Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
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Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
How Much Should You Charge for Commercial Voice Over?
Commercial voice over rates range from $250 for a local radio ad to $5,000+ for a national TV commercial. Rates scale with media type, market reach, and usage duration.
Floor
$250
per hour
Typical
$1,500
per hour
Premium
$6,000
per hour
Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
Was this helpful?
Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
What changes the price
- Media type (online, radio, TV, cinema, podcast ad)
- Market reach (local, regional, national, international)
- Usage duration (13 weeks, 26 weeks, perpetual)
- Exclusivity category (competing brands locked out)
- Script length and number of takes
- Inclusion of studio time or home studio recording
- Union vs. non-union rates (SAG-AFTRA)
- Rush turnaround requirements
Real quote breakdowns
Local Radio Commercial
A local car dealership needs a 30-second radio ad for their regional market, 13-week run.
Breakdown
30-second VO recording, home studio, regional radio rights for 13 weeks, two takes with one revision edit.
National Online Video Ad
A consumer brand needs a 30-second VO for a national online video ad campaign running for 6 months.
Breakdown
30-second recording, national online rights, 6-month usage, two takes, studio-quality WAV delivery, wildbill (non-union).
National TV Commercial
A major brand needs a 60-second VO for a national television commercial airing for 13 weeks in all dayparts.
Breakdown
SAG-AFTRA session fee, national broadcast usage fee, 13-week exclusivity in product category, studio session, and edit.
Frequently asked questions
Should commercial voice over be priced per word or per project?
Commercial VO is priced by media type and usage, not per word. The 30-second script length is standard; quote based on usage rights and media reach rather than the word count of the script.
What is a usage fee and how do I calculate it?
A usage fee is separate from your session/recording fee and compensates you for how widely and how long the ad airs. GVAA Rate Guide and SAG-AFTRA rate cards provide usage benchmarks by media type and market.
Do I need to be SAG-AFTRA to do commercial voice over?
No. Many commercial clients hire non-union talent, especially for digital and local campaigns. SAG-AFTRA membership is required if the client is a signatory producer. Know your status before accepting commercial bookings.
How do I price an exclusivity clause in a commercial contract?
Exclusivity locks you out of competing brands for the contract period. Price exclusivity at 25–50% of your base usage fee per 13-week period. Broad category exclusivity (all financial services, all automotive) warrants the higher end.