Bailiff Salary Guide 2025: Median Pay $56,600, Outlook Declining
The median bailiff in the U.S. earns $56,600 per year, according to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to about $27 an hour. The middle 50% of bailiffs make between $32,140 and $96,770, meaning pay varies widely by location and experience.
Bailiffs are court officers who maintain order and security in courtrooms. Over 17,300 people work in this occupation nationwide. The job can be stable, but the overall employment outlook is shrinking.
How much Bailiffs earn
The national mean salary for bailiffs is $61,660, but most earn around the median of $56,600. The top 10% make more than $96,770, while the bottom 10% earn less than $32,140. Pay depends heavily on the state and local government budgets.
- Median annual wage: $56,600
- Mean hourly wage: $27.05
- 10th percentile: $32,140
- 90th percentile: $96,770
Pay by state
Connecticut pays the most, with an average salary of $111,890. Alaska ($90,600), Massachusetts ($86,730), Washington ($78,290), and New York ($77,540) round out the top five. On the low end, South Carolina pays $34,280, Kentucky $30,760, and North Dakota $27,560. Working in a high-paying state can more than double your income compared to a low-paying one.
How to become Bailiff
Most bailiffs start as correctional officers or police officers. The typical path: earn a high school diploma or GED, then complete a training academy for law enforcement or corrections. Some states require certification through the state's peace officer standards and training (POST) board. A few employers prefer an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice. After that, you apply for open bailiff positions at the county or state court level. On-the-job training usually lasts a few weeks.
- 1. Get a high school diploma or equivalent.
- 2. Complete a state-approved law enforcement or corrections training academy.
- 3. Obtain certification (if required by your state).
- 4. Apply for bailiff positions at court systems.
- 5. Pass a background check and drug test.
Job outlook
The BLS projects bailiff employment will decline by 2.2% from 2024 to 2034. That's a loss of about 400 jobs over the decade. However, roughly 1,800 openings per year are expected due to workers retiring or leaving the occupation. Competition for jobs may be higher in areas with strong law enforcement backgrounds.
Frequently asked questions
Do bailiffs get overtime?
Yes, many bailiffs are paid hourly and can earn overtime, especially if court sessions run long. Overtime pay is often time-and-a-half.
What education is required to be a bailiff?
A high school diploma is the minimum. Many bailiffs also complete a police or corrections academy. Some states require POST certification.
Is being a bailiff dangerous?
It can be. Bailiffs work in courtrooms where tensions run high, and they may need to restrain or arrest people. But proper training and safety protocols reduce risks.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Bailiffs data.