How much to charge for voice over work
Voice over is priced per finished project and, crucially, by usage: the same read for a national ad is worth far more than for an internal training video. Always quote usage and licensing, not just recording time.
You should charge
$345
per project · typical $100–$1,500
Why this number. Price on usage, not just length. A thirty-second read that runs nationally is worth many times the same read for one office, so make licensing a stated line item and revisit it when usage expands.
Typical voice over work prices
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| E-learning / narration (per finished min) | $20 – $60 |
| Explainer / web video | $150 – $600 |
| Radio / TV commercialusage drives this far up | $500 – $3,000 |
What changes the price
- Script length (word or finished-minute count)
- Usage: internal, web, broadcast, national ad
- Licensing term and exclusivity
- Revisions and directed sessions
The pricing move most people miss
Price on usage, not just length. A thirty-second read that runs nationally is worth many times the same read for one office, so make licensing a stated line item and revisit it when usage expands.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I charge for voice over work?+
Most voice over work is priced $100–$1,500 per project, with a typical rate around $350 per project. Where you land inside that range comes down mainly to script length (word or finished-minute count) and usage: internal, web, broadcast, national ad. Use the range as your anchor, then adjust up for experience, strong demand, and a higher cost-of-living area.
Should I charge per job or by the hour for voice over work?+
Most voice over work is priced per job, and that is the stronger model. It pays you for the result rather than the clock, and clients far prefer one fixed number they can plan around. Estimate the hours a job takes, multiply by the hourly rate you want, then add a 15-25% buffer for the jobs that run long.
How much should I charge for voice over work as a beginner?+
Starting out, price near the lower end of the range, roughly $100 to $350 per project. Resist going below that to win work: a price that is too low attracts price-shoppers, signals low quality, and is hard to raise later. Once you have a few happy clients and reviews, move toward $1,500.
What affects how much voice over work costs?+
The biggest factors are script length (word or finished-minute count); usage: internal, web, broadcast, national ad; licensing term and exclusivity; revisions and directed sessions. Two jobs that look alike can price very differently once these are accounted for, which is why a quick walkthrough or a few questions before quoting protects your rate.
How do I quote voice over work so the client says yes?+
Price on usage, not just length. A thirty-second read that runs nationally is worth many times the same read for one office, so make licensing a stated line item and revisit it when usage expands. Put the quote in writing with exactly what is included, state the price once without apologizing for it, and give one clear next step. A confident, well-structured quote wins jobs at a higher price than a vague one at a lower price.