Public Safety & Security career

Bailiff

Also called: Court Officer · Court Security Officer · Courtroom Deputy · Marshal (Court)

What bailiffs do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a bailiff do?

Bailiffs are law enforcement or court officers who maintain safety and order in courtrooms, escort defendants and jurors, enforce courtroom rules and assist judges. The median pay is $56,600 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–6 months, and employment is projected to grow -1.9% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $56,600
    $27.21/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    -1.9%
    2025–35, a projected decline
  • Openings per year
    1,600
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    High school diploma or equivalent
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    1–6 months
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    18,000
    Employment, 2025

What bailiffs do

Bailiffs keep courts safe and orderly. They screen people entering courtrooms, announce the judge, enforce rules, escort defendants in custody, protect jurors and witnesses, handle evidence and paperwork as directed and respond to disturbances. Many bailiffs are sheriff’s deputies or court officers.

Requirements vary by court. Many bailiffs need a high school diploma and law enforcement or court security training; some must be certified peace officers. The job offers regular daytime hours and government benefits.

Typical duties

  • Maintain order and security in the courtroom
  • Screen people and items entering court
  • Announce the judge and open court
  • Escort defendants and jurors
  • Protect judges, jurors and witnesses
  • Enforce courtroom rules
  • Respond to emergencies and disturbances

Work environment and schedule

Bailiffs work in courthouses, mostly standing or seated in courtrooms. Some cases are tense or emotional.

Schedule: Most work weekday court hours, with occasional longer days for trials or jury deliberations.

A day in the life

  1. Inspect the courtroom for security issues.
  2. Screen attorneys and the public at the entrance.
  3. Announce the judge and open court.
  4. Escort an in-custody defendant to the stand.

See a full day in the life of a bailiff →

Bailiff salary

Half of bailiffs earned more than $56,600 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $32,140 for the lowest 10% to $96,770 for the top 10%.

Full bailiff pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a bailiff

  1. Meet requirements
  2. Complete training
  3. Get hired by a court or sheriff
  4. Learn courtroom procedures
  5. Advance

A high school diploma is typical. Many bailiffs complete a law enforcement academy or court security training. Some courts require sworn peace officer status.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a bailiff →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Court security procedures
  • Screening equipment
  • Restraint and escort techniques
  • Courtroom protocol
  • Emergency response

People skills

  • Professional demeanor
  • Situational awareness
  • Discretion
  • Calm authority

All bailiff skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Regular daytime hours
  • Government benefits
  • Important role in justice
  • Less physical than patrol work

Cons

  • Long periods of standing or waiting
  • Tense cases
  • Limited growth without further training
  • Pay varies by jurisdiction

Certifications and licenses

  • Peace officer certification: Required in jurisdictions where bailiffs are sworn officers.
  • Court security training: Specialized training for courthouse security.
  • CPR/first aid: Emergency medical training.
  • Defensive tactics: Training in control techniques.

Career path

  1. Court Security Officer: Screen and protect courthouse visitors.
  2. Bailiff: Secure courtrooms.
  3. Senior Bailiff or Supervisor: Lead court security teams.
  4. Court Security Manager or Deputy: Manage security or advance in law enforcement.

Learn the job before day one

Our Bailiff training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as open court and escort an in-custody defendant, safety and how to land your first job.

View Bailiff trainingIs this career right for me?

Security Guard

Protect people and property by observing, patrolling, controlling access and reporting.

  • $38,020
  • Days to 2 weeks

Court Clerk

Keep court, city and license records running for the public.

  • $48,700
  • 1+ year on the job

Police Officer

Protect communities, respond to calls, investigate crimes and enforce the law.

  • $76,210
  • 6–12 months (academy + field training)

Compare: Bailiff vs. Correctional Officer · Bailiff vs. Security Guard · Bailiff vs. Court Clerk · Bailiff vs. Police Officer

Bailiff FAQ

Are bailiffs police officers?

Some are sworn deputies; others are court officers.

Do bailiffs need training?

Yes, usually law enforcement or court security training.

Do bailiffs work regular hours?

Mostly weekday court hours.

How much does a bailiff make?

The median annual wage for bailiffs was $56,600 ($27.21 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $32,140 and the highest 10% earned more than $96,770.

How long does it take to become a bailiff?

Most people need about 1–6 months of training. A high school diploma is typical. Many bailiffs complete a law enforcement academy or court security training. Some courts require sworn peace officer status.

Do you need a degree to be a bailiff?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

More bailiff questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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