Quick answer: Missouri sets a tiered minimum under RSMo § 473.153: 5% of the first $5,000, 4% of the next $20,000, 3% of the next $75,000, 2¾% of the next $300,000, 2½% of the next $600,000, and 2% above $1,000,000, applied to personal property administered plus proceeds of real property sold under court order. On a $400,000 fee base that's $11,550. Crucially, this is a floor — if reasonable compensation is higher, the court must allow more, and doesn't require anything "extraordinary" to justify it. Get your own estimate with the Missouri executor fee calculator.
The tiered schedule
RSMo § 473.153.1: a sole personal representative's minimum compensation is 5% of the first $5,000, 4% of the next $20,000, 3% of the next $75,000, 2¾% of the next $300,000, 2½% of the next $600,000, and 2% of everything over $1,000,000 — computed on personal property administered and the proceeds of real property sold under court order. Real property that isn't sold stays outside the base entirely.
A floor, not a ceiling — and an unusually generous one
§ 473.153.1: "In any case where reasonable compensation to the personal representative is in excess of the minimum provided in the above schedule, the court shall allow such additional compensation as will make the compensation of the personal representative reasonable and adequate. Performance by the personal representative of extraordinary services is not necessary to entitle him to such additional compensation." Compare this to most other states, where going above a schedule (or justifying "extra" compensation at all) typically requires showing something out of the ordinary happened. Missouri doesn't — the schedule amount simply has to be shown to be too low for what the job actually required.
The will can set its own terms
If the will specifies compensation, that controls as full compensation — unless the personal representative files a written instrument renouncing it before qualifying, in which case the statutory schedule applies instead.
Worked examples
| Fee base | Statutory minimum |
|---|
| $150,000 | $4,675 |
| $400,000 | $11,550 |
| $500,000 | $14,050 |
| $1,500,000 | $36,550 |
These are the statutory minimums, computed tier by tier from RSMo § 473.153.1 and verified programmatically. The court can approve more; model your own base in the calculator.
Facing probate in Missouri?A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.
Talk to a Missouri attorneyEstimate for general guidance only, not legal advice. Based on RSMo § 473.153. The tiered schedule is a statutory minimum; the court must allow more when reasonable compensation exceeds it, without requiring extraordinary services. A will's own terms control unless renounced before the personal representative qualifies. Verify with the probate division or a licensed Missouri attorney.