Protective Service
Bailiffs
Also called: Bailiff, Court Bailiff, Court Constable, Court Deputy
US median pay
$56,600
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-1.9%
declining
Openings a year (US)
1,600
18,000 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Maintain order in courts of law.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Check courtroom for security and cleanliness and assure availability of sundry supplies, such as notepads, for use by judge, jurors, and attorneys.
- Stop people from entering courtroom while judge charges jury.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness4.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Service Orientation2.9/5
- Persuasion2.9/5
- Coordination2.9/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.9/5
- Negotiation2.8/5
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security4.3/5
- Law and Government4.1/5
- English Language3.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.0/5
- Psychology3.0/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma40%
- Associate's degree33%
- Post-secondary certificate21%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.