How much does a bailiff make?
Answer: A typical bailiff in the United States makes $56,600 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 17,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Bailiff pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $32,140 | $56,600 | $96,770 | about 17,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $86,730 | about 930 |
| New York | $77,540 | about 4,000 |
| Georgia | $62,400 | about 670 |
| Texas | $60,300 | about 590 |
| Florida | $59,000 | about 940 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., more relevant experience, education, or job training can help a bailiff earn more. Pay also differs by location and employer: state and local court jobs do not always use the same pay scales.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a bailiff do?
Maintain order in courts of law.
What's a typical day like?
Before court opens, bailiffs may screen visitors and escort judges, jurors, witnesses, or people in custody. During hearings, they keep order, handle evidence or papers, and guide visitors; they usually work when court is in session.
How to get this job
In the U.S., most bailiffs need a high school diploma or GED, then academy and on-the-job training. Rules vary: some jobs require police-academy training and prior law-enforcement experience, and related officer roles may set a minimum age around 18–21.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
In some trials, a bailiff may guard the place where a sequestered jury is staying—not just the courtroom.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Protective Service jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/correctional-officers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-3011.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.governmentjobs.com/careers/indianapolis/jobs/newprint/4074791
- www.courts.state.md.us/sites/default/files/import/hr/jobspecs/bailiff.pdf
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY