Bailiff Career

bailiff-500A bailiff is someone who often stands to the side of the judge in the court room and maintains the peace. Bailiffs protect the judge, the attorneys, the inmates and the other people who are involved in the court cases.

Bailiffs typically work inside the courthouse, whether in either a district or federal court room. Sometimes, a bailiff is present during mediation meetings.

The bailiff often works in situations that are quiet. They usually stand for long periods at a time as they oversee the actions that take place while court is in session. Bailiffs will often patrol the room and even the hallway to ensure that everyone is quiet and not doing anything out of the ordinary during each session.

Bailiff Career Snapshot

Further details on a career as a bailiff are listed below (statistics from the May 2016 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):

$42,670

is the average yearly salary for bailiffs.

5%

increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.

53%

have a High school diploma or equivalent while 32% have some college, but no degree.

Bailiff Education

There is no formal education required. A high school diploma with some kind of criminal justice course or security course in college is sufficient. There are some counties and states that will provide training on the job for those who have a security background.

Bailiff Job Duties

The duties of the bailiff can vary depending on the scenario. Most of the time, the bailiff will stand at the front of the court room to monitor the people who are sitting and to make sure everyone is quiet to allow the judge and the attorneys to hear what is being said. At other times, the bailiff might need to take someone sentenced to jail to the holding unit or retrieve someone from jail who is waiting to see the judge.

Bailiff Salaries

According to BLS.gov reports, the average salary for bailiffs is $41,000 a year. Most bailiffs start out around $23,000 with some making as much as $70,000. Those who earn the higher amounts often have a college degree of some type or have been on the job for long periods of time.

Bailiff Job Outlook

As the criminal justice system grows, there will likely be a need for bailiffs in the future. Job growth could be around 5%, especially in larger states with busier court settings.

Bailiff Skills & Traits

Bailiff Skill Set:Required Abilities:Tools Used by Bailiffs:Typical Work Activities:
• Social Perceptiveness
• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Speaking
• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Oral Comprehension
• Selective Attention
• Handcuffs
• Handguns
• Security metal detector
• Two way radios
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Getting Information
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

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