Video Editor vs Motion Graphics Designer: 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.
Motion Graphics Designer
Create animated graphics and visual effects for film, TV, and digital media.
Motion Graphics Designer earns more on average — the national median is $14,000/year (24%) higher than a Video Editor. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Video Editor vs Motion Graphics Designer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Video Editor | Motion Graphics Designer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $85,813 | $103,885 | Video $18,072 |
| New York, NY | $68,304 | $87,015 | Video $18,711 |
| Seattle, WA | $82,636 | $104,088 | Video $21,452 |
| Austin, TX | $64,579 | $81,376 | Video $16,797 |
| Chicago, IL | $63,192 | $77,537 | Video $14,345 |
| Boston, MA | $77,081 | $91,285 | Video $14,204 |
| London, UK | £46,033 | £57,762 | Video $11,729 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$76,631 | CA$98,134 | Video $21,503 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Video Editor or Motion Graphics Designer earn more?+
A Motion Graphics Designer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Video Editor is $58,000/year, compared to $72,000/year for a Motion Graphics Designer — a difference of $14,000 (24%).
Which has better career growth — Video Editor or Motion Graphics Designer?+
Video Editor roles are growing at 12% YoY while Motion Graphics Designer demand is growing at 15% YoY. Motion Graphics Designer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Video Editor to Motion Graphics Designer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: After Effects.
Which is harder to automate — Video Editor or Motion Graphics Designer?+
Motion Graphics Designer has a lower AI automation risk (45% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.