Disclosure: Fiverr is a FreelanceMile partner, and that partnership affects where it appears in this guide. Some links are affiliate links, so I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The pros, cons and fees for every platform, including Fiverr, are my honest take.
Hiring a freelance video editor on Upwork generally costs $10 to $60 an hour. A 10 to 20 minute YouTube video runs $500 to $1,500, and a set of 3 to 5 short social clips $200 to $600.
Your final price depends on footage volume, finished length, motion graphics and revision rounds. Here’s what each costs and how to hire without surprise fees.
Key takeaways
- Hourly: $10 to $60 is Upwork’s general range. Its tier medians are $10 (entry), $40 (mid) and $100 (senior).
- Per project: $500 to $1,500 for a YouTube video, $1,000 to $3,000 for a corporate video on Upwork.
- Time: Upwork estimates one to four hours of editing per finished minute.
- Get it in writing: revision rounds, project files and music licensing are where surprise costs hide.
- Hire on proof. When I hire freelancers, ratings, recent reviews and past work drive about 80% of my decision.
How much do video editors charge per hour?
Upwork’s hiring guide puts the general range at $10 to $60 an hour. Its cost page splits active contracts into three tiers:
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| Tier on Upwork | Hourly range | Median rate | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | Below $30 | $10 | Testing content ideas and simple cuts |
| Mid tier | $31 to $60 | $40 | A consistent channel or brand presence |
| Senior | $61 to $150 | $100 | Ads, launches and high-impact campaigns |
The same cost page also gives a headline range of $6 to $25 an hour. Use the tiers to match rate to the job, not the cheapest number.
For context, the BLS lists a May 2025 median of $75,420 a year for employed film and video editors. That excludes the self-employed.
How much does video editing cost per project?
Many editors quote a flat price per video or per month. These are typical project ranges from Upwork:
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| Project type | Typical scope | Typical price on Upwork |
|---|---|---|
| Social media clips | 3 to 5 clips, 15 to 60 seconds each | $200 to $600 |
| YouTube video | One 10 to 20 minute video | $500 to $1,500 |
| Corporate or brand video | One 2 to 5 minute video | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Motion graphics or animation | 60 to 120 seconds | $1,500 to $5,000 |
| Ongoing retainer | 8 to 12 videos a month | $2,000 to $5,000 |
How much does it cost to edit a 5-minute video?
Upwork estimates one to four hours of editing per finished minute. So a five-minute video takes about 5 to 20 hours.
At the $40 mid-tier median, that works out to roughly $200 to $800. Heavy footage, graphics or color work push it toward the top.
How much should you pay a video editor for YouTube?
For one 10 to 20 minute video, Upwork’s typical range is $500 to $1,500. If you post every week, a retainer for 8 to 12 videos a month runs $2,000 to $5,000.
Ask whether Shorts or Reels cut from the same footage are included. Each extra format adds editing time.
What affects video editing prices?
Upwork lists these as the main cost drivers:
- Project type: an ad, a podcast episode and a training series need different work.
- Finished length and deliverables: more videos and formats mean more hours.
- Raw footage: large or messy footage takes longer to review and organize.
- Special skills: motion graphics, animation, visual effects, color grading and sound design.
- Experience: senior editors charge more but often need fewer rounds.
- Turnaround and revisions: rush jobs and extra rounds raise the price.
Does the editor’s location change the rate?
It can, because cost of living and demand differ by region. Upwork says location is only one factor, and experience, complexity and turnaround often matter more.
Hourly or per project: which should you choose?
Editors on Upwork work either way. Fixed price suits clearly defined deliverables, while hourly suits ongoing work or a scope that’s still changing.
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| Pricing model | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | Ongoing edits, changing scope, footage cleanup | Set a weekly hour cap |
| Per video (fixed price) | One-off videos with a clear brief | Define what counts as a revision |
| Monthly retainer | Weekly YouTube or social posting | Agree the number of videos and formats |
Where can I hire a freelance video editor?
Here are 3 places I’d use, ranked by how easy they make hiring. Fees are what you pay as the client, checked on each official page.
1. Fiverr: best for fixed-price editing packages
Pick a package with a set scope, delivery time and number of revisions. Good for YouTube edits, Shorts, Reels and podcast clips.
Fees: Fiverr adds a service fee of 5.5% of your purchase, plus $3.50 on orders under $200.
2. Upwork: best for comparing proposals
Upwork says clients rate its video editors 4.8 out of 5 from 94,232 reviews. You can hire hourly or fixed price.
Fees: Upwork’s client pricing page lists a 5% fee on the Basic plan (3% for eligible U.S. clients paying by checking account), plus a $0.99 to $14.99 contract fee.
3. Referrals and creator communities
Ask creators or brands whose videos you like who edits for them. Then check the portfolio and reviews the same way.
Need a wider list? Our best freelance websites guide compares the main platforms.
How do you hire a video editor?
Follow these steps to get the edit you want at the price you agreed.
Define the format, length and platform
Write the video type, finished length, aspect ratios and where it will run. This sets the scope and the quote.
Review portfolios that match your style
Look for edits like yours: same pacing, captions and graphics. Check recent reviews for deadlines and communication.
Send organized footage and a clear brief
Upwork says organized footage, a clear brief and reference examples help keep costs down.
Agree revision rounds in writing
For fixed-price work, set how many rounds are included and what counts as a revision. Extra changes may cost more.
Confirm project files and music rights
Upwork suggests agreeing on ownership of source and project files, music licensing and milestones before work starts.
Start with one video
Test the editor on a single video before a monthly retainer. Then lock in turnaround times for the next batch.
Freelancer vs agency vs in-house: which fits?
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance video editor | Single projects, set hours or ongoing support | Availability and capacity vary |
| Agency | Complex or high-volume projects needing a team | Higher rates that include project management |
| In-house editor | Steady weekly video volume | Salary, benefits, gear and software |
Freelancing is common here. The BLS says 35% of film and video editors are self-employed.
Need thumbnails or channel art too? See how to hire a freelance graphic designer. Need filming as well as editing? Check our freelance videographer prices.
Who owns the edited video?
Don’t assume you do. Per Copyright Office Circular 30, a commissioned part of an audiovisual work is a work made for hire only if you both sign a written agreement saying so.
Otherwise, get a written assignment or license that covers the final video and project files.
Do you need to file a 1099 for a video editor?
In the U.S., possibly. The IRS says the Form 1099-NEC threshold is $2,000 for payments made in 2026 ($600 for payments made before 2026).
Ask your accountant how this applies when you pay through a platform.
FAQ
What is a typical video editor day rate?
There’s no official national day rate. Multiply the hourly rate by the hours: 8 hours at Upwork’s $40 mid-tier median is $320.
Are revisions included in the price?
Only what you agree up front. Upwork says changes beyond the agreed rounds or original scope may cost extra.
How much should a new video editor charge?
Upwork’s entry tier is below $30 an hour, with a $10 median. Our guide on how much to charge helps freelancers set a rate.
Is video editing the same as text editing?
No. For manuscripts, articles and copy, see what freelance editors charge by the word and hour.
Sources (checked 26 October 2026)
- Upwork: Hire video editors ($10-$60/hr, project ranges, 1-4 hours per finished minute, 4.8/5 from 94,232 reviews, scope tips)
- Upwork: Video editor cost ($6-$25/hr headline; tiers below $30 / $31-$60 / $61-$150, medians $10 / $40 / $100; cost drivers, FAQs)
- BLS Occupational Outlook: Film and video editors and camera operators ($75,420 May 2025 median for film and video editors, 35% self-employed)
- U.S. Copyright Office Circular 30: Works made for hire
- Fiverr Help: Paying for orders (5.5% service fee, $3.50 under $200)
- Upwork: Client pricing (5% Basic, 3% eligible U.S., $0.99-$14.99 contract fee)
- IRS: Am I required to file a Form 1099? ($2,000 for 2026 payments)
What to do next
Write down the video type, finished length and where it will run, then get three quotes. Compare what each includes (revisions, formats, project files, music), not just the total.
