How much do voice actors make? That’s a common question in the voice over industry because having a good understanding of the voice over rates and salary for different projects is crucial to a career in voice overs. 

So, we’ve put together a guide detailing how much does voice acting pay, the highest-paid voice actors, and info on voice over rates to give you a comprehensive look at what you can expect to earn as a voice actor.

How much do voice actors make

Voice actors can make anything from a few hundred to a few hundred thousand dollars. A voice acting salary is calculated per project on a standalone basis, and it’s influenced by various industry aspects. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of those factors. 

  1. Experience: New voice actors may earn less since they usually start with smaller VO jobs for beginners, while experienced pros can ask for higher voice over rates due to their reputation and expertise. 
  2. Speaking speed: According to the GVAA, the average speaking speed for voice actors is 150 words per minute. If the project requires a slower pace, the word count and voice actor salary will decrease, and vice versa. 
  3. Script length: As a general rule, how do voice actors get paid is calculated on a ratio between the word count and the script length. The longer the script, the higher the salary. 
  4. Union membership: Union voice actors, like those in SAG-AFTRA, often receive higher-paying jobs with rates that factor in residuals and royalties. According to this voice over report, non-union voice actors are paid less, but they have better flexibility with their jobs. 
  5. Special skills: Character voices for animations or video games offer high-paying voice actor salaries for long-running series or franchises.
  6. Broadcast vs. non-broadcast: Broadcast projects like commercials pay according to market distribution and screen time. So projects for local spots will have a lower voice acting salary compared to projects with a national viewing.
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How much do voice actors get paid for different projects?

How much do voice actors make for commercials?

Voice over rates for commercials range from $400 to $5000, depending on the market size and usage duration. National TV commercials also often pay more than local or regional spots.

How much do voice actors get paid for audiobooks?

Audiobook narrators typically earn between $200 and $300 per hour, and experienced narrators who work with major publishers may receive higher voice over rates. So, depending on the audiobook length, voice actors could earn between $2000 and $5000 per audiobook. 

How much does a voice actor make for video games? 

Video game voice actors can earn $200 to $350 per hour. A video game voice acting salary depends on the game’s budget, the character’s prominence, and the recording session’s length.

How much do voice actors make for e-learning?

E-learning voice-over rates typically range from $100 to $300 per finished hour. The script length and technical complexity can also affect the overall pay. If the module is complex and requires a slower speaking pace, it will reduce the script length and the voice actor salary. 

How much do voice actors make in film and animation?

Voice actors in film and animation can earn from $500 to $2,000 per session. Prominent roles in high-budget productions like Netflix voice over jobs usually involve higher salaries.

How much do voice actors get paid for narration?

The voice over rate for narration is $500 to $1,500 per hour. These rates also vary depending on the type of project, such as a documentary narration, the scope, the budget, and the voice actor’s experience. 

What is the average voice actor salary?

The average voice actor salary in the United States, according to ZipRecruiter, is: 

  • $38.82 per hour  
  • $1,552 per week  
  • $6,728 per month
  • $80,736 per year

Subsequently, conducting research on the various pricing components in the voice acting industry can help you gain a deeper understanding of the different voice over categories and rates. To optimize your efforts, focus on the specific categories pertaining to your area of expertise. Additionally, you can consult a relevant rate guide like the GVAA to understand the inner workings of a voice actor salary. This helps you become more familiar with industry-standard rates, which assist in formulating a reasonable expectation of a voice actor’s salary.

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How much do voice actors make in the United States?

Voice actors in the United States make, according to ZipRecruiter estimates, the following annual figures for voice actors: 

  • $80,736 is the average voice actor salary an experienced artist earns annually.
  • $13,500 is the lowest amount paid annually to a voice actor.
  • $206,000 is the highest amount paid annually to a voice actor.
  • $30,000 to $106,000 is the average voice acting salary annual range in the United States.
  • 76,000 is the amount the average voice actor pay varies by. 

Who are the highest-paid voice actors?

  1. Matt Stone: Worth $1.2 billion as the highest-paid voice actor for his role as a voice actor and co-creator of South Park.
  2. Trey Parker: Worth $1.2 billion as the voice actor and co-creator of South Park.  
  3. Seth MacFarlane: Worth $300 million, known for animated projects like The Family Guy. 
  4. Hank Azaria: Worth $90 million for his role in The Simpsons.
  5. Nancy Cartwright: Worth $80 million, known for The Simpsons.

Check out this post for a full breakdown of the highest-paid voice actors.

Conclusion

How much do voice actors make depends on various factors like the project type, experience, and script. However, earning a higher voice actor salary requires a solid understanding of the industry rates, trends, and best practices. If you’re an aspiring voice actor trying to improve your craft, check out our VO Resources to help you improve as a voice actor. And if you’re looking for more job opportunities, sign up for a Voice123 membership and take the next step in your voice acting career!

FAQ

The highest-paid voice actors are South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, who each have a net worth of $1.2 billion through royalties and streaming deals.

A 30-second voice over can range from $100–$250 for local ads to $1,000+ for national commercials. Online or corporate use often falls between $50–$500.

Voice actors can earn anywhere from $20 for small gigs to thousands for commercials or audiobooks. Rates depend on project type, usage, and experience level.

Union day rates for animated films are around $1,000 per day. Lead roles in big films can reach $10,000–$75,000, while celebrities earn millions.

“Always ask to see the script before quoting. Once you’ve agreed to a rate, it muddies the waters of your relationship with your client, so you want to get as much info as possible before agreeing to a rate.” 

–  Jessica Taylor 

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