If you are interested in becoming a video editor, you should anticipate a number of costs, including computers, video editing software, and training.
The largest expense associated with video editing is typically a high-quality laptop or computer that is capable of performing video editing tasks. The technical specifications for professional video editing applications like Premiere Pro and Final Cut, indicate that video editing computers need a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, and it’s generally better to have 16 GB or 32 GB of memory. Additionally, a fast processor is needed, along with a dedicated graphics card. Laptops and computers that meet these specifications typically cost several thousand dollars, and can be either a MacOS or Windows computer.
Those who want to learn video editing should also budget for subscription fees or the cost of video editing software. Most video editing applications cost between $10 to $60 per month. For example, video editors working in Premiere Pro can pay $31.49 per month on a monthly billing plan, or $20.99 per month on an annual billing plan. Premiere Pro users can also subscribe to the entire Adobe Creative Cloud for a prepaid annual fee of $239.88, which will include related tools like After Effects and Photoshop. These options are available on MacOS or Windows computers. Video editors using Final Cut will pay a one-time fee of $300, rather than a monthly or annual subscription.
Video editors should also consider the cost of any additional plugins or effects software they want to use in their projects. These add-ons can be purchased from a variety of third-party vendors and vary greatly in price. Some developer platforms offer unlimited access to their libraries of plugins and effects for a subscription fee, which typically ranges from $10 to $100 per month. These costs are optional and video editors can still create professional-grade projects using only Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
For those pursuing a career in video editing, courses from a reputable school like the American Graphics Institute (AGI) are a worthwhile investment. Whether you are a complete novice, or have previous experience editing video, AGI has cost-effective Premiere Pro courses and Final Cut classes for users of all skill levels. Starting at $695, students who want to learn video editing or enhance their existing skills can join introductory through advanced courses, training bootcamps, and certificate programs, all of which come with a certificate upon completion. These courses can be taken online or in person, and businesses can schedule private sessions for their employees.
The costs of learning video editing are offset by the benefits of pursuing a career that is fun, interesting, and financially rewarding. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of video editing jobs is expected to grow by 12% over the next decade, with an average median income of $60,360 per year in 2021, making the cost of learning video editing worthwhile.