Got this question from Daniel:
How much money do process servers make?
It’s the first question people have when they think about getting into the business.
So really, how much money do process servers make?
According to PayScale.com, Denver process servers with one year of experience have a median income of $40,300.
Not bad, right?
But that number is a bit misleading. In some areas the fees a process server can charge are lower, and in other places they’re higher.
And not all process server jobs are created equal. I’ve written about this before. Most are low-paying independent contractor positions. Full-time positions are hard to come by.
But the highest paid process servers are self-employed.
Here’s why:
When you cut out the middleman, you make 100% of the fees you bill the client. If your fee is $50, you make $50, minus expenses.
This is how a process server makes $200+ in one day serving only four or five papers.
That’s a lot better than serving seventeen papers at $12 a pop.
Don’t you think?
How much money do process servers make in your town?
If you want to get a rough idea how much process servers make in your city or town, run a quick Google search for local process servers. Scan a few of their websites; some process servers post their rates online.
In New York City, for example, it’s not uncommon for a good process server to get $125 or more for one serve. In less developed areas, or places where the competition is stiff, the rates could be more like $30 or $40 per serve.
One final word:
If you’re doing it just for the money, look for something else.
Becoming a process server is not for everyone. You need an independent spirit, a willingness to take action, and the ability to think on your feet.