How to become a voice actor for anime

Anime voice acting is one of the most exciting and competitive niches in the voice over world, especially since 72% of Americans watch anime programs regularly. If you’ve ever asked how to become a voice actor for anime or how do you become a voice actor for cartoons and anime, this guide will give you everything you need—from skills and training to landing anime voice acting jobs and understanding how much anime voice actors make.

What is anime voice acting  

Anime voice acting (known as seiyuu in Japan) is the art of bringing animated characters to life with nothing but your voice. Unlike general narration or commercial work, anime voice actors must:

  • Match lip-syncs with on-screen characters (dubbing).

  • Express heightened emotions such as battle screams, exaggerated laughter, or dramatic sobbing.

  • Switch between roles quickly, sometimes performing multiple characters in a single session.

Anime voice acting overlaps with cartoon voice acting but often demands more stamina and emotional depth due to the intensity of anime storytelling. So, in one take, you might need to create multiple screams ranging from stubbing your toe to being blown up. You must also synchronize your lip performances with the on-screen movements when you understand how to become a voice actor for anime. 

How to become a voice actor for anime 

1. Hone your skills 

Anime voice acting involves serious acting, so analyze the performances of seasoned anime voice actors in English and Japanese to familiarize yourself with different styles, character archetypes, and cultural influences. 

2. Develop character voices 

Research iconic anime voice acting performances. Pay attention to:

  • The “shonen hero” archetype (energetic, youthful, determined).

  • The “villain” archetype (dark, gravelly, sinister).

  • Comedic characters (quirky, exaggerated, cartoon-like).

Understanding these archetypes helps when auditioning for anime voice acting jobs.

3. Research culture and language 

When learning how to be a voice actor, research Japanese culture and customs to understand common phrases, honorifics, and references. This will help you accurately portray characters with your vocal style and tone. 

4. Create professional voice over samples 

High-quality voice over samples or demos highlight your range, talent, and ability and showcase your proficiency in anime voice acting. Include excerpts from anime-inspired scripts or reenactments of iconic anime scenes.

5. Attend workshops and conventions 

Workshops, seminars, and conventions focused on anime voice acting let you network with industry professionals and fellow voice actors to gain insights on how to be a voice actor for anime. 

6. Stay persistent 

Anime voice acting requires patience, perseverance, and resilience. You’ll face rejection and setbacks along the way but remain committed to learning how to be a voice actor by pursuing your passion for anime voice acting.

7. Build an online presence 

Social media platforms and networking sites let you share updates about your projects with audio samples or character reels to engage with fans and industry pros. You can also build a profile on Voice123 and make free samples to showcase your voice over skills.

How to get anime voice acting jobs

Anime voice acting jobs can be competitive, but here are proven ways to get started:

  1. Online Casting Platforms
    Sign up on platforms like Voice123, Casting Call Club, or Crunchyroll to audition for anime dubbing and cartoon voice acting roles.

  2. Freelance Opportunities
    Many indie anime creators post auditions on Twitter, Reddit, or YouTube communities.

  3. Social Media Networking
    Follow studios, directors, and anime production houses on LinkedIn and Twitter. Casting calls for anime voice acting are often shared here first.

  4. Work with Student Animators
    Collaborating on student or indie animation projects builds your portfolio and gets your name into the industry.

  5. Agencies & Talent Representation
    Once you have a strong portfolio, voice acting agencies can connect you with larger anime productions.

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How much do anime voice actors make? 

As of 2024, anime voice acting pays $48.17 hourly, $1,926 weekly, $8,349 monthly, and $100,198 yearly. The average monthly salary ranges from as low as $917 to as high as $13,333. Depending on skill and experience, anime voice actors earn between $50-70k per year.

Anime voice acting salaries also vary depending on experience, studio, and role. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Beginner Anime Voice Actors: $50–$70 per episode.

  • Mid-Level Talent: $200–$500 per episode.

  • High-Level Professionals: $500–$1,000+ per episode.

  • Annual Salary: Anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000+ depending on volume of work.

Some famous anime voice actors also transition into video game voice acting and cartoon voice acting, which typically pays higher rates.

Example: Tara Strong (known for anime and cartoons) has a net worth of $12M, while Troy Baker (anime, games, and cartoons) has a net worth of $6M.

Famous anime voice actors

  1. Crispin Freeman: Known for his versatile anime voice acting style, Freeman has voiced characters like Alucard in Hellsing and Itachi Uchiha in Naruto.
  2. Tara Strong: Though widely recognized for her work in American animation, Strong is also a talented anime voice actor. She voiced Kaya in Princess Mononoke and Rikku in the Final Fantasy video game series. 
  3. Yuri Lowenthal: With a broad range of anime voice experience, Lowenthal is best known for voicing Sasuke Uchiha in Naruto and Yosuke Hanamura in the Persona video game series.
  4. Vic Mignogna: As another famous anime voice actor, Mignogna is best known for voicing Edward Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist and Broly in the Dragon Ball series.
  5. Steve Blum: With a distinctive gravelly voice, Steve Blum is best known for his role as Spike Spiegel in Cowboy Bebop and Orochimaru in Naruto.

Tips for success in anime voice acting 

1. Continuous learning 

Never stop perfecting your craft by attending workshops and taking voice over courses. Anime voice acting is dynamic, and staying updated on industry trends and techniques can give you a competitive edge. 

2. Health and well-being 

Your voice is your most valuable asset, so prioritize your well-being by staying hydrated, avoiding excessive throat clearing or shouting, and doing warm-up exercises to prevent strain. 

3. Adaptability 

When learning how to become an anime voice actor, experiment with styles like comedic and dramatic by adapting your performance to suit different tones and contexts. This will improve your emotional flexibility. 

Conclusion 

If you want to know how to become a voice actor for anime, the key is training, persistence, and exposure. Build strong demos, audition regularly, and stay active in anime and cartoon voice acting communities.

Anime voice acting is not just a career—it’s a chance to bring beloved characters to life and connect with global audiences. Whether you start small with indie projects or aim for big studio productions, dedication and passion will drive your success.

FAQ's

According to ZipRecruiter, the average anime voice actor salary is $48.17 hourly, $1,926 weekly, $8,349 monthly, and $100,198 yearly. The average monthly salary ranges from $917 to $13,333. 

You get hired by auditioning on casting platforms like Voice123, Crunchyroll, or Casting Call Club, networking at conventions, and building strong anime voice over samples.

Yes, anime voice acting is competitive. It requires persistence, strong acting skills, and networking to stand out in the industry.

Rates vary by project. For anime, beginners may earn $50–$100 for a 30-second clip, while pros charge hundreds depending on the production budget.

"Though most successful voice actors working in anime today started their careers as voice actors without any specific training in the field, almost all of them did begin their careers with certain things in common. Among these are acting experience, vocal range and the ability to assume and maintain a character. A voice actor is first and foremost an actor."

– Gravy For The Brain.