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Audio Book Narrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Audio Book Narrator information

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$17

$31

$53

How much do audio book narrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for audio book narrator in the United States is $31.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.96 and $35.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an audio book narrator?

Audio Book Narrators are professionals who read and record books aloud to create audio versions for listeners. They use their vocal skills to bring stories to life, often differentiating characters with unique voices and tones. Narrators may work in studios or remotely, and they must pay attention to pacing, pronunciation, and emotional delivery. Their work is essential for making literature accessible to those who prefer or require audio formats, including people with visual impairments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an audio book narrator?

To thrive as an Audio Book Narrator, you need excellent vocal control, clear diction, and the ability to interpret and convey a range of characters and emotions, usually supported by experience in acting or voice work. Familiarity with audio recording software, microphones, and editing tools is essential for producing high-quality audio files. Strong attention to detail, time management, and adaptability help narrators deliver consistent, engaging performances while meeting deadlines. These skills are crucial for captivating listeners, ensuring technical quality, and maintaining professional standards in the competitive audiobook industry.

What are common challenges faced by audio book narrators during production and how can they be managed?

Audio book narrators often encounter challenges such as maintaining vocal consistency for multiple characters, managing vocal fatigue during long sessions, and ensuring clear articulation throughout the recording. To address these, narrators typically use vocal warm-ups, take regular breaks, and mark scripts for character changes. Collaboration with producers and sound engineers also helps to catch errors and maintain high-quality audio, creating a supportive environment for narrators to deliver their best performance.

What is the difference between Audio Book Narrator vs Voice Actor?

AspectAudio Book NarratorVoice Actor
CredentialsVoice training, narration skillsVoice training, acting skills
Work EnvironmentHome studio, recording studiosStudio, on-location, voice-over projects
Industry UsagePublishing, audiobook productionAdvertising, animation, video games, narration
Search & ComparisonOften compared for narration rolesBroader voice-over roles

While both roles require strong vocal skills and voice training, an Audio Book Narrator specializes in reading and recording audiobooks, focusing on storytelling and clarity. A Voice Actor has a broader range, performing in commercials, animations, and other media. The main difference lies in the scope of work and industry focus, with narrators primarily working in audiobook production and voice actors in various media projects.

How much can an audio book narrator earn?

Audio book narrators typically earn between $50 and $300 per finished hour of recording, with rates varying based on experience, project length, and distribution platform. Experienced narrators or those working on high-profile projects can earn higher rates, and some may receive royalties or residuals in addition to upfront payments.

How much do audiobook narrators make?

Audiobook narrators typically earn between $50 and $300 per finished hour of recording, with rates varying based on experience, project length, and publisher. Experienced narrators or those working with major publishers can earn higher rates, and some may also receive royalties or residuals for sales. Many narrators work freelance, setting their own rates and schedules.

How to get a job doing voice for audiobooks?

To become an audiobook narrator, develop strong vocal skills and a clear, engaging voice. Build a demo reel showcasing your range, gain experience through freelance platforms or local projects, and consider training or coaching to improve narration techniques. Having a good microphone and editing skills can also enhance your chances of securing audiobook narration jobs.

Is there a demand for audio book narrators?

There is a growing demand for audiobook narrators due to the increasing popularity of audiobooks across various genres. Narrators with clear diction, good voice acting skills, and experience with recording tools are sought after by publishers and independent creators alike.
More about Audio Book Narrator jobs
Infographic showing various Audio Book Narrator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,756 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Audio Marketing and Operations Assistant

Hachette Book Group

New York, NY • On-site

$52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Hachette Book Group rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 19 rated publishing


Job description

SUMMARY:

Hachette Audio seeks an Audio Marketing and Operations Assistant to support its SVP and other operations staff with administrative duties. Our small, dynamic department produces and sells over 700 titles a year, across all popular genres and with award-winning and bestselling authors. This position will afford a great view across various functions of different publishing operations, as the department encompasses Production, Marketing, Sales, Managing Editorial, and Publicity roles. Ideal candidates will be extremely detail oriented, discreet, professional and able to balance multiple projects with varying due dates and recurrence at once.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Create and upload Soundcloud links and audiograms for all Hachette Audio and client titles
  • Upload studio/marketing assets to asset management system for company wide access
  • Create and distribute digital audio codes for authors, agents and HBG staff
  • Process and track production/plant/vendor invoices and trigger union payments
  • Maintain and update Narrator Database
  • Schedule departmental meetings and draft weekly status meeting minutes
  • Maintain departmental process documentation
  • Submit quarterly music use reports
  • Maintain department organization chart and Bookends data
  • Order supplies for team/WB Masonordering

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Proficiency in Outlook, Excel, Word
  • Previous administrative assistant experience is a plus; proprietary program training will be provided in house.
  • Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with the aptitude to communicate effectively in both individual and group settings
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage time effectively while also ensuring accuracy of work through attention to detail.
  • Prior experience or interest in book publishing a plus

How to Apply: To be considered, please submit both aresume AND a cover letter. We ask for a cover letter so that we can understand how your skills or experience can apply to our open role. This position requires a proficiency in written communication, as such we cannot allow the use of any writing aids such as ChatGPT to complete your application materials. Any use of AI will result is disqualification for the role.

As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.

Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The compensation for this position is $52,500. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location - talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.

The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

Employment Type: Full-Time

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