How Much Does Podcast Editing Cost? - Podcast Rocket (2024)

Editing an hour-long episode recorded to a reasonable standard you’d be looking to pay between $80 and $500.

On Fiverr, you may pay less, perhaps $50, but check out credentials. That’s because the competitive element of the platform pushes prices down, often unprofessionally. You get what you pay for, in general.

We do top notch quality podcast editing, you can check our prices here.

On the other hand, you can self-edit completely free of charge using audio software such as GarageBand or Audacity.

But for outsourcing costs, let’s dive deeper.

Related: Podcast Starter Kit

Contents

How Much Does Podcast Editing Cost, and Why Does it Vary?

The costs that are constant stem from three parts of the editing process that take unavoidable time:

  • listening to your recording
  • editing it
  • re-listening to check everything is pristine and ready to output as an MP3.

The big difference to cost after that depends on the quality of what you give the editor to work with. Gold dust? Or bronze scrapings?

That’s an exaggeration – but there’s a serious point here. Because one factor that can push your editing costs skyward is when an editor has to carry out excessive improvement to the track.

For instance, removal of ums, ahs and pauses is normal. But dealing with background noises, distortion, and strong variations of output volume and the like are things you could have sorted out yourself. Instead, though, you’re paying the editor for more hours’ work!

So if that’s the case, it pays (figuratively and literally!) to upgrade your equipment and method of recording, because that’s a one-off cost for you compared to the ongoing cost of paying your editor to upgrade every episode!

However all editing involves several stages in that “middle portion” we mentioned, whatever standard of recording you present to the editor.

These middle editing stages include the time-consuming phases of

  • stitching together and condensing your material, omitting unwanted bits
  • mixing the tracks together, improving and coordinating volume settings
  • mastering the mix for top audio quality

These are lengthy processes and editors have various ways of working out how they will charge you. So let’s look at that now.

Related: Can I Start A Podcast For Free?

How Do Editors Decide on Podcast Editing Costs?

How Much Does Podcast Editing Cost? - Podcast Rocket (1)

A good podcast editor can save you money in the long run

Some editors charge by the hour because this allows for variations in the length of the episode and the amount of editing needed. It’s fair to them and to you.

Other editors set a fixed fee that they know from experience will cover both bad recordings and better ones over time and therefore cancel each other out.

Other price variations depend on what you want included in the editing, such as

  • checking overall cohesion
  • writing your show notes,
  • transcribing your episode, or
  • extracting a teaser for the intro or for social media.

Related: How Long Does It Take To Edit a Podcast?

How Much Does Podcast Editing Cost with a Subscription Service?

You might be yearning to devote more time to developing brilliant concepts for quality episodes, tracking down amazing guests and spending most of your time on creative aspects of podcasting. So a thought keeps knocking around inside your head: how much would a subscription to a podcast editing service cost? Would it be worth it?

Agency subscriptions are usually higher when you look at the granular costs per episode because they offer a bigger, more complete job. However, taken together their extras can include a huge range of disparate and valuable additions such as

  • help with content planning
  • adding intros and outros for you
  • composing intro and outro music
  • providing cover images
  • choosing quotes for each episode to share on social media
  • adding chapter markers
  • production support, coaching and much more.

Monthly subscription prices for editing services can therefore range between $500 and $2500 per month according to the extras included in the tier and how many episodes you want editing per month.

It’s maybe not right for you to start your podcasting venture with a subscription service. Simple audio outsourcing to a freelance editor can be a good-enough move. But a subscription service might prove cost-effective down the line when

  • your show’s grown to a new level, and
  • finding and curating quality content is even more time-consuming for you than usual.

Always good to daydream and think ahead!

So How Much Does Podcast Editing Cost?

For a one-hour episode, your podcast might need around two-and-a-half hours for a full edit with a freelancer and will cost you upwards of $80 but probably not more than $500, especially if your recording is of a reasonable standard.

Related: PODCAST PROMOTION: The Complete List (2023)

How Much Does Podcast Editing Cost? - Podcast Rocket (2024)

FAQs

How much should I pay for podcast editing? ›

Mid-level freelancers usually bill their clients around $30 to $50 per audio hour. Top editors are the most experienced and expensive in the field since they ensure top-quality services. Their services usually fall from $50 to $200 per hour of audio.

How much does a podcast video editor cost? ›

Monthly subscription prices for editing services can therefore range between $500 and $2500 per month according to the extras included in the tier and how many episodes you want editing per month. finding and curating quality content is even more time-consuming for you than usual.

How much does a podcast editor get paid? ›

How Much Do Podcast Editor Jobs Pay per Year? $35,000 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $70,500 is the 75th percentile.

How much does it cost to outsource podcast editing? ›

On average, the cost of podcast editing can range anywhere from $50 to $1,000 or more per episode, depending on the length and complexity of your show.

How many hours does it take to edit a podcast? ›

Generally, the longer your show, the more time it takes to edit because… shock horror…you've got more audio to get through. As a general rule, after personally overseeing the production of over 50 podcasts, I'd say a good average edit time for a 30-40 minute podcast is about 4-5 hours.

How long should it take to edit a podcast? ›

Time Spent Editing

On average, a podcast episode is about 60 minutes. For a 60-minute recording, cleanup and mixing usually takes around 90 minutes, the actual editing takes about 60 minutes, and finalizing the MP3 file takes about 30 minutes.

How much should I charge per video edit? ›

Whether you're a video editor looking to figure out how much to charge for a project, or you have raw footage and are looking to hire someone to edit it, video editing rates usually cost between $50–$150 an hour.

How much does an editor cost? ›

The Basics of Editor Costs

The average ballpark estimate for editing a book's copy and proofreading is anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. The cost of developmental editing, often known as the more advanced work, can range from $5,000 to $10,000 per book.

Can I hire someone to edit my podcast? ›

Full production editing is when you hire a consultant or expert to work with you through the entire content creation process. They participate in planning, scheduling, finding the right guests, writing your questions or monologue, and editing the final audio file.

Are podcast editors in demand? ›

Podcasts are becoming more and more popular, and podcast editors are in high demand.

How hard is podcast editing? ›

For that reason, editing audio is one of the most critical processes in podcasting. It's also one of the most challenging. Luckily, with some podcast editing tips, you can make your life a lot easier and create great audio. If you've ever wondered how to edit a podcast, you're in the right place.

How much do freelance audio editors make? ›

The average hourly wage for an Audio Editor in the United States is $29 as of May 25, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $26 and $32.

How much do editors charge per article? ›

Line editing rates for your manuscript usually cost between $. 04 and $. 09 per word. Some copy editors charge by manuscript page, in the range of $5 to $15 per page.

How do I become a freelance podcast editor? ›

The qualifications that you need to get a job as a podcast audio editor include skills in the use of audio editing software and a background in sound recording or editing. Employers may have degree and experience requirements, but a degree may not be necessary if you have experience.

How much should I charge to outsource? ›

The average cost of IT outsourcing services

There are a variety of pricing models IT service providers use, but the most common is typically the flat-rate, all-inclusive method of billing. IT companies that use this system usually charge anywhere from $110 to $200 per user, per month.

Is a 10 minute podcast too short? ›

No, it can't be too short. There is no definitive time which a podcast has to reach. Shorter podcasts leave you less time to deliver information, engage and entertain, but can work well if you have a lot of useful tips to share.

How long is a 10 minute podcast script? ›

So, a 10-Minute podcast would have between 1,250 to 1,500 words. Of course, the word count is flexible with the content and message of your show.

How long should a daily podcast be? ›

If you're creating interesting content that your listeners want to hear, then your podcast can be as long as it takes to keep them engaged. The length of your podcast also depends on your subject, industry or genre. It could be that around 15-20 minutes perfect for your listeners.

What is the most popular length of podcast? ›

If your podcast episodes are too long, it could cause you to turn off listeners. Data shows that the most common podcast episode length is somewhere between 20-40 minutes, so aim for that area.

What is a good number of downloads for a podcast? ›

Potential audience sizes are totally dependent on show topics. There's no single podcast download numbers gauge here. However, statistically, if you get over 30 downloads for a new episode in the first week of its release, you're in the top 50% of all podcasters.

How long should a successful podcast be? ›

Ideally, you'd want listeners to be able to finish your podcast during their commute, so aim for under 50 minutes.

How much does editing cost per hour? ›

Average freelance editing rates
Type of workPer-word ratePer-hour rate
Editorial Assessment$0.020N/A
Content / Developmental Editing$0.028$45-$66/hour
Copy Editing$0.021$35-$55/hour
Proofreading$0.015$30-$45/hour
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Jun 2, 2022

How much does a 30 second video edit cost? ›

There's no clear answer to this question. The cost of the video depends on various factors: animation, voiceover, sounds, graphics, additional features. Also, the size of the project and deadlines can affect the price. Therefore, the cost of a 30-second promotional video is typically around $1,500 to $2,500 on average.

How much does 1 hour of video editing cost? ›

Video Editing Jobs by Hourly Rate
Job TitleRangeAverage
Job Title:Film / Video EditorRange:₹99 - ₹1kAverage:₹487
PhotographerRange:₹103 - ₹2kAverage:₹500
VideographerRange:₹98 - ₹3kAverage:₹506
EditorRange:₹395 - ₹1kAverage:₹494
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May 14, 2023

How much should I charge as a beginner editor? ›

Video editor hourly rate
Beginner video editorIntermediate video editorAdvanced video editor
$20-45 / hour$45-70 / hour$60-120 / hour
1 more row

What is a good rate for an editor? ›

Editorial Rates
DefinitionsMedian Rate Per Word**
Proofreading, nonfiction$.02–$.029/wd
Proofreading, business/sales$.04–$.049/wd
Proofreading, medical/STEM$.03–$.039/wd
RESEARCH/FACT CHECKING$.05–$.059/wd
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Why do editors charge so much? ›

Editing is expensive because businesses take time and cost money to run. It's crucial to remember that what an editor charges does not go straight into their pocket. (This is why we don't roll around on beds of bank notes.) Freelance editors are business owners – and businesses cost money to run.

What does podcast editing include? ›

During the editing process your podcast can have all of the pauses, filler words, stutters, background noises, and all other things that are distracting, removed. The result is smooth, polished content for your podcast that sounds really great.

Can a podcast be sued for slander? ›

In addition to being careful about what you say, you also need to be careful about what you imply on your podcast. If you make false or misleading statements about a person or business, you could be sued for slander.

Should I edit my own podcast? ›

Podcast editing is an essential part of the podcasting process if you want to give your listeners a high-quality show. So start getting yourself across the software and practice, practice, practice. The more time you do it the better you'll get and the more your show will improve.

Is the podcast industry oversaturated? ›

5, 2022. The average podcaster surveyed covers 3 industries. Interestingly, 55 percent of podcasters believe the space is oversaturated with too many podcast options.

What kind of editor makes the most money? ›

High Paying Copy Editor Jobs
  • Senior Technical Editor. Salary range: $89,000-$129,500 per year. ...
  • Offline Editor. Salary range: $90,000-$110,000 per year. ...
  • Digital Editor. Salary range: $51,000-$92,500 per year. ...
  • Senior Editor. Salary range: $70,000-$90,000 per year. ...
  • Managing Editor. ...
  • Content Editor. ...
  • Book Editor. ...
  • Avid Editor.

Is it hard to make money with a podcast? ›

So is it even possible for new podcasts to make money? The answer is yes. By setting up a few automated revenue streams, new podcasters can accrue passive income that grows alongside their audience, giving them time back to focus on podcasting.

What percentage of podcasts fail? ›

There is a 50 percent chance that your podcast is going to podfade. With more than half a million podcasts churned out yearly, only 20 percent survives, the question of why podcasts fail deserves answers.

What is the hardest part of starting a podcast? ›

Getting Started. One of the most difficult common challenges podcasters face is getting started. The distance between your initial inspired idea and recording your first episode seems too far and too long to travel. You may be overwhelmed by the many steps involved in making your podcast a success.

How much do beginner freelance editors make? ›

$46,500 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $97,000 is the 75th percentile.

How much should I charge as a freelance audio engineer? ›

As of Jun 5, 2023, the average hourly pay for a Freelance Audio Engineer in the United States is $35.55 an hour.

How much do podcast producers make per hour? ›

How much does a Podcast Producer make? As of Jun 5, 2023, the average hourly pay for a Podcast Producer in the United States is $30.90 an hour.

How do I price myself as an editor? ›

The general rule of thumb is to charge an hourly rate that reflects your experience level and the complexity of the project. For example, if you're a beginner editor and you're working on a relatively simple project, you might charge $25-$35 per hour.

How much should a new freelance editor charge? ›

Rates typically charged by copy editors on Upwork are: Beginner: $30 per hour. Intermediate: $48 per hour. Advanced: $100 per hour.

What is the average hourly rate for a proofreader? ›

The average hourly wage for a Proofreader in the United States is $27 as of May 25, 2023, but the range typically falls between $24 and $31. Hourly rate can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

How much should I pay someone to edit my podcast? ›

Mid-level freelancers usually bill their clients around $30 to $50 per audio hour. Top editors are the most experienced and expensive in the field since they ensure top-quality services. Their services usually fall from $50 to $200 per hour of audio.

What should I charge for podcast editing? ›

Expect to pay between $30 and $50 per hour of audio. Top Sellers: These are the most experienced podcast editors on a given platform. They have a track-record of satisfied clients, so be prepared to spend a bit more. Prices generally fall between $50 and $200 per hour of audio.

How much do independent podcasters make? ›

Rates range from $18 to $50 CPM, though hugely popular podcasts can pull in a lot more. You can price your ads differently depending on where you place them within your episode.

Is IT cheaper to insource or outsource? ›

Insource vs Outsource: The Disadvantages of Insourcing

While insourcing has a ton of advantages, it also comes with its fair share of disadvantages. First, the cost of insourcing can be much more expensive over the long run than outsourcing. Recruiting, hiring, and then training a new employee is expensive.

Is IT cheaper to outsource IT? ›

Compared to hiring multiple employees and paying for expensive equipment, outsourcing is often cheaper and can free up resources for other aspects of the business. Furthermore, it can create a new business partner. Many companies outsource specific tasks to reduce costs.

What are examples of outsourcing costs? ›

The costs of outsourcing include the contractor's bid price, contract administration costs, and the transition costs, less any new revenue generated from sales of unneeded supplies, equipment, and furniture.

How much should I charge for editing? ›

Rates for Professional Editing Services. As a guideline, you should expect to pay at least $12 per 1,000 words for proofreading, $25 per 1,000 words for copy editing, and $70 per 1,000 words for content editing or rewriting. As the word count increases, many editing services will charge a lower rate per word.

How much should I spend on an editor? ›

The average ballpark estimate for editing a book's copy and proofreading is anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. The cost of developmental editing, often known as the more advanced work, can range from $5,000 to $10,000 per book. Some editors charge an hourly rate, while others work on a per-word or per-page basis.

How much should I charge for recording and editing videos? ›

Whether you're a video editor looking to figure out how much to charge for a project, or you have raw footage and are looking to hire someone to edit it, video editing rates usually cost between $50–$150 an hour.

How much should I charge to edit a 1 hour video? ›

Video Editing Jobs by Hourly Rate
Job TitleRangeAverage
EditorRange:₹395 - ₹1kAverage:₹494
Senior Video EditorRange:₹275 - ₹800Average:₹488
CinematographerRange:₹983 - ₹2kAverage:₹1,464
Film EditorRange:₹300 - ₹2kAverage:₹1,000
3 more rows
May 14, 2023

How much can a freelance editor charge? ›

Some freelance book editors will work for $10 to $20 per hour, but you can expect experienced book editors to charge $25 or more per hour. Expect to pay more for editing technical writing or specialized subject matter, as well.

How long to edit 35000 words? ›

20 to 30,500 words – 5 working days. 30,500-40,000 words – 7 working days. 40,500 to 50,000 words – 8 working days.

What is the best editor salary? ›

Average starting Salary for Editor in India is around ₹1.2 Lakhs per year (₹10.0k per month). 1 year of minimum experience is required to be a Editor. What is the highest salary for a Editor in India? Highest salary that a Editor can earn is ₹12.0 Lakhs per year (₹1.0L per month).

How much is a 5 minute video edit? ›

Video editing costs depend on the length of the footage you want edited, the final video length, and how complicated the required edits are. For a 5-minute video, you can expect to pay between $150 and $500.

How much should a beginner video editor charge? ›

Video editor hourly rate
Beginner video editorIntermediate video editorAdvanced video editor
$20-45 / hour$45-70 / hour$60-120 / hour
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