Video Editor vs Illustrator: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Video Editor
Edit raw footage into polished videos for commercial, social, or broadcast use.
Illustrator
Create original artwork and illustrations for books, media, and brands.
Video Editor earns more on average — the national median is $3,000/year (5%) higher than a Illustrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Video Editor vs Illustrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Video Editor | Illustrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $85,813 | $78,562 | Video +$7,251 |
| New York, NY | $68,304 | $65,350 | Video +$2,954 |
| Seattle, WA | $82,636 | $79,449 | Video +$3,187 |
| Austin, TX | $64,579 | $60,796 | Video +$3,783 |
| Chicago, IL | $63,192 | $58,603 | Video +$4,589 |
| Boston, MA | $77,081 | $73,498 | Video +$3,583 |
| London, UK | £46,033 | £43,732 | Video +$2,301 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$76,631 | CA$74,599 | Video +$2,032 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Video Editor or Illustrator earn more?+
A Video Editor earns more on average. The national median salary for a Video Editor is $58,000/year, compared to $55,000/year for a Illustrator — a difference of $3,000 (5%).
Which has better career growth — Video Editor or Illustrator?+
Video Editor roles are growing at 12% YoY while Illustrator demand is growing at 5% YoY. Video Editor has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Video Editor to Illustrator?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Video Editor or Illustrator?+
Illustrator has a lower AI automation risk (48% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.