Bailiffs

What Bailiffs do

You keep a courtroom calm and safe, from the metal detector at the door to the jury box during a tense trial.

A bailiff, also called a court officer or court security officer, keeps order and safety inside a courthouse. You screen everyone who walks in, using metal detectors and x-ray machines to catch weapons and other banned items. You escort people who are in custody (under arrest) to and from court and watch them during hearings. You keep the jury away from outside contact, warn people who disturb the proceedings, and you may arrest someone in the courtroom when a judge has signed an arrest warrant, which is an official order allowing police to take a person into custody.

Most of the work is indoors and climate controlled. You work as part of a team with other officers and court staff, and you deal face to face with the public all day, including people who are frightened, angry, or grieving.

A day in the life

You arrive before the public and check the courtroom: is it secure, is it clean, do the judge, jurors, and attorneys have notepads and supplies. Then you take a post at the entrance, watching the screening machines as a line of people files through. Once court starts, you stand or sit where you can see the whole room. You read faces and body language. You quietly tell someone to put a phone away. You walk a person in custody to their seat and stay close. When the judge gives the jury its instructions, you block the door so no one walks in. Between sessions you patrol hallways and the outside of the building, and walk judges and other court staff safely through the building.

How people get in

1. 1Finish high school or earn an equivalent diploma, which is the typical entry requirement.
2. 2Build a clean background and a steady record, since courts and sheriff's offices screen applicants carefully.
3. 3Consider a criminal justice or police science program if you want a stronger foundation, though it is not required to start.
4. 4Apply through the sheriff's office, court system, or agency that staffs courthouses in your area.
5. 5Expect moderate-term on-the-job training after you are hired, learning the screening equipment, the rules for safely moving and watching people in custody, and courtroom procedure alongside experienced officers.
6. 6Related jobs such as police patrol work or corrections work (guarding people in jails and prisons) use similar skills, so they can be worth exploring too.

Who tends to enjoy it

Official task list

Bailiffs maintain order in courts of law. (O*NET)

• 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.

A typical day involves

How much Bailiffs make

The median pay for Bailiffs in the U.S. is $56,600 a year ($27.21 an hour). Most earn between $32,140 and $96,770. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025)

Pay depends a lot on where you live: the median is highest in Connecticut ($111,890) and lowest in North Dakota ($27,560).

Where to study for this

College programs that commonly lead to this career, and how many US colleges offer each.

• Criminal Justice / Police Science 706 colleges

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