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Narrator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Narrator information

See Virginia salary details

$40.6K

$80.1K

$120K

How much do narrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for narrator in Virginia is $80,066.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $101,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 delivery, acting skills, and experience with recording equipment are sought after by publishers and production companies. Building a portfolio and developing voice acting skills can improve job prospects in this field.

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 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 experienced or specialized voice actors. Many narrators supplement income through royalties or residuals for audiobook projects.

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, using recording equipment and editing software, and build a portfolio to attract clients or audition for narration opportunities through casting platforms or agencies.

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 popular job titles related to Narrator jobs in Virginia? For Narrator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Narrator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Narrator jobs in Virginia are:
Narrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Narrator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,066 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Audio Producer

Middle East Broadcasting Networks

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 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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