Video Editor Day Rate in Illinois: 2026 Guide
Illinois is a mid market for freelance production rates, which means video editor day rates run in line with the national baseline. A mid-level video editor in Illinois typically bills $550–$900 per day, before any kit fee or equipment package.
Rate Range by Experience Level — Illinois
| Experience | Illinois Day Rate |
|---|---|
| Emerging | $350–$550/day |
| Mid | $550–$900/day |
| Senior | $750–$1,400/day |
| Expert | $1,000–$2,000/day |
For comparison, the national mid-market baseline for video editors runs $550–$900/day at the same experience level. Illinois's mid market classification adjusts that baseline by 0%.
The Illinois Production Market
Chicago is the Midwest's largest production market and a significant commercial hub nationally, with a strong episodic television footprint from the long-running One Chicago franchise (Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med) and a robust network of agency-driven commercial work. Illinois's Film Production Services Tax Credit draws productions from outside the state, and Chicago's union crew base — organized under IATSE Local 476 for camera — is active on both commercial and episodic projects. For most disciplines, Chicago rates run in line with the national mid-market average, with union episodic work pushing the upper end of the range higher for crew with the right credits.
Cost of Living in Illinois
Annual basic-needs cost of living for a single adult in Illinois is estimated at $38,900/year, which is 5% below the national baseline of $40,958. Use the calculator below to see what day rate you actually need to clear your take-home goal in Illinois, after self-employment tax and health insurance.
Get your exact day rate for Illinois, adjusted for your take-home goal and experience level.
Calculate My RateThis is a quick state-specific reference. For the full breakdown — production-type rate tables, union scale, equipment and kit math, and the pricing mistakes that keep video editors underpaid — see the complete Video Editor day rate guide.
Quoting the right rate doesn't mean much without a contract behind it
Most video editorbookings run on a verbal agreement or a one-line email — nothing that says what happens if the shoot runs long, the scope changes, or payment is late. The Rate Guide's Contract Pack is six ready-to-send documents — services agreement, quote sheet, change order, invoice, and email templates, all in plain English — for $9.99.
View the Contract Pack →