More than 460,000 bailiffs, court officers, and correctional officers work in the nation's courts, jails, and penitentiaries. Bailiffs (or courthouse marshals) enforce safety and law enforcement regulations in the courtroom. They may assist judges, juries, or other trial participants. They are typically used to announce the arrival or departure of the judge from the courtroom.
In some proceedings, bailiffs are expected to escort prisoners to and from the courtroom or handle the belongings of incompetent persons summoned to the proceeding. They are often empowered to make arrests in criminal cases or in support of maintaining courtroom and courthouse security. Depending on the court, you'll find bailiff's swearing in witnesses, enforcing no-smoking laws, or accompanying jurors who are excused from the courtroom for meals or to visit locations pertinent to the trial. Bailiffs will also confiscate any weapons in the courtroom.

Training may be provided by state, regional, or local marshal or sheriff's departments, however pursuing an online criminal justice degree or law enforcement training can increase your employment options. Approximately 11 percent of working bailiffs hold a bachelor's degree while 49 percent have additional post-secondary training in law enforcement, criminal justice, or police science. Previous experience as a sheriff's deputy or police officer can also qualify you for work in the courthouse.

Occupational growth for bailiff jobs is expected to increase by 17 percent over the 2006 to 2016 decade, rising to a total of 537,000 positions. *The range of the average annual wage for a bailiff was between $37,820 (entry level) and $61,500.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics