How Much Do Voice Actors Get Paid for GTA V? A Breakdown of Rates and Earnings
For passionate gamers, an iconic voice performance can define a character just as much as their visual design or actions. The voice cast of Grand Theft Auto V delivered these kinds of iconic turns, breathing life into the criminal antics of Michael, Franklin, Trevor and the rest of the colorful cast. But how much do voice actors actually earn for delivering these memorable performances? In this article, we‘ll break down the typical pay structure for video game voice over work, and estimate how much the actors behind GTA V likely took home.
SAG-AFTRA Standard Rates for Video Game Voice Acting
The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) union sets standard rates for video game voice acting gigs. Most video game productions employ union actors and pay these agreed upon rates. Here is a breakdown of current SAG-AFTRA video game voice over rates:
| Session Duration | 1 Voice | Additional Voices |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Hours | $759 | $319 per addl. voice |
| 6 Hours | $1,139 | $479 per addl. voice |
| 8 Hours | $1,518 | $638 per addl. voice |
| 10 Hours | $1,899 | $798 per addl. voice |
- Bonuses paid per session: $75 for 1 session up to $2,100 for 10 sessions
- 1 Hour/1 Voice sessions also available for $189.75
These rates apply to the full vocal performance including voices, sounds effects, creature voices, walla (background chatter), and narration. As you can see, just a single 4 hour session pays nearly $800 for one voice. Most video game projects require multiple long sessions spanning many months, quickly adding up to lucrative paydays.
For comparison, the SAG-AFTRA rates for traditional TV/film projects are higher, starting at $1,005 for 8 hours. However, video game voice acting still pays quite well, especially for more minor roles that wouldn‘t make as much for on-screen acting.
Estimated Earnings for Main GTA V Voice Cast
Using the SAG-AFTRA rates as a baseline, we can estimate how much the main GTA V voice talent likely earned:
Ned Luke (Michael): As one of the main protagonists, Luke likely negotiated a custom deal paying low to mid 6-figures for the lead role spanning years of work.
Shawn Fonteno (Franklin): For the other lead role, Fonteno probably earned $30,000 – $75,000.
Steven Ogg (Trevor): Similar to Fonteno, Ogg probably made $30,000 – $75,000 as the third lead.
Debra Wilson (Various): Wilson voiced over a dozen minor characters. She likely earned around $15,000 – $30,000.
These estimates are based on industry averages for lead vs. support video game roles, along with approximate session counts for each actor. Top celebrities like film stars or professional voice actors can sometimes negotiate "backend" deals with bonuses or royalty participation too. But residuals or ongoing royalties are less common in video game voice acting compared to animation voice acting.
Highest Paid Video Game Voice Actors of All Time
While GTA V voice actors earned healthy fees, the most famous voice actors can command especially high rates for iconic video game characters:
Nolan North: Made as much as $75k – $100k for Uncharted lead roles.
Troy Baker: Reportedly earned $100k for BioShock Infinite.
Laura Bailey: Earned estimated $10k – $30k as Blizzard‘s Heroes.
Mark Hamill: Bagged $100k+ to voice The Joker in Batman games.
Ellen McLain: Raked in an estimated $200 per hour voicing Portal‘s GLaDOS.
As you can see, A-list voice actors who deliver defining performances as some of the most beloved characters in gaming history can really clean up. While we don‘t know exactly how much the GTA V stars made, their performances will be remembered fondly by fans for years to come.
Voice Acting Offers Steady Work for Hollywood Talent
In closing, it‘s important to note that video game voice acting offers steady employment for both full-time voice actors and on-camera actors looking to supplement their incomes between film/TV projects. The payouts may not reach blockbuster movie money, but they handily beat what bit TV roles pay. For Hollywood stars, voice acting work is an easy way to maintain their high profiles (and pay rates) during slower periods in their careers. Ultimately, fans win when great actors bring their talents to flesh out the characters we love in epic video games like GTA V.
