The role of a notary public in the United States is crucial for authenticating documents, preventing fraud, and ensuring trust in various legal and financial transactions. If you are considering becoming a notary public or are simply curious about the earning potential of this profession, this blog provides a detailed look at how much notaries make in 2025, the factors influencing their pay, and the opportunities available in this growing field.
Average Earnings of a Notary Public
As of April 2025, the average annual salary for a notary public in the United States is approximately $64,777, which breaks down to about $31.14 per hour, or roughly $5,398 per month1. However, this figure can vary widely depending on several factors including location, experience, and the type of notary services provided.
Other sources report a slightly different average hourly wage, with figures around $19.62 per hour according to Indeed, reflecting variations in job roles and part-time versus full-time status.
Key Factors Influencing Notary Public Income
1. Geographic Location
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Notary fees and salaries vary significantly by state and city.
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Urban areas with higher demand, such as California and New York, tend to offer higher pay rates.
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For example, hourly rates can range from $10 to $25 in California, while New York notaries earn between $10 and $20 per hour.
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State regulations also impact fees; some states cap the maximum fee per notarization, while others allow more flexibility.
2. Experience Level
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New notaries typically earn less as they build their reputation.
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Experienced notaries, especially those with specialized skills, command higher fees.
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Veteran notaries can charge premium rates for complex services like loan signings and real estate closings.
3. Type of Notary Services
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Basic notarizations usually pay between $5 and $15 per signature.
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Specialized services such as loan signings can yield $75 to $200 per signing.
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Real estate closings often pay between $100 and $300 due to the complexity and volume of documents involved.
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Mobile notaries who travel to clients typically charge additional fees, increasing their overall earnings.
Average Notary Pay by State (Per Hour and Per Signature)
| State | Average Hourly Rate | Standard Fee per Signature |
|---|---|---|
| California | $15 – $25 | $15 |
| New York | $10 – $20 | $2 – $2.50 |
| Texas | $10 – $15 | $6 |
| Florida | $8 – $18 | $10 |
| Illinois | $10 – $20 | $1 |
| Pennsylvania | $5 – $15 | N/A |
This table illustrates the wide disparities in pay rates, emphasizing the importance of researching local market conditions and regulations.
Why Consider Becoming a Notary Public in 2025?
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High Demand: The need for notaries is growing due to increased real estate transactions, legal documentation, and remote notarization services.
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Flexibility: Notary work offers flexible hours, making it suitable for part-time or full-time work, freelancing, or supplementing other income sources.
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Lucrative Fees: Specialized services and mobile notary work can significantly boost income potential.
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Professional Growth: Notary work can open doors to careers in legal, financial, and real estate sectors, including roles such as loan signing agents.
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Networking Opportunities: Notaries connect with diverse clients, from individuals to corporations, enhancing professional networks.
Trends and Future Outlook
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The demand for notary services is expected to continue rising, driven by digital transactions and remote notarization technologies.
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Notaries who specialize in high-demand areas and adapt to new technologies are likely to see increased earnings.
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State regulations are evolving, often allowing notaries to set competitive fees, especially in metropolitan areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does a notary public do?
A: A notary public authenticates signatures, verifies identities, and ensures documents are signed voluntarily and correctly to prevent fraud.
Q: How much can a notary earn per signature?
A: Standard notarizations typically pay $5 to $15 per signature, while specialized services like loan signings can pay $75 to $200 or more.
Q: Can notaries work part-time?
A: Yes, many notaries work part-time or as independent contractors, allowing flexible scheduling.
Q: Does experience affect earnings?
A: Absolutely. Experienced notaries with specialized skills generally earn more.
Conclusion
Becoming a notary public in the USA in 2025 offers a promising mix of flexibility, professional growth, and financial opportunity. While average earnings hover around $64,000 annually, actual income depends heavily on location, experience, and service specialization. With the growing demand for notarial services and evolving technology, the profession is poised for continued expansion, making it an attractive career or side business option.
This comprehensive overview should help you understand the financial landscape of being a notary public in the United States today and guide you. If you’re considering to start your Notary business, visit Notary2Notary.com now to get high quality training and coaching
Sources:1 ZipRecruiter, April 20252 BlueNotary, January 2025, 3 America Notary USA, January 2025, 4 Indeed, April 2025, 5 BlueNotary, January 2025