Life As a Bailiff
Job Description & Duties Maintain order in courts of law.
List of Bailiff Job Duties
- Maintain order in courtroom during trial and guard jury from outside contact.
- Screen persons entering courthouse using magnetometers, x-ray machines, and other devices to collect and retain unauthorized firearms and other contraband.
- Announce entrance of judge.
- Screen, control, and handle evidence and exhibits during court proceedings.
- Escort prisoners to and from courthouse and maintain custody of prisoners during court proceedings.
- Report need for police or medical assistance to sheriff’s office.
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Bailiff Needed Skills
When polled, Bailiffs say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Other Bailiff Job Titles
- Justice Court Deputy Clerk
- Court Deputy
- Deputy Bailiff
- Court Security Officer
- Deputy Sheriff
Job Opportunities 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.
Salary for a Bailiff
Bailiffs make between $24,620 and $78,290 a year.

Bailiffs who work in New York, Illinois, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Bailiffs make in each U.S. state?
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
Becoming a Bailiff
Learn what Bailiff education requirements there are.

What work experience do I need to become a Bailiff?

Bailiffs Sector

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field 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.
Featured Schools
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