How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Oregon?
Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. Fees vary by state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oregon sets executor compensation by statute.ORS 116.173 (7% first $1K, 4% $1K-$10K, 3% $10K-$50K, 2% over $50K; +1% of non-jurisdictional estate-tax-reportable property; + reasonable for extraordinary services)Verified Jul 15, 2026 The fee schedule is based on the gross value of the estate. Executors and beneficiaries may agree to a different amount, but the statutory schedule provides the default.
Yes. Executors in Oregon can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. Family members serving as executor often waive compensation, particularly when they are also beneficiaries of the estate. Waiving the fee reduces the overall cost of probate and increases the amount available for distribution to beneficiaries.
In Oregon, co-executors divide one commission — the estate's total does not increase with the number of executors. The division is by agreement among the executors or as the court directs.ORS 116.173(3)Verified Jul 25, 2026
Oregon requires executors to post a surety bond.ORS 113.105Verified Jul 15, 2026 The bond requirement can be waived in the will or by court order. The typical annual bond premium is approximately 0.5% of the estate value. The bond protects beneficiaries against executor misconduct or mismanagement.
An executor in Oregon is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries.ORS 114.510 & 114.515 (simple estate; codified ORS now carries 2025 c.342 / SB 15 and 2025 c.34 / SB 168 per amendment note [2019 c.165 §3; 2023 c.17 §2; 2025 c.34 §2; 2025 c.342 §1a]), ORS 115.005 (creditor claims), ORS 116.173 (PR commission), ORS 116.183 (attorney fees), ORS 113.105 (bond), ORS 113.155 (publication), ORS 113.165 (inventory, 90 days), ORS 113.185 (appraisal), ORS 114.275 (unsupervised administration), ORS 118.010 (estate tax) — all via codified ORS on oregonlegislature.gov, re-verified 2026-07-14Verified Jul 15, 2026 The process typically takes 4-6 months for simple estates and 6-12 months on average. The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Oregon estate settlement plan outlines each step.
Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Oregon probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation.ORS 116.183 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jul 15, 2026 Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. To estimate the attorney fee, use the Oregon probate attorney fee calculator.
Total probate costs in Oregon include executor fees, attorney fees, court filing fees, publication costs, and potentially bond premiums. Executor compensation is one component of the overall expense. On a $500,000 estate, the total runs about $26,416 — roughly 5% of estate value — depending on complexity.ORS 114.510 & 114.515 (simple estate; codified ORS now carries 2025 c.342 / SB 15 and 2025 c.34 / SB 168 per amendment note [2019 c.165 §3; 2023 c.17 §2; 2025 c.34 §2; 2025 c.342 §1a]), ORS 115.005 (creditor claims), ORS 116.173 (PR commission), ORS 116.183 (attorney fees), ORS 113.105 (bond), ORS 113.155 (publication), ORS 113.165 (inventory, 90 days), ORS 113.185 (appraisal), ORS 114.275 (unsupervised administration), ORS 118.010 (estate tax) — all via codified ORS on oregonlegislature.gov, re-verified 2026-07-14Verified Jul 15, 2026 Use the Oregon probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.
The Oregon statutory schedule for executor compensation is: 7% on the first $1K, 4% on the next $9K, 3% on the next $40K, 2% on amounts above $50K.ORS 116.173 (7% first $1K, 4% $1K-$10K, 3% $10K-$50K, 2% over $50K; +1% of non-jurisdictional estate-tax-reportable property; + reasonable for extraordinary services)Verified Jul 15, 2026 The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate. Extraordinary services may warrant additional compensation as approved by the court.
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Petition for Probate and Letters
Prepare the application to open probate and request Letters Testamentary or of Administration.
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Prepare the creditor notice for an estate — the official state form or a notice typeset to statute, plus mailed notices for known creditors.
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Prepare the affidavit that collects a small estate's property without probate — the official state form or an affidavit drafted to statute, plus a presentation letter for each holder.
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