Bailiffs

Maintain order in courts of law.

SOC: 33-3011.00

Common Job Titles

  • Bailiff
  • Court Bailiff
  • Court Officer
  • Court Security Officer

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeEvaluate potential security threats and behavioral cues while monitoring courtroom proceedings and public areas, applying knowledge of public safety protocols.
  • MindsetIntegrate de-escalation techniques with conflict resolution principles when managing disruptive individuals in high-stress courtroom settings.
  • KnowledgeAssess security incidents and violations of court decorum in real-time, making immediate decisions to protect judicial personnel and the public.
  • MindsetBalance security enforcement with customer service orientation when assisting diverse courtroom participants while maintaining vigilance.
  • Hands-onOperate security screening equipment including metal detectors and X-ray inspection systems in courtroom and courthouse environments to ensure public safety.
  • KnowledgeApply legal procedures and courtroom protocols to maintain order during proceedings, following judicial directives and security regulations.
  • MindsetRespond to emotional distress and tensions among courtroom participants with professionalism and empathy while enforcing security policies.
  • Hands-onExecute physical interventions and restraint procedures using expandable batons, handcuffs, and protective techniques under lawful authority.
  • KnowledgeExplain courtroom procedures and security requirements to jurors, witnesses, and the public, ensuring compliance with court rules.
  • KnowledgePrepare incident reports and security documentation using case management and court docket software, maintaining accurate records of courtroom events.
  • KnowledgeCoordinate security operations with law enforcement and court personnel using mobile radios and communication systems during emergencies and routine procedures.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Bailiffs (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

16,910

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $32,950. 25th percentile: U.S. $43,420. 50th percentile: U.S. $57,050. 75th percentile: U.S. $77,880. 90th percentile: U.S. $93,950. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$32,950
10% of workers earn the following or more$93,950
Workers on average earn$62,180

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Public Safety and Security4.3/5
  • Law and Government4.1/5
  • English Language3.6/5
  • Customer and Personal Service3.0/5
  • Psychology3.0/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Word

Technology Skills

  • Case management system software
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • Court docket management software
  • Email software
  • IBM Lotus Notes
  • National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
  • State crime information databases
  • Statistics software
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Breathalyzer units
  • Digital recording equipment
  • Digital still cameras
  • Digital video disk DVD players
  • Digital video recording equipment
  • Electronic whiteboards
  • Expandable batons
  • Handheld metal detector
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment