Film editors are professionals who create stories by combining dialogue, sound effects, music and raw footage from production, according to Education-Portal.com. Film editors usually must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program with a focus on communications, film/television, cinematography or film studies. In these programs, students learn industry software such as Apple’s Final Cut Pro and Avid. Entering the entertainment industry as a film editor has many financial and career benefits.

Demand

A chief benefit for film editors is that the field is growing. Employment of film editors and other related professionals is actually projected to climb 11 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can be attributed to the fact that the motion picture industry is expanding, sparking a need for more film editors, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Salary

Another important benefit for film editors is the pay. Median annual wages for film and video editors in May 2008 totaled $50,560, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While the middle half of film editors earned annual salaries of $33,060 to $77,700, the highest 10 percent made more than $112,410 per year. In addition, median annual wages in the motion picture and video industries--which hired the greatest number of film editors--were $56,170 in May 2008.

Training Opportunities

A chief benefit for film editors is that a wide variety of training options are available--from universities and community colleges/technical schools to photographic institutes and independent film schools, according to Education-Portal.com. In addition, many film editor training programs allow students to connect with aspiring filmmakers and thus build long-lasting professional relationships.

Work Envrionment

Film editors have many employment setting options. They can choose to work for independent television broadcasting stations or local affiliates of broadcast groups, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They additionally have the option of working for motion picture studios, independent production companies, advertising agencies or large cable networks. With years of experience in the field, they can advance to positions such as those of college-level instructors or directors of photography/chief cinematographers, who create the overall look of a film, reports CollegeBoard.com. Film editors also can choose to be self-employed and contract with independent filmmakers.