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How Much Do Voice Over Actors Make?

By: Sekoyya Tever Little | Last Updated: 11/23/2022 | 13 Minute Read
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Did you know that the average American watches more than five hours of television daily? And that's not even counting the time we spend watching movies or playing video games.

With so many people spending so much time in front of screens, there's a lot of demand for good voices. It's no wonder that voice acting is such a lucrative field. This article will discuss how to become a successful voice actor and what to expect from the profession money-wise.

How Much do Voice Actors Make a Year?

Entry-Level Voice Actor Earnings Per Year

Entry-level voice actors can earn anywhere from $18,000 to $30,000 annually.

Average Level Voice Actor Earnings Per Year

The average voice-over actor can earn anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 annually. However, $50,000 is generally the average amount earned by a voice-over actor who could be more well-known or in high demand.

Expert Level Voice Actor Earnings Per Year

An expert voice-over actor can earn anywhere from $90,000 to $350,000 annually. This mainly depends on the demand for their services and their experience in the industry. Generally, the more work an actor has, the higher their salary. Voice-over actors who are in high demand can make a six-figure income.

A chart showing how much entry-level, the average, and expert level voice actors earn annually

What is The Average Salary of a Voice Actor?

Top 10% Salary of a Voice-Over Actor

The average salary of a top 10% voice-over actor is $300,000 per year.

Top 25% Salary of a Voice-Over Actor

The top 25% of voice-over actors earn an annual salary of $75,000.

Average Salary of a Voice-Over Actor

The average for voice actors' salaries is generally $30,000-$50,000 per year.

Bottom 25% Salary of a Voice-Over Actor

The bottom 25% of voice-over actors make less than $30,000 annually. This is because there is a lot of competition in the field and only a tiny percentage of voice actors make a high salary. However, with hard work and experience, it is possible to move up in the rankings and make more money.

Bottom 10% Salary of a Voice-Over Actor

The bottom 10% of voice-over actors make less than $22,000 annually. Voice-over actors just starting may earn a few thousand dollars annually, but those with more experience and a more extensive portfolio can expect to make significantly more.

A chart showing the average salary of the top 10%, top 25%, average, lower 25%, and lower 10% voice actors earn.

How Much Do Voice Actors Make By Niche

Voice Over for a Radio Spot ($100 - $10,000)

Generally, a voice-over actor can expect to make anywhere from $100 to $1,000 for a radio spot job. However, some voice-over actors have been known to earn as much as $10,000 for a single radio spot job.

Voice Over for a TV Commercial ($1,000 - $5,000 + Royalties)

A voice-over actor can earn considerable money from a TV commercial job. Typically, a voice-over actor will be paid a fee for each commercial they record and a royalty for every time the commercial airs. The average fee for a 30-second commercial is $1,000-1,500. However, some voice-over actors can earn up to $5,000 for a single commercial. Royalties vary depending on the market size and the actor's popularity but typically range from $0.50-$2.00 per airing.

Voice Over for Audiobooks ($50 - $5,000 + Per Hour Rates)

Voice-over actors can earn a lot of money from audiobook jobs. The amount they earn usually depends on the length and complexity of the book. For a short, simple book, a voice-over actor might earn $50-$100. They could earn $2,000-$5,000 or more for a longer, more complex book. Some voice-over actors charge by the hour to make even more money for more complex books.

Voice Over for Video Games ($50 - $1,000 + Per Day & Hour Rates)

A voice-over actor in the video game industry can earn considerable money. Depending on the size and scope of the game, as well as the experience of the actor, they can make anywhere from $50 an hour to $1,000 or more per day. Some actors can even negotiate a percentage of game sales as part of their contract, which can add to some essential earnings if the game is successful.

Voice Over for Starring in a Big Film ($10,000+)

A voice-over actor can make a lot of money from a starring role in a big film job. The amount they can earn varies depending on the size and scope of the project, as well as the experience and popularity of the actor. However, most voice-over actors can expect to make at least $10,000 for a starring role in a big film project. Some actors may be able to negotiate a percentage of the movie's profits as part of their contract, which could add to some BIG earnings if the movie is successful.

How Much Should I Charge for Voice-Over Services?

Size of Project, Expectations, and Time Consumption

The larger and more complex the project, the more a voice actor will be paid. For example, a voice-over project for an animated movie will likely pay more than one for a commercial. This is because the voice actor needs to be able to create a character and fully develop the role, which takes time and practice. Additionally, they may need to audition for the role and be chosen by the director.

Commercials and other shorter projects generally pay less because they are less time-consuming. The voice actor may only need to read a few lines or record their voice-over in one take. Additionally, many people can do this work, so the competition is stiffer, and rates are lower.

Word Count

The amount of money a voice actor makes can depend on how many words are in the project. If there are more words, the actor might make more money. This is because it takes longer to say more words so that the actor might work for longer.

Reputation

Voice actors typically charge by the hour, and their rates can vary greatly depending on their reputation. If a voice actor is well-known and in high demand, they can charge more for their services. However, they may charge less if they are starting or have a limited reputation. Voice actors need to be able to demonstrate their skills and abilities to potential clients to get the best rates possible. A voice actor's reputation is also essential on freelance websites to show potential buyers you've established yourself on the platform.

Equipment, Booth, and Sound Quality

Voice-over actors can charge more for a project with high-quality equipment, a sound booth, and experience. All of these factors contribute to the quality of the actor's voice and can make a project sound more professional. The better the voice-over quality, the more the actor can charge for their services.

Industry Connections & Relationships

Some voice actors make more money than others. This is because they might have better relationships in the voice-over industry. This means they can get more work and make more money for each project.

Voice Health

One of the most critical factors determining how much money a voice actor can earn for a project is their voice health. If they are not feeling well or have an injury that may affect their voice, they may not be able to do as many takes or be as effective during recording sessions. This can lead to less work and lower pay rates. So voice-over actors must take care of their voices and ensure they are healthy before any big projects.

How Can I Boost My Earning Potential as A Voice Actor?

Freelance Platforms

One way to boost a voice actor's earning potential is to use freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. These platforms allow voice actors to connect with potential clients from all over the world. This can help increase their exposure and lead to more work opportunities.

Social Media Platforms

Voice actors can use social media to create a portfolio of their work. This can help potential clients see what they have done in the past. Second, they can use social media to connect with other voice actors and industry professionals.

This can help them learn from others and make connections that could lead to future work. Finally, they can use social media to promote their services. This can help them reach more potential clients and increase their earning potential.

Website

Many voice actors make a substantial income by having their websites. This allows fans to learn more about them and listen to their work. It also allows voice actors to showcase their talents and connect with other industry professionals. Overall. Having a website is a great way to promote yourself and your work.

Voice Over Agents

An agent can help get voice actors to work and negotiate higher pay rates. Voice actors with an agent tend to make more money than those without. Agents also have a large pool of potential clients to that they can refer voice actors. This can help increase the number of jobs a voice actor is booked for and, in turn, their income.

Click here to download a list of voice over agents that can help you get more business.

Online Course

Some people make more money by teaching others how to be voice actors. This can help boost their income because they are now getting paid to teach something they know well! So if you're looking to break into the voice acting scene, it might be worth considering becoming a voice acting teacher too! Checkout my online course!

YouTube Channel

As a voice actor, you can make a lot of money by doing voice-overs for commercials, movies, and video games. However, you can also earn extra money by creating your own YouTube channel. If you have a lot of followers on YouTube, you can make money through monetization.

This means that you get paid every time someone views or clicks on an ad that is shown on your channel. By creating high-quality content and building a large following, you can make much more money as a voice actor through monetization.

Coaching

One way to make more money as a voice actor is to have a 1-on-1 coaching service. This will help you learn what to do to start and grow your voice-over acting business. You'll be able to get feedback and advice on how to book more jobs, increase your income, and create a booming voice-over career. Choose me as your coach!

Email Marketing

As a voice-over actor, you can use email marketing to help boost your income. Email marketing is a great way to keep in touch with your fans and tell them about upcoming projects, appearances, and other news. It's also a great way to sell products and services related to your work as a voice-over actor. By using email marketing, you can keep your fans engaged and help boost your income.

Blogging

One way to help boost your earnings as a voice-over actor is to have a blog on your website. This will help you attract new clients and show off your skills. It can also help you build a fan base, leading to more work opportunities.

Google Ads

If you're a voice actor looking to make even more money, consider running ads on Google. People searching for things online might see your ad and decide to hire you. By running ads on Google, you can reach a wider audience and increase your chances of getting hired for voice-over work.

Knowing Your Worth

You might not think you're worth very much, but knowing your minimum price can help you get more jobs and make more money. Setting your minimum price means you're only willing to work for a certain amount. This can help you negotiate better rates with agents and clients and helps ensure that you're paid fairly for your work.

Audition Submissions

Voice actors can make more money by submitting more auditions to clients on pay-to-play platforms. These platforms allow voice actors to submit their auditions for a fee, and the client then selects the voice actor they want to work with. This allows voice actors to earn money for their work and helps them build their portfolios.

Where Can Voice-Over Actors Find Work?

Freelance Platforms

Voice-over actors can find work on freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. These platforms allow voice actors to connect with clients looking for voice-over work. The platforms also allow voice actors to negotiate rates and find work that fits their schedules.

Union Voice-Over Jobs

Voice-over actors typically find work through agents but can also find work through unions. Union voice-over jobs typically have better benefits and pay than non-union voice-over jobs. Voice-over actors can join the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) or the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). Joining a union is not required but can benefit voice-over actors looking for work.

Non-Union Voice-Over Jobs

Voice-over artists can find work by taking non-union voice-over jobs. Non-union voice-over jobs typically pay less than union voice-over jobs but offer more work opportunities. Voice-over artists can also look for work through online casting websites or contacting voice-over agents.

Voice Acting Salaries for Broadcast vs. Non-Broadcast Work

Broadcast voice-over jobs are used for radio and television commercials, announcements, and another programming. These jobs usually have a higher salary range than non-broadcast voice-over jobs. Non-broadcast voice-over jobs are generally used for marketing materials, training videos, and corporate presentations.

The pay for these jobs is usually lower than broadcast voice-over jobs. The demand for voice actors also affects their salary. Popular and well-known voice actors usually command higher rates than those who are starting in the field or have less experience. Rates can also differ depending on the project, with longer projects commanding a higher rate than shorter ones.

Finally, geography often influences how much a voice actor makes. Rates can be higher in certain states or countries because of the local demand for voice-over work. Different unions regulate how much a union-affiliated voice actor can charge for their services, which may affect overall compensation.

Agency, Freelancer Platforms, or Pay To Play... Which One Should I Choose as a Voice Over Artist?

The answer to this question largely depends on the individual voice actor. Some voice actors prefer to work through an agency that can provide them with steady work and a regular income. Other voice actors prefer to freelance, which allows them more flexibility but can be less reliable. Finally, some voice actors choose to do pay-to-play projects, which can be more lucrative and require more work. Ultimately, the best option for a voice actor will depend on their individual goals and preferences.

What Are the Basics Of Voice Acting?

The basics of voice-over acting are pretty simple. You need to know how to read aloud and have a lot of energy when performing. Most voice-over actors start by doing radio commercials or voicing characters for cartoons. If you want to become a booming voice-over actor, you'll need to develop your style and be able to work well with others.

What Do You Need to Become A Voiceover Actor?

To become a booming voice-over actor, you need to do these things:

  1. Practice your voice a lot.
  2. Purchase recording software and equipment
  3. Create a whisper room in your home/apartment.
  4. Learn about the different types of voices and niches you're good at.
  5. Record yourself and listen to how you sound.
  6. Create a demo showing your voice over skills.
  7. Find people/websites who can help you succeed in person or online.
  8. Be patient and never give up on your dream of becoming a voice-over actor.

Things to Watch Out for When Earning Money for Voice Acting Online in 2023

Voice actors should be wary of potential fraud by clients. Some clients request a voice-over but NEVER pay for it when the voice actor delivers the work. This can be a significant issue for voice actors as they lose time and money on a project that was never paid for.

To avoid this situation, voice actors should always have a contract outlining the project's terms and what will happen if the client doesn't pay. Additionally, voice actors should do their research on potential clients to make sure they are reputable. By following these tips, voice actors can protect themselves from potential client fraud and avoid losing money on projects.

Who Are Some of The Highest-Paid Voice Actors?

The highest-paid voice-over actors in the world are:

  1. Mel Blanc - $15 million - Learn More
  2. Tom Kenny - $10 million - Learn More
  3. Jim Cummings - $9 million - Learn More
  4. Hank Azaria - $8 million - Learn More
  5. Steve Blum - $7 million - Learn More
  6. Maurice LaMarche - $6.5 million - Learn More
  7. Phil LaMarr - $6 million - Learn More
  8. Tara Strong - $5.5 million - Learn More
  9. Grey DeLisle - $5 million - Learn More
  10. Nolan North - $4 million - Learn More
  11. Sekoyya Little 😂 - $100,000 ( Not the top 10, but headed there ) - Blog Things Into Reality

Conclusion

While talent alone will not get you noticed in this industry, it also takes focus! Voice actors have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, and they can expect handsome earnings if they prepare well. A healthy combination of good networking skills with a strong work ethic are what sets successful voice actor from those that aren't so focused or dedicated enough towards their craft.

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About Sekoyya

Sekoyya is a top-rated voice actor on the number one freelance website in the world, Fiverr, and has earned over $70,000 on the platform in less than 2 years with no experience in voice acting.

He is the founder of Sekoyya.com and is dedicated to showing others how to have the same success online to improve their financial situation by earning a second income in a digital age.