How much does an executor get paid?

It depends on the state. A handful set the fee by statute; most leave it at “reasonable compensation” for the court to decide. These are the states with a schedule written into law.

• New York →

  5% of the first $100,000, sliding down to 2% above $5 million

• California →

  4% of the first $100,000, sliding down to 0.5%; court decides above $25 million

• Florida →

  3% of the first $1 million, sliding down to 1.5% above $10 million

• New Jersey →

  5% of the first $200,000 of corpus, then 3.5% and 2%, plus 6% of income

• Texas →

  5% of cash received and paid out, capped at 5% of the estate’s value

States with no fee schedule

Most states — Pennsylvania and Michigan among them — have no percentage in the statute. The executor is entitled to reasonable compensation, judged on the time spent, the size and complexity of the estate, and local practice. The will can also set or waive the fee.