How much does a bailiff make?
a year · about $27 an hour
A typical bailiff in the United States makes $56,600 a year, about $27 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? In some trials, a bailiff may guard the place where a sequestered jury is staying—not just the courtroom.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $32,140 and $96,770How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Massachusetts ($86,730), lowest in Kentucky ($30,760).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: Maintain order in courts of law.
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