What Does it Take to Be a Bailiff?
Occupation Description Maintain order in courts of law.
Life As a Bailiff
- Guard lodging of sequestered jury.
- 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.
- Provide jury escort to restaurant and other areas outside of courtroom to prevent jury contact with public.
- Screen, control, and handle evidence and exhibits during court proceedings.
- Stop people from entering courtroom while judge charges jury.
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Bailiff Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Bailiffs say are important on the job.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Court Security Officer
- Grand Jury Deputy Sheriff
- Sergeant at Arms
- Courtroom Deputy
- Supervising Bailiff
Is There Going to be Demand for Bailiffs?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 18,600 jobs in the United States for Bailiff. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Bailiff. The BLS estimates 1,400 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Bailiff are Iowa, Colorado, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Maine, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Bailiffs Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Bailiff ranges between $24,620 and $78,290.

Bailiffs who work in New York, Illinois, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Bailiffs make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $32,460 |
Arizona | $34,500 |
Arkansas | $34,190 |
California | $64,010 |
Colorado | $57,900 |
Delaware | $32,160 |
Florida | $47,450 |
Georgia | $57,050 |
Idaho | $38,530 |
Illinois | $57,220 |
Indiana | $37,440 |
Kansas | $41,470 |
Kentucky | $25,170 |
Louisiana | $39,930 |
Maine | $37,040 |
Maryland | $41,750 |
Michigan | $43,720 |
Minnesota | $46,890 |
Mississippi | $30,920 |
Missouri | $34,460 |
Nebraska | $56,390 |
Nevada | $56,250 |
New Hampshire | $33,000 |
New Jersey | $52,490 |
New York | $66,990 |
North Carolina | $35,580 |
North Dakota | $30,350 |
Ohio | $48,120 |
Oklahoma | $34,380 |
Oregon | $49,530 |
Pennsylvania | $32,830 |
South Carolina | $30,850 |
Tennessee | $40,910 |
Texas | $50,220 |
Utah | $50,550 |
Vermont | $40,940 |
Virginia | $43,430 |
Washington | $56,170 |
West Virginia | $28,880 |
Wisconsin | $31,320 |
What Tools do Bailiffs Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Bailiffs:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Corel WordPerfect
- IBM Lotus Notes
- National Crime Information Center NCIC database
- Case management system software
How do I Become a Bailiff?
Learn what Bailiff education requirements there are.

What work experience do I need to become a Bailiff?

Where Bailiffs Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Bailiffs work:

Similar Careers
Career changers with experience as a Bailiff sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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