Have you wondered how much do voice actors make, and how AI voiceover software can change the industry?
Voice actors are professional performers who lend their voices to a wide range of projects. From animation and video games to commercials and audiobooks, the pay for voice actors can vary greatly depending on the project and the specific industry
Voice Actor Pay Average
Animation Industry Voice Actor Pay
In the animation industry, voice actors can earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per episode. For example, in the United States, voice actors for a primetime animated series can earn around $8,000 to $10,000 per episode. However, for a less well-known animated series, the pay may be closer to $300 to $500 per episode. In addition, voice actors may also receive royalties for merchandise sales and reruns, which can add to their overall income.'
Video Game Character Voice Actor Pay
It's worth noting that the $825 per day rate mentioned above is based on the minimum rate set by SAG-AFTRA for union voice actors in the video game industry. Some voice actors may choose to work non-union and negotiate rates independently, which can vary greatly. Non-union voice actors may be able to secure higher rates for their services, but it's important to note that they may not have the same level of protection and benefits as union actors.
Additionally, in the video game industry, some top-tier voice actors may earn six figures or more for their work on a major video game title. These voice actors often have a significant amount of experience and fame and may be considered "star talent" by the studios. They may also negotiate for a share of the game's profits, royalties or additional benefits like the credit of the game.
It's also important to note that, some video games are developed by independent studios or small teams that may not have the budget to hire union or well-known voice actors like ones used in Grant Theft Auto and Call of Duty. In these cases, voice actors may be paid lower rates or even work for free in exchange for the exposure and experience.
Social Content Creation Voice Over Pay
Social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok have become increasingly popular sources of entertainment, and many creators are in need of voice actors for their videos. The pay for voice actors in this industry can vary greatly depending on the specific project and the creator. It can average as low as $20 to $6,000.
For example, a small YouTube channel may only be able to offer a few hundred dollars for a voiceover, while a larger, more established channel may offer several thousand dollars. Additionally, some creators may offer a flat rate for a voiceover, while others may offer a percentage of ad revenue or a profit-sharing agreement.
Voice actors may also earn money through platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, where they can offer their services to creators looking for voiceovers. Here, voice actors can set their own rates and negotiate with clients directly. However, it's important to note that competition on these platforms can be high and it may take some time for a voice actor to establish themselves and build a reputation.
It's also worth mentioning that voice actors may earn money from sponsored content on social media platforms. Many brands and companies are now partnering with social media influencers and creators to promote their products, and voice actors may be able to secure paid opportunities by partnering with these brands or by working with an agency that specializes in voiceover talent.
Commercials Voice Acting Pay
Commercials are another industry where voice actors like Don Lafontaine (the movie preview guy) can earn a significant income. Voice actors in commercials can earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per commercial. The amount of money earned by voice actors in commercials depends on the length of the commercial, the number of airings, and the size of the market. For example, a voice actor in a national commercial may earn more than one in a local commercial.
National commercial which can lead to higher pay for voice actors. Additionally, commercials for well-known brands or products may also offer higher pay than those for lesser-known brands.
The length of the commercial also plays a role in determining pay. A voice actor may earn more for a longer commercial, as it typically requires more recording time and may be aired more frequently. A voice actor may also earn more for a commercial that will be airing on multiple platforms, such as TV, radio and online.
In terms of number of airings, a voice actor may earn more for a commercial that will air more frequently. For example, a voice actor in a commercial that will air during the Super Bowl may earn more than one in a commercial that will air only once.
Audio Book Voiceover Pay
In the audiobook industry, voice actors can earn royalties based on the number of copies sold or downloaded. According to the Audio Publishers Association, the average narrator earns between $100 and $300 per finished hour of audio. So, a 10-hour audiobook would earn a narrator between $1,000 and $3,000. However, some narrators may earn more or less depending on their level of experience and fame.
Some narrators also self-publish their audiobooks and sell them on platforms like Audible or iTunes. They may earn more by self-publishing as they can keep a larger share of the revenue and avoid the traditional royalty percentage arrangements of traditional publishing.
Another factor that can influence pay is the type of audiobook. Some genres or topics may sell better than others, leading to higher royalties for narrators. Narrators may also earn more for non-fiction audiobooks, as they may require more research and preparation than fiction audiobooks.
Radio Voiceover Pay
Lastly, in the radio industry, voice actors can earn a salary that range from few hundred to thousands of dollars per year. The salary also depends on the size of the radio station and the market it serves. Voice actors may also earn additional income from sponsorships or commercials.
It's worth noting that these are just general ranges and that many factors can influence how much a voice actor earns. For example, a voice actor's level of experience, fame, and reputation can affect their earning potential. Additionally, the type of project and the specific industry can also play a role in determining pay.
Voice Actor Coaching
The pay for voice actor coaching can vary greatly depending on the coach's level of experience and reputation. Some coaches may charge hourly rates, while others may charge per session or package rates. According to some estimates, experienced and reputable voice actor coaches can charge anywhere from $75 to $200 per hour for their services.
Some coaches may charge additional fees for things such as travel expenses or materials. It is important to note that Voice actor coaching pay may also depend on the market, some markets may have higher rates than others.
How Will Text To Speech Technology Impact Voice Acting Job Market
The use of AI text-to-speech technology could potentially lead to a reduction in pay for voice actors in certain areas of the industry, such as automated phone systems or video game characters, where the technology can provide a more cost-effective alternative to human voice actors.
However, it's worth noting that AI text-to-speech technology is still in development and it's not on the level of human voice acting at this moment. In addition, AI-generated speech may not have the same emotional range and expressiveness as human voice actors, and it may not be able to capture the nuances and subtleties of human speech.
The voice acting industry will likely continue to evolve with the development of AI text-to-speech technology, but it is unlikely to completely replace human voice actors. Instead, it will likely augment and supplement the work of human voice actors, providing new opportunities and challenges for the industry.
