How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts law says only that compensation must be reasonable; it names no percentage, so no exact figure exists to look up. The estimate is built from the 16 states whose legislatures set an executor fee schedule: each schedule is applied to an estate of the same size, and the middle half of those results is the range, 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of a $500,000 estate. It is an estimate anchored in what other legislatures decided the same work is worth, not a figure from Massachusetts law; the probate court has the final say.

Massachusetts statute does not address how co-executors share compensation. The court sets one reasonable amount for the estate and allocates it among the executors serving.M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-719Verified Jul 25, 2026View source

Massachusetts requires a bond of the personal representative by defaultM.G.L. c. 190B § 3-603Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The requirement can often be excusedM.G.L. c. 190B § 3-603Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, by a waiver in the will, agreement of the heirs, or court order, depending on the state. If the court requires a corporate surety, the premium runs about 0.5%M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-603Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the bonded amount annually; most estates avoid it through a waiver or a surety-free bond. The bond protects beneficiaries against executor misconduct or mismanagement.

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Massachusetts probate: attorney fees of typically 2.2%No specific statute for general probate attorney fees; reasonable compensation subject to court review. M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-720 covers litigation expense reimbursement only.Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.5%No specific statute for general probate attorney fees; reasonable compensation subject to court review. M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-720 covers litigation expense reimbursement only.Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate, and executor compensation is set separatelyM.G.L. c. 190B § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Both are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. Estimate the attorney fee with the Massachusetts probate attorney fee calculator.