Unveiling the World of Voice Acting: A Lucrative Side Hustle or Full-Time Career

If I could get paid to talk all day, I’d be one happy (and wealthy) person. I used to joke about this until a friend introduced me to consulting – a term I soon associated with my new roles as a blogging and money coach. However, my journey took an unexpected turn when I discovered the lucrative realm of voice-over acting. In this article, my friend Carrie, who is excelling in voice acting, shares her experiences, tips, and the exciting financial aspects of this unique side hustle.

In a remarkable four-month journey, I immersed myself in an entirely new industry, established a side hustle, replaced my day job income, and eventually took the plunge to pursue voice acting full-time. Remarkably, all of this happened while navigating the challenges of parenthood with a newborn in the house. Surprisingly, my initial investment to enter this new occupation was a modest $300. While I’ve since poured more resources into my voice-over business, the low initial startup costs proved advantageous.

So, what exactly is voice acting?

Voice acting involves providing the narration, voices, or characters for various media productions, including radio, TV, online content, audiobooks, video games, animation, live announcing, and more. Think of the voices behind commercials, product videos, training materials, or even the announcements at airports and museums – all brought to life by professional voice actors.

Carrie shares her daily routine, spending time in a vocal booth, reading scripts, editing audio, and delivering client recordings. Starting in a spare bedroom with improvised soundproofing, she highlights the diverse locations she has recorded – from closets and hotel rooms to car interiors. Beyond the creative aspects, voice acting involves business-related tasks like invoicing, marketing, networking, and ongoing coaching and training.

Pros of Voice Acting:

1. Location Independence: Voice acting can be done remotely. You can engage in voice acting from any location with an internet connection, which allows you to use it from any location—flexibility for voice actors. 
2. No Degree Required: While professional training is crucial, a formal degree is not a prerequisite to enter the field of voice acting.
3. Flexible Hours: While there are deadlines to meet, voice actors have considerable flexibility in managing their work hours.
4. Intriguing Job: Voice acting is a unique and enjoyable job that often captures people’s interest and curiosity.
5. Lucrative Potential: Successful voice actors have the potential to earn significant amounts, although it may take time to build a substantial income, particularly with high-profile projects.
6. Low Barrier to Entry: Getting started doesn’t require expensive equipment, making it accessible for beginners.

Cons of Voice Acting:

1. Uncertain Work Availability: The industry is competitive, and securing jobs may require overcoming challenges and beating out numerous competitors.
2. Costly and Time-Consuming Training: Acquiring the necessary skills through professional training can be expensive and time-consuming.
3. Isolation: Voice actors often work alone, which can be isolating for those who prefer a more social work environment.
4. Location Dependency for Some Opportunities: While remote work is expected, specific voice-acting jobs may be more accessible if you live in significant entertainment hubs like LA or New York.

How Much Money Can You Make Voice Acting?

Voice acting income, which can vary widely based on factors like the type of job, union membership, and individual negotiation, presents diverse opportunities. In Carrie’s narrative, she shares her journey from a $450 payment for her initial gig to a remarkable $3,000 earned in just 45 minutes of work on a cinema ad campaign. The compensation for voice acting projects is subject to fluctuations depending on the project’s type, duration, and airing location, with fees ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands. Explore the potential of voice acting earnings while also discovering the benefits of utilizing free budget templates to manage your finances effectively.

Carrie’s Voice Acting Journey

Carrie’s entry into voice acting began with podcasting, and her curiosity was piqued after listening to an interview with voice actor Alyson Steel. Intrigued by Alyson’s daily routine and the potential for a more flexible lifestyle, Carrie invested in a coaching session, where she learned the ropes of the voice acting business. With newfound knowledge, she delved into extensive research, auditioned for online casting sites, and secured her first paid job within seven weeks.

Carrie’s journey emphasizes the importance of coaching, training, and continuous learning. She stresses the need for aspiring voice actors to invest in professional coaching, emphasizing that there’s no one-size-fits-all path to success in this industry. Her steps include making a firm decision to pursue voice acting, hiring a reputable coach, immersing oneself in industry knowledge, consistent auditioning, and strategic self-marketing.

Steps to Get Started in Voice Acting

1. Get a Voice-Over Coach: Invest in a reputable voice-over coach like Alyson Steel to guide you through the industry’s nuances and help hone your skills.
2. Listen to Your Coach: Follow your coach’s advice on when to create a demo, start auditioning, or market your services. Their expertise will guide you in making impactful career decisions.
3. Study the Industry: Immerse yourself in resources about the voice acting industry, including blogs, books, podcasts, and online communities. Understanding the landscape will give you a competitive edge.
4. Audition Regularly: Auditioning is a crucial aspect of landing voice acting jobs. Dedicate time to audition regularly, even if you’re working a full-time job concurrently.
5. Market Yourself: Once your skills are competitive, create a website, develop a demo, and start reaching out to potential clients and agents. Timing is crucial, so ensure your demo accurately represents your current abilities.
6. Continuous Practice: Voice acting is a skill that requires regular practice. Stay competitive by practicing consistently and seeking ongoing coaching and training.

Final Thoughts

Carrie’s success story proves that voice acting can be a sustainable career. Although the average yearly income for voice actors is approximately $76,300, the earnings of each individual can vary considerably. Whether an exciting job entices you, the potential for financial gain, or the flexibility it provides, voice acting is a unique and fulfilling opportunity.

As you consider venturing into the world of voice acting, it’s essential to dispel myths about voice requirements – there’s no “right” voice, and diverse voices, including accents, are valuable assets. Voice acting is not just about the quality of your voice; it’s about your ability to connect with and convince your target audience.

Voice acting can be a fulfilling and financially rewarding career choice, provided you approach it with dedication, invest in proper training, and stay committed to continuous improvement. As you begin your journey into the world of voice-over acting, it is essential to seek guidance from experienced professionals, practice diligently, and embrace the unique challenges and joys of this dynamic field. Carrie’s inspiring story encourages aspiring voice actors to explore this exciting career path, emphasizing that success is achievable with the right mindset, preparation, and ongoing commitment to personal and professional growth.