Bailiffs vs. Security Guards: Who Earns More?
Bailiffs out-earn Security Guards by $19K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Bailiffs land at $56,600 and Security Guards at $38,020. The education gap is real: bailiff programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while security guard programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Bailiffs is Connecticut ($111,890); for Security Guards it's District of Columbia ($64,210).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Bailiffs median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Bailiffs or Security Guards?
Bailiffs earn more nationally. The median is $56,600 for Bailiffs versus $38,020 for Security Guards, a difference of $19K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Bailiffs or Security Guards?
Security Guards has the better 10-year outlook at 0.4% projected growth, compared to -2.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Bailiffs or Security Guards?
Bailiffs typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Security Guards requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Bailiffs get paid the most?
Connecticut is the top-paying state for Bailiffs at $111,890/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Bailiffs vs. Security Guards pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Connecticut, Bailiffs earn $111,890 vs. $39,920 for Security Guards. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.