Notary Publics in the New York City, NY area can earn an estimated total pay of around $123,010 per year, with an average base salary reported to be approximately $91,443 per year.
This compensation range reflects the diverse ways notaries operate, from those who are part of larger organizations to independent mobile notaries and loan signing agents.
Understanding Notary Public Compensation
The compensation for a Notary Public in New York City often comprises a base salary and additional pay components. The "average salary" typically refers to the base pay, while "estimated total pay" encompasses a broader range of compensation, which can include bonuses, commissions, profit sharing, and other forms of monetary benefits.
Here's a quick overview of the reported figures:
| Compensation Type | Average Annual Amount (New York City, NY) |
|---|---|
| Estimated Total Pay | $123,010 |
| Average Base Salary | $91,443 |
Factors Influencing Notary Public Income
Several key factors can significantly impact how much a Notary Public earns:
- Volume of Work and Availability: Notaries who are employed full-time, or independent notaries who consistently handle a high volume of notarizations, will naturally earn more than those working part-time or with limited availability.
- Type of Services Offered:
- Basic Notarizations: In New York, the statutory fee for basic notarial acts is limited to a maximum of $2 per signature.
- Loan Signings: Many notaries specialize as Certified Loan Signing Agents, handling complex mortgage documents. These assignments often pay significantly more, typically ranging from $75 to $200+ per signing, depending on the complexity and travel required.
- Remote Online Notarization (RON): As RON becomes more prevalent, notaries can expand their reach and offer services virtually, potentially increasing their client base and income.
- Business Model:
- Employed Notary: Notaries working for law firms, banks, real estate agencies, or other businesses typically receive a steady salary or hourly wage.
- Independent Mobile Notary: These professionals often charge travel fees in addition to notarization fees, making house calls, hospital visits, or meeting clients at convenient locations. Their income depends on their marketing efforts, efficiency, and the demand for mobile services.
- Experience and Specialization: Highly experienced notaries, especially those with specialized certifications (like RON endorsement or loan signing agent certification), can command higher fees and attract more lucrative assignments.
- Location within NY: While the provided data focuses on New York City, earning potential can vary across different regions of New York State due to varying demand and economic conditions. Larger metropolitan areas like NYC often offer higher earning potential due to higher costs of living and a greater density of businesses requiring notary services.
How Notaries Generate Income
Notary Publics can generate income through various avenues:
- Statutory Notary Fees: Charging the state-allowed fee per notarial act. In New York, this is capped at $2 per signature for most services as per the New York Department of State Notary Public License Law.
- Travel Fees: Independent mobile notaries often charge for travel time and mileage to a client's location. These fees are separate from the notarial act fee and are not regulated by the state.
- Administrative Fees: For services beyond the notarial act itself, such as printing documents, waiting time, or courier services. These must be clearly agreed upon with the client beforehand.
- Loan Signing Fees: Specializing in real estate loan document signings, which involve intricate document packages and often command flat fees per signing.
- Remote Online Notarization (RON) Fees: Charging for virtual notarization sessions, offering convenience to clients.
- Value-Added Services: Some notaries offer related services, such as fingerprinting, I-9 verification, or even basic legal document preparation (within legal limits and without providing legal advice). Many resources, like the National Notary Association (NNA), offer training and information on expanding notary services.
