How much does an executor get paid in Washington state?

Washington has no statutory percentage. Under RCW 11.48.210, a personal representative is entitled to compensation the court deems 'just and reasonable,' based on factors like the time and effort involved and the size and complexity of the estate. There is no fixed fee schedule, unlike states that use a sliding percentage scale.

Does Washington use a percentage of the estate for executor fees?

No. Washington takes a flexible, factor-based approach rather than a sliding percentage scale. The size of the estate is one factor a court weighs, not the basis of a formula.

Can a Washington personal representative get paid for attorney services too?

Yes, if they're a licensed attorney. RCW 11.48.210 allows additional compensation for services performed as an attorney, and for other services not required of a personal representative, separate from the standard personal representative compensation.

Can a Washington executor waive their fee?

Yes. If the will sets compensation, the personal representative can renounce that provision by filing a written instrument with the court before qualifying, and instead receive whatever the court deems just and reasonable. A personal representative can also simply decline to seek compensation at any point.

Washington Executor Fee Calculator, Free

How Washington executor compensation actually works

Washington uses a "just and reasonable" standard with no percentage schedule — and its statute has a few distinctive wrinkles worth knowing.

1. "Just and reasonable," not a formula

RCW 11.48.210: when no compensation is provided in the will, when the personal representative renounces the will's provision, or when administering an intestate estate, the personal representative "shall be allowed such compensation for his or her services as the court shall deem just and reasonable." No percentage, no fixed schedule — courts weigh the time and effort involved, the size and complexity of the estate, and local standards.

2. The will's terms control — with a narrow opt-out window

RCW 11.48.210: "If testator by will makes provision for the compensation of his or her personal representative, that shall be taken as his or her full compensation unless he or she files in the court a written instrument renouncing all claim for the compensation provided by the will before qualifying as personal representative." Once qualified, this window to switch away from the will's stated amount is closed.

3. Extra pay if the personal representative is also the attorney

RCW 11.48.210: "Additional compensation may be allowed for his or her services as attorney and for other services not required of a personal representative." If the personal representative happens to be a licensed attorney and performs legal work for the estate, that work can be compensated separately from the standard personal representative fee.

4. You don't have to wait until the end

Compensation is typically addressed at the final account, but the statute specifically allows a personal representative (or their attorney) to apply to the court for an interim allowance at any point during administration — not just once, at closing.

5. Misconduct can cost the fee entirely

RCW 11.48.210: "If the court finds that the personal representative has failed to discharge his or her duties as such in any respect, it may deny him or her any compensation whatsoever or may reduce the compensation which would otherwise be allowed." See Estate of Bobbitt, 60 Wn. App. 630, 806 P.2d 254 (1991), a Washington case addressing this standard.

Component	Washington figure	Source
Statutory formula	None — "just and reasonable" only	RCW 11.48.210
Will-specified compensation	Controls unless renounced before qualifying	RCW 11.48.210
PR who is also the attorney	May bill separately for attorney work	RCW 11.48.210
Timing of payment requests	Interim allowance allowed, not just at final account	RCW 11.48.210
Compensation if duties not discharged	Court may deny or reduce entirely	RCW 11.48.210; Estate of Bobbitt (1991)

Washington executor fee — frequently asked questions

How much does an executor get paid in Seattle (King County)?

The RCW 11.48.210 "just and reasonable" standard applies statewide, including King County. There's no county-specific rate; the court weighs the same factors — time, effort, complexity, and size of the estate — wherever the estate is probated.

Does Washington use a percentage of the estate?

No. Washington takes a flexible, factor-based approach rather than a sliding percentage scale used in some other states.

Can a Washington personal representative bill for attorney work too?

Yes, if they're a licensed attorney performing legal services for the estate, RCW 11.48.210 allows that work to be compensated separately from the standard personal representative fee.

What if the will sets a specific compensation amount?

That amount controls, unless the personal representative files a written instrument renouncing it before qualifying (before formally accepting the appointment) and elects court-determined reasonable compensation instead.

Is the Washington executor fee taxable?

Yes — compensation is taxable income under federal law regardless of state. See our guide to how it's taxed, and when to waive it for the IRS rules on self-employment tax and reporting.

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Figures are based on Washington statute (RCW 11.48.210). Washington sets no statutory percentage or fixed rate; the illustrative practice range shown is drawn from secondary sources, not a rate set by law. A will's own compensation terms control unless renounced before the personal representative qualifies. Confirm current figures with the probate court or a licensed Washington attorney before acting.