Bailiffs
SOC code 33-3011 · O*NET-SOC 33-3011.00 · Medium preparation needed · Legal and protective services
Bailiffs pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$56,600
a year
Hourly
$27.21
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$61,660
$29.65 per hour
Middle 50%
$43,720 – $74,630
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$32,140 – $96,770
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
17,310
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $32,140
- $15.45/hr
- 25th percentile
- $43,720
- $21.02/hr
- Median percentile
- $56,600
- $27.21/hr
- 75th percentile
- $74,630
- $35.88/hr
- 90th percentile
- $96,770
- $46.53/hr
What does a bailiff do?
Maintain order in courts of law.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Screen persons entering courthouse using magnetometers, x-ray machines, and other devices to collect and retain unauthorized firearms and other contraband.
- Escort prisoners to and from courthouse and maintain custody of prisoners during court proceedings.
- Maintain order in courtroom during trial and guard jury from outside contact.
- Provide security by patrolling interior and exterior of courthouse and escorting judges and other court employees.
- Guard lodging of sequestered jury.
- Enforce courtroom rules of behavior and warn persons not to smoke or disturb court procedure.
- Arrest persons in court when arrest warrants have been issued.
- Report need for police or medical assistance to sheriff's office.
How to become a bailiff
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 40% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)40%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree33%
- Post-Secondary Certificate21%
- Less than a High School Diploma6%
Common questions
How much does a bailiff earn?
The national median is $56,600 a year. The full range runs from $32,140 at the 10th percentile to $96,770 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a bailiff without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking3.4/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
- Active Listening3.3/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Reading Comprehension2.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Public Safety and Security4.3/5
- Law and Government4.1/5
- English Language3.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.0/5
- Psychology3.0/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
- Education and Training2.7/5
- Administrative2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management, Coordination, Persuasion.