Notaries play a crucial role in many legal transactions, and their job is to witness the signing of important documents and certify their authenticity. It's a responsible job, but it can also be a rewarding one, both in terms of job satisfaction and finances.

If you're thinking about becoming a Notary Public, you might be wondering what kind of salary you can expect.

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While the exact amount you earn as a notary public will depend on a variety of factors, including your experience and location, there are some general guidelines that can give you an idea of what to expect.

In this blog post, we're going to dive into the world of Notary Public salaries and give you a better idea of what you can expect as a Notary.

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What a notary public does?

First, it's important to understand what a notary public does. In short, a notary public is a person who is authorized by the state to witness the signing of important documents and to administer oaths.

This role is often required for legal documents, such as contracts, deeds, and affidavits, as well as for documents related to financial transactions, such as power of attorney.

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Different salaries in different states

One of the biggest factors that will determine your salary as a notary public is the state in which you work. Notary public salaries can vary greatly from state to state, with some states offering higher salaries than others.

In some states, notaries are paid a set fee for each notarial act they perform, while in others they earn a salary as an employee of a government agency or private business.

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The cost of living in each state can also affect the amount a notary earns. For example, a notary in New York City may earn more than a notary in a rural area due to the higher cost of living in the city.

Some of the highest-paying states for notaries include California and Florida. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a notary public in California is $49,230, while the average annual salary in Texas is $35,940.

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Experience matters!

In addition to the state in which you work, your experience and the type of work you do as a notary public can also affect your salary.

A notary public who has been working in the field for several years and has developed a reputation for being reliable and trustworthy may be able to command a higher salary than a notary public who is just starting out.

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As you gain more experience and become more proficient in your role, you can expect your salary to increase. For example, if you are an experienced notary you can expect to earn a salary in the range of $60,000 to $80,000 per year.

This will depend, of course, on the type of work you are doing, but it's a good rule of thumb to use as a starting point.

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Area of specialization

Notaries can specialize in a variety of areas, ranging from real estate to immigration. When it comes to the area of specialization, notaries who focus on real estate transactions tend to earn more compared to those who specialize in immigration or loan signing.

Real estate notaries can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on the location and number of transactions they handle. On the other hand, immigration notaries typically earn between $30,000 to $60,000.

Additionally, a notary public who is able to offer additional services, such as document preparation or translation, may be able to earn more than a notary public who only offers basic notarization services.

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Loan signing notaries, who are responsible for verifying signatures and certifying loan documents, can earn anywhere from $50 to $200 per signing. The amount they earn will depend on the complexity of the loan and the location of the signing.

It’s worth noting that notaries who offer mobile services, meaning they travel to clients’ homes or businesses, can earn more compared to those who work in a stationary office.

Mobile notaries often charge a higher fee for their services due to the added convenience they provide.

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Fees Charged

In addition to their salary, many notary publics also earn money through the fees they charge for their services. The amount of these fees can vary depending on the state in which the notary public works and the type of services they provide.

In general, however, most notary publics charge a fee for each notarization they perform, as well as a fee for additional services, such as document preparation or translation.

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Here are some numbers

In terms of specific salary numbers, the National Notary Association (NNA) conducts an annual survey to determine the average salary of a notary public in the United States.

According to the NNA's 2020 survey, the average annual salary for a notary public was $39,759.

This number is an average, so it's important to keep in mind that your salary may be higher or lower depending on the factors mentioned above.

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It's also worth noting that many notary publics are not employed full-time in this role. In fact, the NNA's 2020 survey found that only 30% of notary public work full-time as a notary, while the remaining 70% have another full-time job and work as a notary on a part-time basis.

For those who work as a notary public on a part-time basis, earnings can vary greatly. Some notary publics may only earn a few hundred dollars per year in this role, while others may earn several thousand dollars.

The NNA's 2020 survey found that the average part-time notary public earned $6,871 per year.

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