The cost of learning Premiere Pro includes a number of factors, from computer equipment to software licenses and training. Despite the costs, Premiere Pro is a valuable skill to learn, as it provides many job options for interesting work in a growing field.
The largest expense associated with learning video editing is a computer for Premiere Pro as it needs to be powerful enough for video editing. A computer for Premiere Pro needs at least 16 GB of RAM, a multi-core processor, a dedicated graphics card, and ample storage space for large files. Both MacOS and Windows computers can be used to run Premiere Pro, and the various computers that meet these specifications vary greatly in price but typically cost several thousand dollars.
In addition to the cost of a powerful computer, you'll also need to consider the cost of a Premiere Pro subscription. You can either purchase a subscription to Premiere Pro individually, or the full Adobe Creative Cloud which includes many other applications such as After Effects and Photoshop. For those who only want Premiere Pro, an individual subscription plan costs between $21 and $31 per month, depending upon whether it is paid annually or monthly. For access to the entire Creative Cloud, which includes Premiere Pro and other applications, a subscription starts at $54 per month and can be as high as $82 per month, depending upon whether it is paid annually or monthly. There is no longer an option to buy Premiere Pro or other Creative Cloud apps outright, where you own the app permanently.
Premiere Pro users who need to quickly learn to use the program, or who are new to video editing, will benefit from formal training. Courses from reputable schools like the American Graphics Institute (AGI) provide a cost-effective, efficient option for learning Premiere Pro and all aspects of video production. Each of AGI’s Premiere Pro courses are taught by experienced instructors who created the “Premiere Pro Digital Classroom” book. These courses are led by a live instructor, and start at $795. The most intensive of these live workshops can be completed in as little as two days. All courses can be completed online or in-person, and businesses can schedule private Premiere Pro training sessions for their employees.
The introductory Premiere Pro course covers the basics of video editing, including importing footage, creating sequences, and adding effects and transitions. The advanced Premiere Pro course delves into more complex techniques, such as color correction and audio editing. The Premiere Pro bootcamp combines both the introductory and advanced courses into a comprehensive week-long training program. For those looking for more intensive instruction, AGI also offers a 90-hour video editing certificate program that includes in-depth training on Premiere Pro and other tools and skills used in video editing workflows, such as motion graphics with After Effects and digital imaging with Photoshop.
Investing in the equipment and resources needed to learn Premiere Pro can lead to a career with growing job opportunities. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of video editing jobs is expected to grow by 12% over the next decade, with an average median income of $60,360 per year, making the cost of learning video editing an investment in your future.