Voice actors use their voice to interpret text related to commercials, audio books and animation. As such, salaries for voice actors are dependent upon the type of work they do (the most frequent and lucrative work is in commercials, audio books and animation) and union status. Though the voice acting industry is highly competitive, jobs are typically well-paying. In recent years, Hollywood actors such as Morgan Freeman and Jeff Bridges have become voice actors and more work has become available via multimedia and industrial opportunities.
The Average Salary
According to Simplyhired.com, the average yearly salary for a voice actor is $47,000. This is reflective of the voice actor that may do several types of voice over work (commercials, audio books and animation). In cities such as New York and Los Angeles, where major advertising agencies and production companies exist, average yearly salaries are $55,000 and $52,000. In other larger cities such as Philadelphia and Chicago, average yearly salaries are $49,000 and $51,000 respectively. The evolution of home studio recording software has increased work opportunities for voice actors across the country.
Radio Commercials
For voice actors working in radio, union or non-union status determines salaries. Voice actors are paid hourly for radio commercials. According to Voices.com, a leading website for voice talent, rates for a local 15, 30 and 60 second radio commercial is $200 compared to $300 in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Radio commercials for a national network can earn voice actors as much as $1,000. These rates reflect non-union status. Union voice actors are paid a "session fee" that varies according to location. In New York, Chicago and Los Angeles fees are $356.95 for a 13-week cycle. Unlike non-union actors, union actors must be compensated the session rate if the radio ad continues to run after 13 weeks. Outside of the major cities, union session fees are $262.85 and residuals are payable if the commercial runs after the 13-week cycle. Union rates are effective through March 2012.
Television Commercials
For non-union voice actors working in television, a local 15, 30 or 60 second commercial outside of the major markets can earn them $300 while commercials in the three major cities can earn them $500. For a national television commercial, non-union talent can earn $2,000. As with radio, union actors in television earn residuals if the commercial runs after its initial 13-week run. Session fees outside of the three major cities begin at $445.30 while session fees in these cities begin at $715.45. These rates reflect broadcast television. The rate for cable television is $445.30 for 13-week use and between $234.00 and $350 for network television depending on seven-day or 13-week use.
Audiobooks
As with television and radio voice actors, union or non-union status determines rates for those working in the audio book industry. Non-union audio book narrators earn between $90 and $250 per finished hour (actual reading time of book). In comparison, union audio book narrators earn wages based on the type and amount of roles they narrate. An announcer earns $185 per hour, while a narrator who reads for several roles earns between $255 and $385 per hour.
Animation
Most animation work is non-union, particularly outside of Los Angeles where the large bulk of cartoons, movies and video games are produced. For the first hour of recording, non-union animation talent can expect to earn approximately $300 and $100 for each additional hour. Union talent, however, are paid session fees based on time and the amount of roles. A union actor who performs less than 10 minutes for an animation project is paid $648 and $782 for a full session. For each character an actor performs, he earns an additional $209.
