How Much Should I Pay a Filipino Video Editor in 2026

You’re probably here because you got a quote from a Filipino video editor and have no idea if it’s reasonable.

Or maybe you’re about to post a job and don’t want to lowball someone, but also don’t want to overpay.

I get it. The range is wild.

You’ll see everything from $3/hour to $7/hour, and both people will tell you their rate is “standard.”

Here’s what really works

The Real Pricing Bands 

Let me break down what Filipino editors themselves say they charge. This comes from real conversations in online communities, and direct discussions with working editors.

Mind you this is based for hourly rates and not one-off projects

Entry-level Editors

These are people still building their portfolios. They can handle basic cuts, simple captions, maybe some light color correction.

Expect $5/hour a start.

Yes, that’s low by Western standards. But here’s the thing—at this level, you’re often training them on your style, workflows, and tools. You’re investing time upfront.

Mid-level Editors 

This is where most foreign clients land.

These editors can handle YouTube videos, podcasts, short-form content. They understand pacing, storytelling, B-roll placement. They don’t need hand-holding.

You’re looking at $6–$7/ per hour.

Senior Editors

These editors don’t just execute.

They improve your content. They know how to edit for retention, create motion graphics, and handle advanced color grading.

Some even help with content strategy.

Rates here hit $10–$15+/hour

The project vs. hourly question

Some editors prefer project rates. Others want hourly.

For short-form content, you’ll see quotes like $20–$100 per reel. If they’re also writing copy and doing strategy, expect the higher end.

For longer content, editors often quote around $180–$270 for specialized projects like short films. Narrative content generally costs more than social media clips because it requires different skills.

But here’s the practical reality: most ongoing client relationships settle into either a monthly retainer or a per-video rate once you both know the actual time involved.

One editor shared charging about $100 per short-form reel with a recurring client, versus higher rates for one-off projects. The steady work made the slightly lower rate worth it.

What you should actually pay

Stop looking for a single number. Instead, think through these variables.

Skill level and portfolio:

Look at their past work. Can they match your style? Do they understand your platform? (YouTube editing is different from TikTok editing, which is different from client testimonials.)

A strong portfolio justifies moving from that $3–$5/hour range up to $10–$20+

Scope of responsibilities:

“Just edit what I give you” can stay closer to basic rates.

“Plan content, write hooks, create thumbnails, manage uploads, and suggest improvements” should be 2-3x higher because you’re hiring someone who handles multiple aspects of your content production.

Volume and consistency:

Offering steady work matters. Editors will often accept slightly lower per-video rates if you’re providing 20-30 videos per month versus sporadic one-off projects.

The income stability is worth something. Use that in negotiations, but don’t abuse it.

Time zone and communication needs:

If you need someone joining live meetings, responding quickly, or working specific hours that overlap with yours, that adds operational value.

Most Filipino editors are flexible with time zones, but building your availability requirements into someone’s schedule is worth compensating for.

The questions to ask before deciding

Instead of just posting a rate and hoping, have an actual conversation with candidates.

Ask them:

• How long do similar projects usually take you?
• What’s included in your base price? (Revisions, captions, asset sourcing, etc.)
• What’s your target hourly or monthly rate?
• What would make you excited about this project long-term?

You’ll learn way more from these answers than from just comparing numbers on applications.

When you’re reviewing applications, look beyond just the stated rate. 

Check their portfolio thoroughly, review how they answered your custom application questions.

The platforms matter less than you think

You’ll see different rates on Upwork, job boards, and online communities.

Upwork tends to show higher rates because of platform fees and because editors there are pricing for one-off projects. 

You’ll see $5/hour on the low end and $25–$50/hour for highly rated specialists.

Direct hire platforms show more “employment” style rates, monthly salaries around $800 for entry-level positions.

But here’s the real insight: the platform matters less than the conversation. Some of the best rates and relationships come from direct outreach, clear expectations, and mutual respect.

What fair actually looks like

Fair isn’t about paying the absolute minimum the market will bear.

Fair is paying enough that your editor is motivated to do great work, stick around, and actually care about your content’s success.

Neither scenario helps you.

The editors who build long-term relationships with foreign clients? They’re getting paid $7–$15/hour or more. 

They’re treated like team members. They get raises. They have input on content decisions.

And their clients get reliable, high-quality work without constantly rehiring and retraining.

Start with the work, not the rate

Before you decide what to pay, get crystal clear on what you actually need.

Are you editing daily podcast clips? Weekly YouTube videos? Quarterly brand films?

Do you need someone for 40 hours a week or 10 hours a week?

Do they need to be creative and strategic, or execute precisely what you outline?

The answers to these questions matter way more than finding some industry standard number.

Because here’s the truth: there is no standard number.

There’s just what’s fair for the skill level, responsibilities, and value the person brings to your content.

Figure that out first. Then have honest conversations with editors about their rates and your budget.

You’ll end up with better work and better relationships than if you just picked the cheapest person who applied.