Voice actors usually quote before booking, often after receiving a script, audition request, or a rate inquiry from a client or casting platform. Clients compare per-project fees, what usage is included, turnaround time, and how many revisions are covered.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
A quote based on 500 words is not valid for 900. State that fees are based on the supplied script.
The same read costs very different amounts for an internal training video and a national TV campaign.
Specify WAV or MP3, edited or raw, one file or split files, and whether alternate takes or tags are included.
Clarifies that client-driven script changes after approval are billable, while your own errors are fixed free.
Self-directed, live-directed, or unattended sessions require different time commitments and sometimes different fees.
Standard delivery is usually 24-72 hours. Same-day or overnight work carries a surcharge.
Prevents a client from accepting an old quote months later at a rate you have since raised.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate or e-learning narration | per finished minute or per 100 words | $15-40 per 100 words; $150-400 minimum |
| Explainer or web video voiceover | flat fee per project | $200-600 |
| Local or regional radio/TV commercial (non-union, 13 weeks) | per spot | $250-800 |
| National online/digital ad (1 year) | per spot including usage | $500-2,500 |
| Audiobook narration (non-union, pay-for-production) | per finished hour (PFH) | $150-400 |
| IVR / phone system prompts | per prompt or flat package | $5-15 per prompt; $100-250 minimum |
| Video game or animation character voice | per hour of session | $200-500 |
| Live-directed session (Source-Connect, Zoom, or ipDTL) | per hour | $100-250 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Show the session fee and the license fee as two lines. Clients can see what they are buying, and you can offer cheaper or broader license options without reworking the whole quote.
A script labeled a simple online video can turn out to be a paid ad running nationally. Ask where it will run, for how long, and who the end client is, then price accordingly.
For series like training modules or a set of phone prompts, a bundled rate with a lower per-unit price encourages commitment and makes scheduling and invoicing simple.
State a minimum session fee clearly so short scripts are priced fairly. Clients accept it more easily when it is part of a standard rate sheet.
Quote the narrowest reasonable license, such as internal use or a single online channel for one year, and state that wider usage requires an additional fee. This protects you without losing the job.
Short auditions of a few lines are standard and unpaid for most casting calls. For a long script, offer to record a short section or a paid test. Do not record the full script for free.
It is a good idea. A written acceptance, even an email reply approving the quote, confirms the word count, usage, and fee. For larger jobs, use a short agreement and take a deposit.
Fourteen to thirty days is typical. Mention the expiry date on the quote, since rates, availability, and script details can change.
Use the Voice Actor invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Voice Actor invoice template