Hank Azaria is among the highest-paid voice actors in television, largely because of his decades-long role on The Simpsons and other major animated series. Understanding how much Hank Azaria makes per episode requires looking at his key shows, long-term deals, and industry benchmarks.
His workload across animation, live-action, and video games helps explain wide salary ranges reported in the industry. Below is a quick overview of his typical earnings structure per project type.
| Project Type | Typical Rate per Episode | Key Shows and Roles | Income Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animated Series | $70,000–$200,000+ | The Simpsons, Futurama | Base salary, residuals |
| Guest Voice Appearances | $15,000–$75,000 | Various animated guest spots | One-off fees |
| Live-Action Roles | $50,000–$250,000 | Television and film work | Episode fee, residuals |
| Voiceover Commercials | $10,000–$100,000 | National campaigns | Flat fee, usage fees |
Earnings Per Episode on The Simpsons
As a core cast member of The Simpsons, Hank Azaria earns between $70,000 and $200,000 per episode in many recent seasons. His pay reflects seniority, vocal range, and long-running performance as multiple main characters.
Residuals and backend bonuses add to his total compensation, making his full package significantly higher than the base per-episode figure. Industry insiders often cite these ongoing payments as a key component of his wealth.
Comparison with Other Voice Actors
When placed beside top voice actors, Hank Azaria’s per-episode rate is competitive, especially for established leads on long-running shows. Factors such as union rules, experience, and role difficulty drive these differences.
| Actor | Typical Earnings per Episode | Primary Animated Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hank Azaria | $70,000–$200,000+ | Multiple characters on The Simpsons | Long tenure, multiple roles |
| Dan Castellaneta | $150,000–$300,000+ | Homer Simpson | Lead character, higher range |
| Harry Shearer | $70,000–$200,000 | Ned Flanders, Mr. Burns | Also writer and musician |
| Julie Kavner | $60,000–$120,000 | Marge Simpson | Lead character, consistent role |
Voiceover Work Beyond The Simpsons
Outside The Simpsons, Hank Azaria voices characters in Futurama and other animated projects, which affect his overall earnings per episode. These roles diversify his income and showcase his vocal range.
He also takes on video game voice work and limited live-action appearances, which can alter his pay per episode depending on project scale and union agreements.
Factors That Influence His Pay Rate
Several factors shape how much Hank Azaria makes per episode, including his role prominence, years of service, and negotiation strength. Union standards and backend profit participation can also significantly change total compensation.
- Seniority and tenure on long-running shows like The Simpsons.
- Number of distinct characters voiced per episode.
- Union agreements and minimum rate rules.
- Backend residuals and syndication bonuses.
- Project budget and network revenue expectations.
FAQ
Reader questions
How much does Hank Azaria earn per episode in recent seasons of The Simpsons?
Recent reports suggest he earns between $70,000 and $200,000 per episode, depending on role complexity and ongoing negotiations.
Does Hank Azaria earn more than other Simpsons cast members per episode?
His rate is generally in line with other main cast members, though top-billed actors like Dan Castellaneta may see slightly higher figures.
Are there additional income sources beyond per-episode pay for Hank Azaria?
Yes, residuals, syndication bonuses, and voiceover gigs for Futurama and other projects contribute substantially to his overall earnings. Union agreements set minimum rates and working conditions, and Hank Azaria’s negotiated deals often include profit-sharing and performance bonuses that raise his total income.