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Narrator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Narrator information

See California salary details

$40.5K

$79.7K

$119.4K

How much do narrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for narrator in California is $79,701.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,300.00 and $101,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a narrator?

Narrators are individuals who tell stories, provide commentary, or read written material aloud for audiences in a variety of formats, such as audiobooks, films, documentaries, and live events. Their main role is to convey information, set the tone, and engage listeners using their voice. Narrators often use vocal techniques to bring characters and stories to life, making content more enjoyable and accessible. They may work independently or be hired by production companies, publishers, or media organizations. Successful narrators typically have strong reading skills, excellent diction, and the ability to interpret and express different emotions through their voice.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a narrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Narrator, you need strong reading comprehension, clear diction, and vocal control, often supported by training in voice acting or audio production. Familiarity with recording software, microphones, and editing tools is typically required for producing high-quality audio. Exceptional storytelling ability, adaptability, and attention to detail help narrators engage audiences and bring scripts to life. These skills ensure that the narration is compelling, professional, and effectively communicates the intended message or story.

What are some common challenges faced by narrators when working on audiobook projects?

Narrators often encounter challenges such as maintaining vocal consistency across different recording sessions, accurately conveying various characters’ emotions, and managing vocal strain during long hours of narration. Additionally, they must be adept at self-direction, especially when working remotely, and be prepared to handle technical aspects like recording quality and editing. Collaborating with authors, producers, and sound engineers is also key to ensuring the final product meets the project's vision.

How do I get a job as a narrator?

To become a narrator, develop strong vocal skills, practice reading aloud, and create a demo reel showcasing your voice. Building a portfolio and gaining experience through freelance projects or auditions can help you secure voice-over roles in various media such as audiobooks, commercials, and animations.

How do you get into being an audiobook narrator?

To become an audiobook narrator, you should develop strong vocal skills, gain experience with voice acting or reading aloud, and create a professional demo reel. Many narrators work independently or through agencies, and familiarity with recording equipment and editing software is beneficial.

How much do narrators get paid?

Narrators' pay varies based on experience, project type, and whether they work freelance or for a company. On average, professional narrators earn between $200 and $1,000 per finished hour of audio, with rates increasing for high-profile projects or those requiring specialized skills. Many narrators supplement income through multiple projects and may negotiate rates based on their reputation and the project's scope.

Is there a demand for audiobook narrators?

There is steady demand for audiobook narrators as the popularity of audiobooks continues to grow across various genres. Narrators with clear voice control, acting skills, and experience with recording equipment are sought after by publishers and production companies. Freelance platforms also offer opportunities for narrators to find work independently.

What are popular job titles related to Narrator jobs in California?

For Narrator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Narrator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Narrator jobs in California are:

Narrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Narrator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,701 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Voice Narrator - Fully Remote | Upto $50/hr

Mercor

San Francisco, CA • Remote

$50/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Voice Actor: CX Agent Voice Cloning (Southern USA)
Type: Contract
Compensation: $50/hour
Location: Remote
Duration: 1–2 weeks
Commitment: 5–10 hours/week

Role Responsibilities

  • Record high-quality voice samples across diverse scripts such as conversational, narrative, and instructional.
  • Deliver clear, natural, and expressive speech with strong control over tone, pacing, and pronunciation.
  • Maintain consistency in voice, accent, and delivery across recording sessions.
  • Follow detailed recording guidelines including environment, microphone setup, and file formatting.
  • Perform multiple takes with variation in emotion, emphasis, and style when required.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • Native Southern American English speaker currently based in the United States with an authentic Southern US accent.
  • Proven experience in voice acting, dubbing, narration, podcasting, or broadcasting.
  • Access to a professional or near-professional recording setup including a quality microphone, quiet environment, and pop filter.
  • Strong command of intonation, diction, and emotional range.
  • Ability to follow scripts precisely while maintaining natural delivery.
  • Reliable availability for 5–10 hours per week throughout the project duration.
  • Your voice may be cloned for the client's CX AI Agent; recordings will not be sold or reused outside of this specific use case.

Preferred

  • Experience recording for TTS, audiobooks, IVR systems, or AI voice datasets.
  • Familiarity with audio editing tools such as Audacity, Adobe Audition, Reaper.
  • Ability to deliver multiple vocal styles like conversational, corporate, energetic, and calm.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume
  • AI interview based on your resume
  • Submit form

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.