How to Invoice as a Video Editor: Step-by-Step Guide

How video editors structure their invoices: 4 standard line items, 33% deposit (industry norm), Net 30 terms, and $2,400 average invoice size. Read the full breakdown.

Avg invoice
$2,400
Net terms
30 days
Deposit
33%
Line items
4
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1. What every video editor invoice must include

A compliant video editor invoice has eight parts: your business name and contact info, a unique invoice number, issue date, payment due date, the customer's name and address, an itemized list of work, the total amount due, and accepted payment methods. If you're collecting sales tax, that line is required too.

2. Set your line items

Most video editors structure invoices around these 4 categories:

  • Hourly editing — billed by hour at a ~$95 default.
  • Per-finished-minute — billed by flat.
  • Color grading — billed by flat.
  • Audio mix & sound design — billed by flat.

3. Set payment terms

The standard for video editors is Net 30 — payment due within 30 days of the invoice date. Most video editors also require a 33% deposit upfront before starting work. Spell out late-fee terms (most states cap monthly late fees around 1.5%) and accepted payment methods on the invoice itself.

4. Licensing & legal disclosures

No license required. Stock footage, music, and SFX licensing must be passed through with explicit terms.

5. Send and follow up

Send the invoice the same day work is completed (or upon milestone for larger projects). Use software that tracks opens and lets the customer pay by card or bank transfer in one click — the average video editor-class invoice gets paid 2× faster when the customer can pay online without leaving their inbox.

Average invoice
$2,400
Standard terms
Net 30
Typical deposit
33%
BLS code
27-4032

State-by-state video editor invoicing guides

State rules differ on sales tax, statutory late fees, and contractor disclosure requirements. Pick your state for a guide tuned to local law.

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