🎙️ How much does a voice actor make?
In the U.S., most voice actors make $0–$10,000 a year; a working pro may make about $50,000–$83,000, and top full-time pros can make $250,000 or more.
Voice acting is often gig-based, so the number of jobs, fame, and type of work can make yearly pay vary a lot.
US Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Most voice actors | $0–$10,000 | Analysis of NAVA survey income bands |
| A working professional (experience-based estimate) | $50,000–$83,000 | U.S. voice-actor salary guide |
| Top full-time pros (can earn more) | $250,000 | Voice-industry estimate for full-time pros |
Per month and per day
| Who | Per month | Per day (÷365) |
|---|---|---|
| Most voice actors | $0–$833 | $0–$27 |
| A working professional (experience-based estimate) | $4,167–$6,917 | $137–$227 |
| Top full-time pros (can earn more) | $20,833 | $685 |
Where does the money come from?
- Session fees: Union animation contracts set minimum fees for recorded work; the amount depends on the type and length of the program. Source
- Commercial use fees: Commercial performers may receive additional pay based on where and how long an ad is used. Source
- Residuals: Some contracts provide extra payments when a production is shown beyond the use covered by the initial payment. Source
How do you become a voice actor?
In the United States, start by acting in school plays or local theater and practicing through acting or voice classes. Record sample readings, apply for roles, and audition. Many actors begin with smaller parts and keep training.
- Act in school plays or local theater.
- Practice acting and voice skills in classes.
- Record a voice sample and audition for roles.
- Build experience, starting with smaller roles.
Qualifications and exams
A formal acting degree is not usually required. The BLS actor profile does not list a required voice-actor license or entry exam.
A day as a voice actor
A voice actor may get a script at the studio, talk with the director about how to read it, then record lines in a booth and adjust their voice as directed. They may also audition for the next role and practice between sessions.
Common questions
Can voice acting alone pay the bills?
The NAVA survey’s income-band analysis places many voice actors at $0–$10,000 a year from voiceover work. Source
What is the union minimum for an animation session?
For 2025–26, the SAG-AFTRA TV animation minimum is $1,246 for a segment over 10 minutes and $1,130 for one 10 minutes or less. These are per-work minimums, not yearly pay. Source
Does an ad earn more when it is used again?
For commercials, principal performers may receive extra pay based on the ad’s use, such as its airing or placement. The amount depends on the role and type and length of use. Source
Can a TV rerun bring another payment?
Residuals are additional payments when a production is shown beyond the use covered by the initial compensation. Whether they apply depends on the contract and type of work. Source
Do voice actors get paid to audition?
Under the 2025–26 TV animation agreement, the fourth audition for the same role has a $93 minimum for the first two hours. This does not mean every audition is paid. Source
This section summarizes public sources. We only show numbers that have a source.
Close jobs in official statistics
In Japan
Japan Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Most Japanese voice actors | $0–$20,000 | VOICTION survey: 72% reported ¥3M or less, before tax and expenses |
| Working voice actors (age-based monthly guide, annualized) | $9,600–$17,600 | Age-based monthly pay guide × 12 |
| Top tier (school estimate) | $466,667 | Voice-acting school estimate; not official data |
Related questions
Jobs in the same group
Data table and sources
- www.voices.com/blog/voice-actor-annual-salary-in-the-usa
- www.voices.com/blog/voice-actor-salaries/
- www.vostrategist.com/post/a-breakdown-of-the-voice-over-income
- prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000109174.html
- www.amgakuin.co.jp/contents/voice/column1/debut/become/income/
- www.amgakuin.co.jp/contents/voice/column1/debut/become/income/anime-income
- www.bls.gov/OOH/entertainment-and-sports/actors.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2009/summer/yawhat.pdf
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-2011.00
- amptp.org/wp-content/themes/amptp/assets/pdf/SAG-AFTRA/Wage%20Scales%20%E2%80%93
This job is not covered directly by government wage statistics, so the figures come from leagues, associations, surveys and the press.
- Not yearly pay: the minimum fee for one junior-rank voice actor's episode. No official yearly income data exists. (Japan Actors Union (Nippairen))
- Not yearly pay: the minimum fee for one top-rank voice actor's episode. Real pay depends on how many jobs they do. (Japan Actors Union (Nippairen))