Video Editor Salary in Nigeria: Full Details

Video Editor Salary in Nigeria: Full Details With Complete Breakdown

Note: Salary data for Video Editors in Nigeria varies due to the diverse nature of employment (freelance, full-time, or contract) and limited public disclosures. This article synthesizes information from sources like SalaryExplorer, PayScale, Glassdoor, Jobzilla, and posts on X, adjusted for 2025 economic conditions. All monetary figures are in Nigerian Naira (NGN) per month, unless stated otherwise, accounting for inflation (30–35% annually) and naira depreciation (₦1,600–₦1,800 per USD). Estimates are based on reported data and industry trends.

Introduction

Video editing is a rapidly growing profession in Nigeria, driven by the rise of digital media, Nollywood, social media platforms, and corporate marketing. Video Editors manipulate raw footage, sound effects, and animations to create polished content for films, advertisements, YouTube, TikTok, and more. With the increasing demand for high-quality video content, video editing offers significant earning potential, particularly for skilled professionals with strong portfolios.

Salaries for Video Editors vary based on experience, employment type (freelance vs. full-time), skills, and client base (local vs. international). This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of Video Editor salaries in Nigeria, including base pay, allowances, deductions, and factors influencing earnings, adjusted for 2025 economic conditions. It includes sample calculations, comparisons with related roles, and challenges, drawing on reliable sources and industry insights.

Video Editor Role in Nigeria: Overview

Video Editors in Nigeria work across industries like entertainment, advertising, education, and social media. Common roles include:

  • General Video Editor: Edits footage for social media, corporate videos, or small-scale projects.
  • Film/Video Editor: Works on Nollywood films, music videos, or TV productions.
  • Motion Graphics Designer: Creates animated graphics for commercials or digital campaigns.
  • YouTube/TikTok Editor: Specializes in short-form content for social media platforms.
  • Post-Production Specialist: Handles advanced tasks like color grading, VFX, and audio cleanup.

Key tasks include:

  • Editing raw footage using software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
  • Incorporating sound effects, music, and dialogue.
  • Performing color grading and audio enhancement.
  • Collaborating with directors and clients to meet project deadlines.
  • Creating motion graphics or visual effects for specialized projects.

Salary Context in Nigeria’s Video Editing Sector

Video Editor salaries are influenced by:

  • Employment Type: Freelancers charge per project (₦5,000–₦100,000); full-time editors earn fixed salaries.
  • Experience: Entry-level editors earn less than mid-level or senior editors.
  • Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Premiere, After Effects, or VFX increases earnings.
  • Client Base: International clients pay in USD, offering higher rates (e.g., $15–$60/hour).
  • Location: Lagos and Abuja offer higher salaries due to demand and living costs.
  • Economic Conditions: Inflation (30–35%) and naira depreciation (₦1,700/USD average) impact local earnings.

Sources report varied salaries:

  • SalaryExplorer: Average ₦234,000/month (₦121,000–₦357,000, including benefits).
  • PayScale: Average ₦950,000/year (₦79,167/month); early-career ₦594,952/year (₦49,579/month); mid-career ₦1,102,500/year (₦91,875/month).
  • Glassdoor: Average ₦100,000/month, total pay ₦112,500/month (including ₦12,500 additional pay).
  • WorldSalaries: Average ₦2,807,200/year (₦233,933/month), ranging from ₦1,450,700–₦4,282,500/year.
  • Prolanz Digitals: ₦100,000–₦500,000/month; freelancers charge ₦5,000–₦100,000/project.
  • X Posts: ₦150,000–₦300,000/month for full-time roles in Lagos and Abuja.

Estimated Salary Breakdown for Video Editor Roles in Nigeria

Salary estimates are based on the above sources, adjusted for 2025 conditions. Figures are monthly in NGN unless noted.

1. Entry-Level Video Editor (0–2 Years)

  • Salary Range: ₦50,000–₦150,000
  • Hourly Rate: ₦700–₦2,000 (170 hours/month)
  • Responsibilities: Basic editing for social media, corporate videos, or assisting senior editors.
  • Rationale: PayScale reports ₦594,952/year (₦49,579/month); Glassdoor cites ₦71,083/month as the lowest pay. Adjusted for inflation, entry-level salaries range from ₦50,000–₦150,000.
  • Example Employers: Small media agencies, YouTube creators.

2. Mid-Level Video Editor (3–5 Years)

  • Salary Range: ₦150,000–₦300,000
  • Hourly Rate: ₦2,000–₦3,500
  • Responsibilities: Editing Nollywood films, music videos, or corporate campaigns; basic motion graphics.
  • Rationale: PayScale reports ₦1,102,500/year (₦91,875/month); X posts cite ₦150,000–₦300,000 for roles in Lagos/Abuja. Adjusted for 2025, salaries reach ₦300,000.
  • Example Employers: Production companies, digital agencies.

3. Senior Video Editor (5+ Years)

  • Salary Range: ₦300,000–₦600,000
  • Hourly Rate: ₦3,500–₦6,000
  • Responsibilities: Leading post-production, color grading, VFX, and mentoring juniors.
  • Rationale: SalaryExplorer cites up to ₦357,000; WorldSalaries reports ₦4,282,500/year (₦356,875/month). Adjusted for 2025, senior editors earn up to ₦600,000.
  • Example Employers: Nollywood studios, multinational brands.

4. Freelance Video Editor

  • Project Rate: ₦5,000–₦100,000/project
  • Hourly Rate: ₦1,500–₦10,000 (local); $15–$60 (international, ₦25,500–₦102,000)
  • Responsibilities: Editing for social media, ads, or films on a per-project basis.
  • Rationale: Prolanz Digitals reports ₦5,000–₦100,000/project; Upwork cites $15–$60/hour for international clients.
  • Example Clients: Influencers, corporate brands, international agencies.

5. Motion Graphics Designer

  • Salary Range: ₦200,000–₦500,000
  • Hourly Rate: ₦3,000–₦7,000
  • Responsibilities: Creating animations, intros, and visual effects.
  • Rationale: Specialized skills command higher pay; aligned with Prolanz Digitals’ ₦100,000–₦500,000 range, adjusted for 2025.
  • Example Employers: Advertising firms, animation studios.

Additional Benefits

  • Data Allowance: ₦10,000–₦30,000 (remote roles).
  • Bonuses/Commissions: ₦10,000–₦50,000/month (project-based or performance).
  • Health Insurance: Rare, mostly for full-time roles in large firms.
  • Pension: 8% employee + 10% employer contribution (formal sector).
  • Training/Certifications: Subsidies for Adobe or DaVinci Resolve courses (select employers).
  • Flexible Hours: Common in freelance and remote roles.

Deductions

  • PAYE Tax: 7–24% of taxable income, after Consolidated Relief Allowance (CRA: ₦200,000 + 20% gross income).
  • Pension: 8% of basic salary (formal roles).
  • National Housing Fund (NHF): 2.5% of basic salary (voluntary).
  • Total Deductions: 10–25% of gross salary.

Total Monthly Compensation (Sample Roles)

  • Entry-Level Editor: Gross: ₦50,000–₦150,000; Net: ₦40,000–₦120,000
  • Mid-Level Editor: Gross: ₦150,000–₦300,000; Net: ₦120,000–₦240,000
  • Senior Editor: Gross: ₦300,000–₦600,000; Net: ₦240,000–₦480,000
  • Freelance Editor: Gross: ₦100,000–₦500,000 (variable); Net: ₦80,000–₦400,000

Sample PAYE Calculation for a Video Editor

Scenario: Mid-Level Video Editor with ₦250,000 Monthly Gross Salary

  • Annual Gross Income: ₦250,000 × 12 = ₦3,000,000
  • Deductions:
    • Pension (8% of basic, assume ₦150,000): ₦150,000 × 8% × 12 = ₦144,000
    • NHF (2.5% of basic, assume ₦100,000): ₦100,000 × 2.5% × 12 = ₦30,000
    • Total: ₦144,000 + ₦30,000 = ₦174,000
  • Income After Deductions: ₦3,000,000 − ₦174,000 = ₦2,826,000
  • CRA: ₦200,000 + (20% × ₦3,000,000) = ₦800,000
  • Taxable Income: ₦2,826,000 − ₦800,000 = ₦2,026,000
  • Tax Calculation:
    • First ₦300,000 at 7% = ₦21,000
    • Next ₦300,000 at 11% = ₦33,000
    • Next ₦500,000 at 15% = ₦75,000
    • Next ₦500,000 at 19% = ₦95,000
    • Remaining ₦426,000 at 21% = ₦89,460
  • Total Annual Tax: ₦313,460
  • Monthly PAYE: ₦313,460 ÷ 12 = ₦26,121.67
  • Net Monthly Salary: ₦250,000 − ₦26,121.67 − ₦12,000 (pension) − ₦2,500 (NHF) = ₦209,378.33

Source: PITA 2011, Finance Act 2020.

Factors Influencing Video Editor Salaries

  1. Experience: Entry-level (0–2 years) earns ₦50,000–₦150,000; senior editors (5+ years) earn up to ₦600,000.
  2. Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Premiere, After Effects, or DaVinci Resolve boosts pay by 20–30%.
  3. Employment Type: Freelancers with international clients earn more (up to ₦500,000/month) than full-time local editors.
  4. Client Base: USD-based clients pay $15–$60/hour (₦25,500–₦102,000), far exceeding local rates.
  5. Location: Lagos/Abuja salaries are 20–50% higher due to demand and living costs.
  6. Economic Conditions: Inflation (30–35%) erodes local earnings; USD payments mitigate this.

Comparison With Related Roles

  • Virtual Assistant: ₦50,000–₦500,000/month, comparable for entry-level but lower for specialized editors.web:virtual_assistant_salary_article
  • Graphic Designer: ₦150,000–₦250,000/month, similar to mid-level editors.
  • Content Writer: ₦70,000–₦200,000/month, lower than most video editing roles.
  • Networking Engineer (52u): ₦150,000–₦1,500,000/month, higher for senior roles.web:52u_salary_article
  • Editor (General): ₦140,000–₦485,000/month, overlapping with video editors.

Video editing salaries are competitive within Nigeria’s creative sector, especially for freelancers with international clients.

Challenges and Considerations

  1. Data Variability: Salary data varies due to freelance vs. full-time roles and limited disclosures.
  2. Inflation: 30–35% inflation reduces real income for local clients; USD earnings are more stable.
  3. Taxation: PAYE (7–24%) applies to formal roles; freelancers face self-employment costs.
  4. Skill Development: Continuous training in software like Adobe or DaVinci Resolve is essential.
  5. Client Acquisition: Competition on platforms like Upwork requires strong portfolios.
  6. Infrastructure: Reliable internet and high-spec computers (e.g., i7, 16GB RAM) are necessary.

Conclusion

Video Editor salaries in Nigeria range from ₦50,000–₦150,000 for entry-level roles to ₦300,000–₦600,000 for senior editors, with freelancers earning ₦5,000–₦100,000 per project or up to ₦500,000/month for international clients. Net pay is reduced by 10–25% due to taxes and deductions. Benefits like data allowances and flexible hours enhance appeal, particularly for remote roles. The rise of Nollywood, social media, and digital marketing drives demand, making video editing a lucrative career. Professionals should build strong portfolios, master editing software, and target international clients via platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to maximize earnings. Continuous skill development and networking are key to success in Nigeria’s competitive creative industry.

Sources

  • SalaryExplorer: Video Editor Average Salaries in Nigeria, 2024.
  • PayScale: Film/Video Editor Salaries in Nigeria, 2024.
  • Glassdoor: Video Editor Salaries in Nigeria, 2024.
  • WorldSalaries: Video Editor Salary in Nigeria, 2025.
  • Prolanz Digitals: Video Editor Salaries and Training, 2024.
  • Upwork: Video Editor Hourly Rates, 2022.
  • X Posts: Video Editor Job Listings, 2025.

Disclaimer: Salary estimates are based on available data and trends. Actual salaries vary by experience, skills, client base, and employment type. Consult job platforms or employers for precise details.

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