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Audio Narrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mercor

Voice Narrator - AI Trainer

San Diego, CA · Remote

$50 - $150/hr

Familiarity with audio editing tools (e.g., Audacity , Adobe Audition , Reaper ). * Ability to deliver multiple vocal styles (e.g., conversational, corporate, energetic, calm). Application Process ...

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Audio Narrator information

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$29.5K

$84.5K

$171.5K

How much do audio narrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for audio narrator in the United States is $84,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a demand for audiobook narrators?

There is steady demand for audiobook narrators as the popularity of audiobooks continues to grow, driven by increased consumption on digital platforms. Narrators with clear voice delivery, good acting skills, and experience with recording equipment are sought after by publishers and production companies.

How do I become an audio narrator?

To become an audio narrator, you should develop strong vocal skills, practice reading aloud, and build a portfolio of voice samples. Many narrators also benefit from training in voice acting or narration, and using recording equipment and editing software to produce professional-quality recordings.

How much do audio narrators make?

Audio narrators typically earn between $20,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, project complexity, and whether they work freelance or for a company. Rates can also be calculated per finished hour or per project, with experienced narrators charging higher fees for commercial or audiobook work.

What are audio narrators?

Audio narrators are professionals who read and record spoken versions of written text, such as books, articles, or scripts, to create audio content. They use their voice to bring stories and information to life for listeners, often working on audiobooks, podcasts, commercials, and educational materials. Audio narrators must have clear diction, expressive voices, and good pacing to effectively engage audiences. Their work is essential for making content accessible to people who prefer listening or who have visual impairments.

Who hires audiobook narrators?

Audiobook narrators are typically hired by publishing companies, audiobook production studios, and independent authors who seek professional voice talent. They often work through casting platforms, audition for specific projects, and may need recording equipment and editing skills to deliver high-quality audio files.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Audio Narrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Audio Narrator, you need excellent vocal technique, clear diction, and the ability to interpret and convey written material effectively, often supported by training in voice acting or performance. Familiarity with audio recording software, microphones, and sound editing tools is typically required. Strong storytelling ability, attention to detail, and adaptability help narrators engage listeners and bring diverse texts to life. These skills ensure high-quality, compelling audio productions that resonate with audiences and meet professional standards.

What is the difference between Audio Narrator vs Voice Actor?

AspectAudio NarratorVoice Actor
CredentialsVoice training, narration experienceActing skills, voice training
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, home studiosRecording studios, film sets, animation
Industry UsageAudiobooks, documentaries, educational contentAnimation, commercials, video games
Search & ComparisonOften compared for narration rolesBroader acting roles, including narration

While both Audio Narrators and Voice Actors use their voices professionally, Audio Narrators primarily focus on narrating audiobooks, documentaries, and educational content. Voice Actors have a broader scope, including acting in commercials, animations, and video games. The skills overlap, but Audio Narrators specialize in clear, engaging storytelling through narration, whereas Voice Actors perform a variety of character roles and performances.

What are some common challenges audio narrators face during long recording sessions, and how can these be managed?

Audio narrators often encounter vocal fatigue and maintaining consistent energy during long recording sessions. To manage this, it's important to take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and use proper vocal warm-ups. Additionally, narrators should pay attention to posture and microphone technique to prevent strain and ensure audio quality. Collaborating with sound engineers or directors can also help address performance issues and maintain narrative flow throughout the project.
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What cities are hiring for Audio Narrator jobs? Cities with the most Audio Narrator job openings:
What states have the most Audio Narrator jobs? States with the most job openings for Audio Narrator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Audio Narrator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Audio Narrator jobs are:
Audio Narrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Audio Narrator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,456 per year, or $40.6 per hour.
Audio Producer

Audio Producer

Middle East Broadcasting Networks

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Announcement
Audio Producer
About MBN
Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) is the pre mier Arabic-first media organization that connects the Middle East and the United States. The company is in the midst of an exciting digital transformation and looking for energetic and talented people who care about journalism and the Middle East to join us on this journey.
We provide original and indispensable reporting, perspectives and commentary on the Middle East and how America's engagement impacts the region. MBN delivers content in both Arabic and English across multiple platforms, in formats including written articles, short-form video, newsletters, podcasts, data trackers and social media.
Our target audience is decision-makers, influencers, and residents of key capitals across the Middle East, as well as the next generation of globally engaged, digitally connected youth.
About the Role
The Audio Producer is responsible for managing and producing high-quality audio content for MBN's growing portfolio of podcasts, documentary audio, audio essays, and emerging digital formats. This is a full-time mostly technical role that supports MBN's broader audio production needs, including editing, sound design, scoring, mixing, mastering, narrator/voice-over production, and final delivery across multiple platforms.
The immediate flagship project for this position will be a multi-part audio essay series marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, with each 10- to 15-minute episode narrated by a voice actor and shaped through script editing, recording, music, archival audio, sound design, and final mastering. Beyond this project, the Audio Producer will serve as a dedicated audio production resource supporting MBN's ongoing content strategy and digital transformation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following tasks are considered essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions:
  • Record raw high-quality audio in studio and the field.
  • Create, edit, design, and master audio products.
  • Assemble and manage hardware and software kits.
  • Optimize audiovisual products for distribution platforms, emphasizing YouTube, and how it processes audio.
  • Own the end-to-end audio production workflow for MBN podcast and audio products, including editing, episode assembly, sound design, mixing, mastering, and final delivery.
  • Edit audio essay scripts and recorded narration for clarity, pacing, recording flow, and listener engagement.
  • Produce remote narrator, host, and voice-over recording sessions, including session preparation, direction, take selection, and post-session organization.
  • Select best takes and assemble raw recordings within a Digital Audio Workstation.
  • Score and sound design episodes using licensed music, sound effects, archival clips, and other approved audio assets.
  • Apply editorial judgment to story pacing, tone, transitions, music placement, pauses, and overall narrative structure.
  • Maintain consistent audio quality standards across MBN audio products, including loudness, formatting, and platform specifications for Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Deezer, and other distribution platforms.
  • Build and maintain MBN's audio asset library, including music beds, sound design elements, archival clips, show templates, and sonic branding materials.
  • Support audio production projects, including narrator tracking, episode scoring, sound design, mixing, mastering, and delivery.
  • Support the development of new audio formats, documentary audio projects, bilingual storytelling approaches, and cross-platform audio content.
  • Use AI-assisted audio tools where appropriate, including noise reduction, stem separation, automated leveling, voice cleanup, transcription, and related production workflows.
  • Stay current on audio production trends, podcast standards, AI-assisted production tools, and emerging digital audio practices.
  • Collaborate with newsroom, digital, and production teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven media environment.

Other Duties:
Perform additional job-related duties and take on new responsibilities as needed based on organizational requirements and circumstances.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Candidates are required to have:
  • Bachelor's degree in audio production, journalism, media production, communications, digital media, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
  • Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in podcast production, documentary audio, broadcast audio, or digital audio production.
  • Expertise with Adobe Audition and a working knowledge of Premiere. Knowledge of Pro Tools is a plus.
  • Should be passionate about audio storytelling.
  • Demonstrated experience editing, mixing, mastering, and delivering professional audio content. Fully understands compression, EQ, noise reduction and all other technical aspects of audio production.
  • Experience scoring and sound designing podcasts or narrative audio using music and sound effects libraries.
  • Experience producing or supporting host, narrator, voice-over, or actor recording sessions.
  • Strong working knowledge of Digital Audio Workstations and professional audio production workflows.
  • Ability to manage multiple episodes, shows, or projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
  • Strong editorial judgment and understanding of audio as a storytelling medium.
  • Familiarity with delivery standards for podcast and digital audio platforms.
  • Ability to use music, silence, archival sound, narration, and sound effects to strengthen narrative clarity and emotional impact.
  • Working knowledge of AI-assisted audio production tools, including voice cleanup, noise reduction, stem separation, automated leveling, and AI-supported music or sound workflows.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to incorporate feedback from multiple editors.
  • Professional communication skills and ability to collaborate with editorial, production, and technical teams.
  • Interest in American history, global storytelling, underrepresented historical narratives, and international audiences is preferred.
  • Familiarity with bilingual or cross-cultural storytelling environments is preferred.
  • Experience with audio essay or narrative documentary formats is preferred.

MBN is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.

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