Court bailiff
Also known as: usher, bailiff, court security officer, court administrator, court administrative officer, enforcement agent
About this occupation
Court bailiffs maintain order and security in courtrooms. They transport offenders to and from the courtroom, ensure necessary supplies are present in the courtroom, and investigate the premises and examine individuals to ensure there are no threats. They also open and close court, and call witnesses.
Essential skills and knowledge
- ensure public safety and security
- assist judge
- ensure equipment availability
- escort defendants
- court procedures
- maintain logbooks
- maintain court order
- restrain individuals
- handle conflicts
- identify security threats
- call witnesses
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Bailiffs (O*NET 33-3011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Social Perceptiveness, Speaking, Monitoring, Active Listening, Judgment and Decision Making, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$56,600 a year (2025), 17,310 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (4.1)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.6)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
- Correctional Officers and Jailers
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
- Transit and Railroad Police
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
- Security Guards
- Customs and Border Protection Officers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.