Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Base salary plus target annual bonus. Target bonus opportunity scales with role level, so a higher base carries a higher target percentage.
Base salary
$64,000
National baseline
Target bonus
$6,500
9.9% of base
Total target cash
$70,500
Base plus target bonus
Bonus percentiles:25th$4,00050th$6,50075th$10,500
Long-term incentive is not shown for this role. Equity awards are only disclosed publicly for the named executive officers of public companies, so no market figure exists for most jobs. See executive pay disclosures.
About this role
Bailiff is a professional role within the function in the Protective Service job family.
Typical entry preparation: High School Diploma and up to 1 year of related work experience, per O*NET occupational data. Advancement typically requires additional years in role.
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.
Top skills:Social PerceptivenessSpeakingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingActive ListeningTime Management
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Bailiff pay by experience level
Entry level$33,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$45,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$58,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$77,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$100,000
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
-2.2%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
1,800
projected openings per year
Declining
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Bailiff salary by industry
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
17,200 workers
$64,000
Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
11,340 workers
$56,500
State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
5,860 workers
$78,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
Typical duties and FLSA status
Core duties
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.
FLSA classification (typical)
Typically Non-exempt · Service, trades, or production work
Occupations in this SOC group are typically classified as Non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay under FLSA rules. Actual classification depends on the specific job duties, salary basis, and any applicable state or local rules. The current federal salary threshold for exemption is $684 per week ($35,568 per year), per the 2020 Department of Labor rule; the 2024 rule that would have raised the threshold was struck down by federal court in November 2024.
How this role compares
Bailiff pays 9% below the average across 28 roles in the Protective Service job family (family average $70,500).
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