How It Works
Three simple steps to get accurate calculations
1
Enter Editing Time
Input hours per edit and videos per month.
2
Add Revenue Data
Set your average revenue per video.
3
Compare Editor Costs
Enter editor rates and your time value.
4
Get Recommendation
See if outsourcing makes financial sense.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I hire a video editor?
Hire when: Your effective editing wage < editor cost AND you can make more videos or money with freed time. If you edit 6 hrs at $250/video = $42/hr. An editor at $25/hr saves you $17/hr if you use that time productively.
How much should I pay a video editor?
Rates vary: Basic cuts $15-25/hr, motion graphics $30-50/hr, high-end $50-100+/hr. Per video: Simple edits $50-150, standard YouTube $100-300, complex $300-800+. Start with per-video pricing for predictability.
What's the ROI of hiring an editor?
Calculate: (Extra videos × revenue) + (time saved × hourly value) - editor cost. If editor costs $200/video, you make 2 extra at $250 each = $500 revenue, net $300 gain. Plus you get your time back.
How do I find a good video editor?
Options: Fiverr/Upwork (start cheap, test multiple), editor marketplaces (EditStock, Vidchops), referrals from other creators, film school students. Test with a paid trial video before committing.
Should I outsource all editing or just some?
Start with: B-roll heavy content, repurposed clips, simpler formats. Keep in-house: Personal vlogs, complex storytelling, brand-critical content. Many creators do rough cuts themselves, outsource polish.
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Results are estimates for informational purposes only. Consult professionals for important decisions.