Assisting occupations in legal and public protection

How to become a sheriffs and bailiffs

Official title: Sheriffs and bailiffs

Also called: Bailiff, Sheriff, Sub-sheriff, Chief sheriff, Court bailiff, Deputy sheriff, Private bailiff, District sheriff, Sheriff's bailiff, Sheriff's officer, Chief deputy sheriff, Writ server - bailiff

Sheriffs execute and enforce court orders, warrants and writs, participate in seizure and sale of property and perform courtroom and other related duties. Bailiffs serve legal orders and documents, seize or repossess properties, evict tenants and perform other related activities. Sheriffs and bailiffs must usually complete a training program offered by the province to work in the provincial courts. They are employed by federal, provincial, territorial and municipal courts, and bailiffs may be employed as officers of the court or in private service as agents for creditors.

Main tasks

Serve statements of claims, summonses, warrants, jury summonses, orders to pay spousal support, and other court orders
Serve writs of execution by seizing and selling property and distributing the proceeds according to court decisions
Locate property and make seizures and removals under various acts of Parliament
Provide courthouse security for judges and perimeter security for the courthouse
Escort prisoners to and from courts and correctional institutions
Prepare comprehensive reports and affidavits and maintain records
Attend court, escort witnesses and assist in maintaining order
Ensure security support services for sequestered juries

How to become one

Completion of secondary school is required. A college diploma or bachelor's degree in legal studies is usually required. Sheriffs require experience as a deputy sheriff or bailiff and/or in custodial/escort or security work. Bailiffs usually require some work experience related to law enforcement as well as knowledge of relevant statutes and laws. Mandatory provincial training may be required. Membership in the provincial regulatory body is mandatory in Quebec.

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Ways in

College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 53% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Criminal justice and corrections; Legal support services; Criminology.
Licence or registration: Membership in the provincial regulatory body is mandatory in Quebec.

Pay · Outlook

Median pay: $65,618 a year The middle half earn $51,480 to $74,100.
About 3,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 3,600 are projected by 2033. (+5.9%)
Projected labour market to 2033: balance.

Questions people ask

How do I become a sheriffs and bailiffs?

How much does a sheriffs and bailiffs earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $65,618 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $51,480 to $74,100.

Is a sheriffs and bailiffs a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2033, from about 3,400 to about 3,600 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become a sheriffs and bailiffs?

Usually not. Only 19% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.

Sources

Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03