How to become a Bailiffs

Also called: Bailiff, Court Bailiff, Court Constable, Court Deputy, Court Officer, Court Security Officer, Deputy Bailiff, Deputy Court Services Sheriff, Security Officer

Maintain order in courts of law.

Main 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.

How to become one

Correctional officers and bailiffs typically need a high school diploma to enter their occupation. They typically go to a training academy and then are assigned to a facility, where they receive on-the-job training. Although qualifications vary by state and agency, many agencies have an age requirement for correctional officers. Some federal agencies also require officers to have a bachelor's degree or related work experience.

Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $56,600 a year The middle half earn $43,720 to $74,630.
• About 18,000 people work in this job now, and about 17,700 are projected by 2035. (-1.9%)
• People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Related jobs

• Correctional Officers and Jailers
• Detectives and Criminal Investigators
• Police Identification and Records Officers
• Intelligence Analysts
• Fish and Game Wardens
• Parking Enforcement Workers

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Bailiffs?

Correctional officers and bailiffs typically need a high school diploma to enter their occupation. They typically go to a training academy and then are assigned to a facility, where they receive on-the-job training. Although qualifications vary by state and agency, many agencies have an age requirement for correctional officers. Some federal agencies also require officers to have a bachelor's degree or related work experience.

How much does a Bailiffs earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $56,600 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $43,720 to $74,630.

Is a Bailiffs a growing career in the US?

Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2035: about 18,000 people now and 17,700 later (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Bailiffs?

Not always. 33% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Bailiffs?

People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.