How Much Do I Charge When I’m Just Starting Out in Voiceover?
- Keep Dreaming Creative
- Aug 8
- 6 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
If you’re brand new to voiceover, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “What do I charge for a voiceover?” On one hand, you want to win gigs. On the other, you don’t want to end up working for pennies. Let’s talk about how to land on a rate that’s fair—to you, to your clients, and to the industry. Learn beginner voiceover rates, why you shouldn’t undercut yourself, and how to quote with confidence—powered by the GVAA rate guide!
The Newbie Pricing Dilemma
When you’re new, it’s tempting to take any paid gig you can get. Many of us have felt that urge to say “yes” to low budget jobs just to get experience. Trust me, I get it – you want to build your portfolio and prove yourself. But here’s the hard truth: grossly underbidding your work can hurt both you and the industry.
So while it’s natural to feel you “aren’t worth” standard rates yet – stop right there. Undervaluing yourself from the start is a path to frustration. Taking on a lot of low paying jobs can make you resent the work, and it's just not a great formula for a happy creative life.
Don’t Be a 99-Cent Voiceover Talent
Sure, you can score a quick $5 job on a gig site, but here’s the reality: bargain-basement rates often come with endless revisions, clients who haggle over every word, and zero respect for your time. That path leads to frustration, burnout, and a reputation as “the cheap newbie,” which is hard to shake. Plus, what happens if that cheap client wants to work with you year after year? It's going to be very hard to get that client to eventually pay a fair rate when they're used to getting it much cheaper.
Start with Beginner-Friendly, Fair Rates
You don’t need to charge veteran prices day one. But pick numbers that cover your time, equipment, and growing skillset. For example:
Phone prompts or voicemail greetings (IVR): $150–$300 per set of up to five prompts
Short eLearning or explainer spots: $300–$600 per finished minute
Local commercials (30‑second ads): $500–$1,000 for a standard 13‑week buyout
These figures reflect the GVAA’s baseline guides for non-union voiceover work—so you’re playing in the right ballpark from Day 1. Lean toward the lower end if you must—but don’t fall off the table.
Usage and Scope Matter
Always ask: Where will my voice be used? For how long? A one-time podcast promo isn’t the same value as a regional radio spot running for months. The wider the exposure, the higher your rate should be. Never give away big-value usage for small fees. For more information on this, check out our blog, What Are Voiceover Usage Rights? And Why They Affect How Much You Should Charge?
Build Experience Without Undercutting
If you need practice, save “free” gigs for truly nonprofit or student projects. Create personal demos—read public-domain scripts, help out a friend’s passion project—and keep those separate from paid work. That way, you hone your craft without setting a precedent with your clients.
Run Your VO Work Like a Business
From the moment you quote, consider yourself a professional. Decide your minimum acceptable rate ahead of time, state it confidently (“My rate for that package is $600.”), and then—zip it. If a client balks, you can negotiate scope, but never let them guilt you into an unsustainably low fee.
Key Takeaways
✓ Charge real money for real work—don’t race to the bottom.
✓ Factor in usage: bigger audience, bigger investment.
✓ Practice unpaid or low-budget work in separate, noncommercial projects.
✓ State your rate with confidence and stick to your bottom line.
Conclusion: Your Voice Is Worth Something!
Starting out in voiceover is exciting and nerve-wracking. On the money side of things, it might feel like you’re walking a tightrope. But take it from someone who’s been in your shoes: you have permission to charge real money for your work. In fact, you need to! It’s good for you and it’s good for the industry you’re entering. Charging a fair rate doesn’t mean you’re arrogant – it means you respect your own work and you’re offering a professional service. And guess what? Clients will respect you more for it. As one beginner talent on reddit confessed: “I already am a professional, and should conduct myself as such... I’m doing the business a favor, not the other way around. My work is valuable, regardless of how much I have left to learn.”
Bottom line: If you’re ready to work as a voice actor, be ready to charge as a voice actor. Use guides and community advice to find your number, state your price with confidence, and deliver your best work. The right clients – the ones you actually want – will be willing to pay for the value you bring. And as you gain experience, your rates (and your confidence) will only grow. So go forth, find those gigs, and charge what you’re worth – you’ve got this!
Ready to Nail Your Rates?
Figuring out your perfect starter rate doesn’t have to be painful. Book a free assessment with Keep Dreaming Creative, and let’s find a number that feels right for your voice, your goals, and your growing career.
FAQs on Voice Actor Rates & Fees for Voiceover Jobs
How much should I charge when I’m just starting out in voiceover?
Begin with fair, beginner-friendly rates that respect your time and the client’s usage. For non-union work, consider industry baseline ranges GVAA RATE GUIDE: phone prompts, short eLearning, and local commercials all command different price brackets.
Why is undercutting my voiceover rates a bad idea?
Charging rock-bottom fees trains clients to expect dirt prices and attracts the most demanding, least respectful projects. Undercutting hurts your future ability to raise rates and damages the wider market for voice talent.
What role does usage play in pricing a voiceover job?
Usage is everything. Ask where the audio will run, for how long, and in which territories. A local voicemail ≠ a regional radio buyout ≠ national broadcast. Usage drives fees — always clarify before you quote.
How do I set a fair starting price if I’m new at voiceover?
Use industry rate guides as a baseline, pick a number that covers your time and tech, and aim near the lower end of professional ranges rather than the bargain bin. If unsure, book a free assessment and we’ll help you set a starter rate that feels right: https://www.keepdreamingcreative.com/book-online
Can I accept unpaid voice acting gigs to build credits?
Yes — but only with purpose. Do unpaid work for true nonprofits, student projects, or personal practice where no one is making profit. Keep those samples separate from paid projects so you don’t devalue your commercial work.
Should I raise my voiceover rates after I book a few jobs?
Absolutely. As you gain credits and confidence, incrementally raise your fees. Don’t lock early clients into forever-cheap pricing; politely increase rates as your experience grows.
What should I do if a client says they can’t afford my rate?
Negotiate scope, not value. Offer a smaller usage package, shorter deliverable, or limited rights. If the only option is a humiliating low rate, walk away — your time and skill are worth protecting.
Where can I find reliable voiceover rate guidelines?
Start with industry rate guides (GVAA for non-union baselines, union guides for SAG-AFTRA/ACTRA). Use those ranges to inform your quotes and to feel confident when you present a fair price.
How do I present my voiceover rates to clients without sounding unsure?
State your rate clearly and stop talking: “My fee for that package is $X.” Confidence sells. If you babble or apologize, the client will try to negotiate you down.
How do voiceover demos and coaching affect what I should charge?
A professionally produced demo and coaching make you more bookable and justify higher rates. If you need demo or coaching help, we offer both: demos — https://www.keepdreamingcreative.com/voiceover-demos; coaching — https://www.keepdreamingcreative.com/book-online
Can I price voice acting jobs differently for small businesses vs. big brands?
Yes. A small local client typically pays different rates than a national brand with commercial usage. Always ask what the client’s budget and intended usage are and price accordingly.
How do I test my voiceover rates?
Track responses: if clients accept your rate and you’re booking a healthy number of jobs, you’re in range. If you get constant pushback, raise your perceived value (better demos, better auditions, more professional online presence like website, social media, etc.) rather than simply lowering your price.
