Video Editor Rates & Pricing
Video editing rates and earnings insights
Average Rates
Average Day Rate
£350
Average Hourly Rate
£47
These rates are based on UK market data and may vary based on experience, location, and project complexity.
Rate Calculator
Use our calculator to get personalized rate recommendations based on your experience, location, and target income.
Open Rate Calculator →Pricing Factors
Several factors influence video editor rates:
- Experience level and portfolio quality
- Project complexity and scope
- Client size and industry
- Geographic location (London vs. other UK regions)
- Specialization and niche expertise
Setting Your Rates
When setting your rates as a video editor, consider:
- Your target annual income and business expenses
- Market benchmarks for your experience level
- Your unique value proposition and specialization
- Client budget and project requirements
- Competitive positioning in your niche
Use our rate calculator to get personalized recommendations based on your specific situation, or review our comprehensive market benchmarks guide for detailed industry data.
Pricing Models
Video Editors typically use these pricing models:
Day Rate
Most common for video editor work. Provides clear expectations and is easy to calculate. Average: £350/day.
Project-Based
Focuses on deliverables rather than time. Often more profitable as you benefit from efficiency. Better for well-defined scopes.
Hourly Rate
Useful for ongoing work, consultations, or when scope is unclear. Typically calculated as day rate ÷ 7.5 hours.
Retainer
Monthly fee for ongoing work. Provides revenue stability but typically includes 10-20% discount vs. day rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average day rate for a freelance video editor in the UK?
The average day rate for freelance video editors is £350 per day (£47/hour). Rates vary significantly by experience: beginners charge £150-£250/day, mid-level editors £300-£500/day, and senior/broadcast-level editors £600+/day.
How do video editing rates vary by project type?
Corporate videos typically range £300-£500/day. Commercial and advertising work commands £400-£800/day. Broadcast and high-end productions can reach £600-£1,200+/day for experienced editors.
What factors affect video editor pricing?
Key factors include editing software expertise (Premiere Pro, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve), project complexity, turnaround time (rush jobs command 20-30% premiums), and portfolio quality.
Should video editors charge per project or hourly?
Project-based pricing is common for video editing as it accounts for editing time, revisions, and deliverables. Hourly rates work well for ongoing retainer work or when project scope is unclear.