Voice over rates calculator

Need help determining voice over rates?

Voice over costs can be complex – especially in the online environment. Voice actors with agents or union representation can command very high fees, but – as a general rule – the fees are set according to the number of words – words rates – and purpose.

Our voice over rates calculator is designed to give you a better idea of the costs involved when hiring a voice actor.

Use our voice over rates calculator

Specify your requirements and get an estimated project cost. Note that usage fees are not included.

Voice123 is an open marketplace. Fee negotiation is therefore solely between client and voice actor. These rates are based on actual figures quoted by voice actors on the platform. Referencing Voice123’s direct booking functionality, you can set your own budget and then see who’s available at that rate. Use the Voice123 search engine to find and book voice actors here.

Voice acting rates: Reference budget


These estimates are for non-union, non-broadcast projects and show rates per minute as well as rates per word count. Studio time and overall recording session duration are not taken into account.

Finally, please note that the total fee calculation may also vary based on market size, as specified here, pre – and post- production, buyouts, and residuals.

Finished minutes
based on 150 words per minute
Word countReference budget
0 – 1 minute150 or less$50 – $200
2 – 5 minutes150 – 750$200 – $350
5 – 15 minutes750 – 2250$350 – $500
15 – 30 minutes2250 – 4500$500 – $750
30 – 45 minutes4500 – 6750$750 – $1000
45 – 60 minutes6750 – 9000$1000 – $1250

If you’d like to know more about voice over rates, please check out this help center article.

Learn more about voice over rates

What VO rate should I offer a voice actor?

In the online environment, there are numerous platforms representing voice actors, and in most instances, the actors are responsible for setting their own rates. Both the Global Voice Acting Academy in the US and Gravy For The Brain in the UK have rate guides that have come to be regarded as the gold standard for non-union voice acting professionals, but ultimately, the rate is determined by what the client is prepared to pay and what the voice actor is prepared to accept.

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The Voice123 Rate Guide

Because Voice123 is an open marketplace, fee negotiation is solely between client and voice actor. The rates we propose are based on actual figures quoted by voice actors on the platform. Referencing Voice123’s direct booking functionality, you can set your own budget and then see who’s available at that rate. 
How you price your project will depend on what you’re looking for. Voice123 has voice actors on the platform who run the gamut from newbie to seasoned professional. Newbies are likely to charge less but may not yet have the skill set you require. If you price your project higher, you’ll get more experienced voice actors who may be prepared to do more and fulfill your requirements easier and sooner.

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Hire voice actors in minutes!

Here’s how it works:

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    Hire a voice actor by posting a project or using the Voice123 search engine – it’s free to do.

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    Listen to custom auditions or pre-recorded samples to find the best voice actors for your project.

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    Pay directly or avoid cross-border hassles with Voice123’s Secure Payment service.

post a project


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FAQs

How do I become a voice actor?
Becoming a voice actor starts with four key steps: 1. Do your research to learn about the voice over industry and your own vocal abilities. 2. Invest in setting up a DIY home studio with a computer, microphone, DAW (software), and a quiet environment. 3. Build your own unique brand while auditioning for voice acting jobs. 4. Set up your voice over business and learn the best tools to run it successfully. Don’t forget to hone your craft with voice acting classes, online courses, and workshops! Check out our blog to find the best resources on the voice over industry.
How do I get voice over jobs on Voice123?
You can apply for voice over jobs on Voice123 by first signing up for a free voice actor profile with your experience, skills, services, and voice over samples. This enables your profile to be found in client searches and provides vital information that the system uses to match you with voice over project invitations, which you can then submit auditions for. Sign up and get helpful info in our guides on setting up your profile and samples.
Is there a trial period?
Our Standard membership is free to use for as long as you want. If you’re ready to take the leap with Voice123 and acquire a paid membership for the first time, there is a 30-day-money back guarantee. Learn more about all the plans we offer and recommend based on your specific voice over market, or sign up for free and decide later.
How much should I charge for voice over work?
Voice123 is an open marketplace. Fee negotiation is solely between the client and the voice actor. However, you can base your rates on both your personal background and industry standards according to different usage, length, and project categories (Cartoon, commercial, movies, narration, radio, video games, etc). Feel free to check out our voice over rate calculator for an estimate of what clients can be expected to pay.
How do I get paid for my voice over work ?
While you can invoice clients directly according to the payment method that suits you (Paypal, credit card, checks, or wire transfers), you can also make use of our free Secure Payment service as a convenient way to receive your funds.  
Can I get voice over jobs with no experience?
Yes! But it takes effort and preparation to become a skilled voice actor. It also involves researching voice over jobs, getting advice from pros, getting the necessary voice over equipment, honing your voice over techniques, being persistent in your search for voice over work, and createing short voice over job samples to showcase your work. Learn more in our guide to getting voice over jobs for beginners.