Voice Actor Salary in 2026
Voice actors provide vocal performances for animation, video games, commercials, audiobooks, and other media. They bring characters to life and deliver compelling narrations.
Median Salary
$52,000
$4,333/mo
Entry Level
$24,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$84,000
experienced
Job Growth
+8%
10-yr outlook
Voice Actor Overview
Voice actors provide vocal performances for animation, video games, commercials, audiobooks, and other media. They bring characters to life and deliver compelling narrations.
Education
No Formal Requirement
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Creative
Total Jobs (US)
30K
5-Year Growth
+14%
Category
Creative
Hourly Rate
$25.00/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,333
Voice Actor Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Voice Actor salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Voice Actor Salary
$64,000
$5,333/month · $2,462/biweekly · $30.77/hr
Voice Actor Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Voice Actor field.
Entry-level Voice Actors earn around $24,000, while the top 10% earn $109,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Voice Actors
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $61,000 | +$9,000 |
| New York | $60,000 | +$8,000 |
| Illinois | $54,000 | +$2,000 |
| Texas | $51,000 | $-1,000 |
| Georgia | $50,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Voice Actors
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $61,000 | +$9,000 |
| Los Angeles | $58,000 | +$6,000 |
| Chicago | $55,000 | +$3,000 |
| Dallas | $52,000 | $0 |
| Atlanta | $51,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Voice Actor Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Voice Actor from entry level to expert.
$24,000
0-2 years
$54,000
3-7 years
$84,000
8-14 years
$134,000
15+ years
Related Creative Jobs
Voice Actor Salary FAQ
How much does a Voice Actor make in 2026?
The median salary for a Voice Actor in the United States is $52,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $24,000, while senior professionals earn up to $84,000. Top earners in the field can make $134,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Voice Actor?
A Voice Actor typically requires a No Formal Requirement with 1-3 years of experience. Key skills include Voice Acting, Character Voices, Audio Recording. Relevant certifications such as SAG-AFTRA Membership can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Voice Actors?
The job market for Voice Actors is projected to grow by 8% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 30K Voice Actor positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 14%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Voice Actors the most?
The highest-paying states for Voice Actors include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $61,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Voice Actor salary?
To increase your Voice Actor salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Voice Acting and Character Voices. Pursue certifications such as SAG-AFTRA Membership. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 1-3 years of experience, you can progress from $24,000 to $84,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Voice Actor Salary
How we calculate Voice Actor salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $52,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Voice Actor in the Creative sector.
- Entry-level ($24,000) and senior-level ($84,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +8% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 30K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 14% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Creative sector wages.
- Education requirement: No Formal Requirement, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $52,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Voice Actor compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Voice Actor job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Creative
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Voice Actor salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Voice Acting, Character Voices, Audio Recording), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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