced by the freelance platform or agency they work with.
A novice post-production editor typically charges around $20 per hour. Freelance platforms, such as Fiverr and Upwork, may advertise profiles with even lower video editing rates, but we wouldn’t recommend them for these three reasons:
1. Low rate = low editing quality. If you're looking to save money, consider investing in a user-friendly software subscription and editing the video yourself instead.
2. Freelance platform users will hardly ever agree to sign an NDA or a waiver of rights, which undermines the safety of your intellectual and creative property.
3. Both platforms have hidden fees, and the freelancer may try to cover them by raising rates while working on the project.
Look at the two wedding videos below. Both are thoughtfully edited, but the editing expertise is on completely different levels in each case. The first video is a $20/hour editor's product:
A professional’s video editing rates, on the other hand, start from $95/hour, depending on the project’s complexity, editor’s availability, and often, even reputation.
The difference in editing skills and approach is striking:
The success of the video by Dylan Langille heavily relies on his creativity and expertise as a director and editor.
But even with a talented director, an inexperienced editor won't deliver the same level of quality.
Rates for Editing Reels, Shorts, and TikToks
The video below, though short, is, however, effect-packed. Balancing between event and branded narrative, it builds trust and promotes engagement, from likes to contracts.
Such videos with complex transitions and tricks can require up to 30 hours of editing. This level of detail significantly enhances the final product but demands considerable time and skill:
Commercials and Branded Storytelling Video Editing Prices
Starting at $70/hour, corporate video editing crafts compelling narratives for brands and products. It combines visuals, sound, and graphics to evoke emotions and deliver impactful messages within short timeframes.
Need to advertise your jewelry, cosmetics, or beauty services on social media? Videos are perfect to demonstrate them in action.
This is a great example of a $200 commercial edited within 3 hours of the working time of the editor (graphics excluded):
In the advertising industry, professionalism and experience are crucial, as mistakes can lead to delays and reputational damage.
This is particularly important when editing TV spots, as editors must ensure compliance with TV channel requirements and pass quality control checks to avoid costly delays in campaigns.
YouTube Video Editing Rates
How much could it cost to edit such an hour-long video like Alex Hormozi's with 2 million views?
If Alex had used Upwork, he would have had to pay $3,000-4,000. But in fact, the actual time the editor worked would be 6-7 hours. This means a $490 starter package would be enough.
Mid-Budget Documentaries
Starting at $120/hour, documentary editing organizes extensive footage into a cohesive story. Editors focus on pacing, interviews, and b-roll to create informative and emotionally engaging narratives:
Documentaries require more time because of the very large amount of footage. The editor has to organize hours of if, and editing can take 1-2 weeks or more.
For large and long projects like that, editors can agree to a weekly or monthly fee.
Pricing strategies and rates vary across the US. If you want to compare the rates across the country yourself, check out the Pay Transparency Project, which provides current editor rates to help establish market standards.
Recap: Common Payment Structures
Hourly Rates
For projects with a guaranteed hour minimum.
Daily Rates
Common for freelancers.
Weekly Rates
Typical for long-term projects.
Project Rates
Such rates should include a revision limit.
Retainers
Less common but viable with strong client relationships.
50% Upfront Payment
Often requested in advertising and corporate work.
At Vilka, we offer reasonable rates based on work-hour units. It’s similar to hourly pay and even includes screen-recorded reports.
Have a request for video projects but can't calculate your budget? Contact us for customized video editing rates based on your project's requirements and complexity.
