Pricing Models Explained
Voiceover rates are quoted three ways:
- Per word: common for e-learning, audiobooks, narration
- Per finished minute (PFM): common for broadcast and corporate video
- Project flat rate: common for short commercial spots and social content
Always confirm which model applies before approving a quote.
Commercial Voiceover ($300 to $5,000+)
Priced by distribution scope (local, regional, national) and exclusivity period.
| Scope | Rate Range |
|-------|-----------|
| Local radio or digital (regional) | $300 to $800 |
| National radio or online campaign | $800 to $2,500 |
| National broadcast TV | $1,500 to $5,000+ |
| Social media campaign (flat, 30-day rights) | $200 to $800 |
Most commercial contracts include a session fee plus a usage fee tied to distribution. Renewable usage rights add cost at each renewal.
E-Learning and Corporate Training ($150 to $400 per finished hour)
The fastest-growing segment of voiceover work. A finished hour of audio typically requires 2 to 4 hours of recording and editing.
- Entry-level corporate narration: $150 to $250 per PFH
- Established VO with professional studio: $250 to $400 per PFH
- Specialized narration (medical, legal, technical): $300 to $600 per PFH
For a 10-module e-learning course with 30 minutes of audio per module (5 total hours), budget $1,250 to $3,000 for a solid mid-tier artist.
Audiobook Narration ($200 to $500 per finished hour)
- Royalty share (via ACX): $0 upfront, narrator gets 25 to 40% of royalties
- PFH (rights-for-hire): $200 to $500 per PFH
- Celebrity or established narrator: $1,000 to $3,000+ per PFH
A typical 80,000-word non-fiction book produces 8 to 10 hours of finished audio, so budget $1,600 to $5,000 for a mid-tier narrator on rights-for-hire.
Podcast and YouTube Narration ($100 to $500 per episode)
- Short intro or ad read (under 60 seconds): $100 to $200
- Full episode narration (15 to 30 minutes): $200 to $500
- Long-form narrated content (30 to 60 minutes): $400 to $900
Turnaround and Rush Fees
Standard: 2 to 5 business days. Rush (24 to 48 hours): 25 to 50% premium. Same-day: 75 to 100% premium.
Finding and Booking
Browse voiceover artist profiles on The Booking Agency. The platform uses a subscription model for professionals, so you see direct rates. You book and pay directly.
Browse the talent directory to compare styles, listen to demos, and message artists. The gigboard lists short-notice and project-based VO opportunities. For content creation careers that include VO work, see the jobs board and check our creator gear guides for studio setup tips.