Protective service
Bailiff
Maintain order in courts of law.
Median pay
$56,600
Growth to 2035
−2%
little or no change
Openings a year
1,600
Time to qualify*
6 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Bailiff
$56,60010% earn under $32,140 · middle half $43,720–$74,630 · top 10% over $96,770
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Bailiff
Dealing with the public
Rarely
Constantly
Unpleasant or angry people
Rarely
Constantly
Time pressure
Rarely
Constantly
Cost of a mistake
Minor
Severe
Freedom to make decisions
Little
A lot
Repeating the same tasks
Rarely
Constantly
Time sitting
Rarely
Constantly
Time standing
Rarely
Constantly
Outdoors in all weather
Rarely
Constantly
Exposure to disease
Rarely
Constantly
Bailiff: 0% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Bailiff · Court Bailiff · Court Constable · Court Deputy · Court Officer · Court Security Officer · Deputy Bailiff · Deputy Court Services Sheriff
Outlook and AI
Bailiffs held 18,000 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 17,700 by 2035 (−2%, little or no change; all jobs: +3.5%).
Demand change - share decreases as caseloads continue to decline and courts consolidate.
Compare with
- Bailiff vs. Police officer
- Bailiff vs. Correctional officers and jailers
- Bailiff vs. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
- Bailiff vs. Detectives and criminal investigators
- Bailiff vs. First-line supervisor of correctional officers
- Bailiff vs. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists
- Bailiff vs. Transit and railroad police
- Bailiff vs. First-line supervisor of security workers
- Bailiff vs. Security guard