How to Become a U.S. Marshal (Deputy)

According to usmarshals.gov, the USMS (United States Marshals Service) is the oldest of the federal law enforcement agencies in the United States and served the country since 1789.

The USMS acts as the law enforcement of the judiciary department.

U.S Marshal

There are 94 district offices, one for each of the federal judicial districts.

There are also 218 sub-offices and 3 foreign offices.

A US Marshal manages each of the district offices and receives his position through appointment by the President.

Each of the other investigators and law enforcement agents who work in the office is called a deputy US Marshal.

US Marshal Responsibilities

Marshals have the responsibility of conducting fugitive investigations, operating the witness protection program, transporting federal prisoners, and protecting the federal judiciary.

The USMS is also in charge of seizing, managing, selling, and distributing assets that belong to convicted felons.

A U.S. Marshal will help transport federal prisoners to different judicial districts.

This may include flying across the nation or to another country with a prisoner to ensure that they arrive safely and that all other passengers are safe while the prisoner is transported.

U.S. Marshals also help with fugitive operations.

This includes working with task forces to help make arrests.

The USMS will work with the law enforcement agency by providing assistance, training, and expertise on how to handle these issues.

The USMS also houses more than 63,000 detainees in local, state, federal, and private jails across the nation.

To house these prisoners, the USMS rents jail space from state and local governments.

Becoming a Deputy United States Marshal

To become a deputy United States marshal, a person must take and pass the written test.

In addition, a personal interview will be conducted, and a person must do well during this.

Practice your interview skills with friends and family members, telling them why you want this particular position.

Other requirements for the position include:

  • Must be a citizen of the United States
  • Must be between 21 and 36 years old
  • Must be in great physical condition
  • Must have a bachelor’s degree or three years of experience. College credits and experience may be combined to meet this requirement.
  • Have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
  • Allow a background investigation

In addition, before becoming a deputy United States Marshal, a person has to go through basic training at the FLETC Academy, which is located in Glynco, Georgia.

It is important to be in excellent physical condition in order to be a U.S. Marshal. Eat well, exercise, and do not take illegal drugs or smoke.

Education

A four-year degree is required to apply for this position.

It is recommended that a person obtain a graduate level of study in a field such as criminal justice or law enforcement.

For someone interested in becoming a U.S. Marshal, maintaining a high GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended to increase the chances of obtaining employment in this field.

Ranking in the top third of your graduating class is beneficial as well.

U.S. Average Salary: $79320

$47.6KK
$52.4KK
$79.3KK
$87.3KK
$96KK
10%
25%
50%
75%
90%

Salary Information by State

State Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Alabama12,060$55,330$26.60$78,140$37,010
Alaska1,160$103,670$49.84$136,070$69,370
Arizona12,430$82,400$39.62$100,430$59,760
Arkansas5,490$49,700$23.89$69,420$35,950
California65,170$111,630$53.67$151,160$76,010
Connecticut6,500$83,210$40.01$102,820$61,000
Delaware1,790$85,350$41.04$104,840$62,050
D.C.4,830$91,310$43.90$115,730$66,420
Florida48,340$83,850$40.31$117,940$52,500
Georgia21,540$57,970$27.87$77,750$42,180
Hawaii2,390$92,030$44.24$114,220$75,370
Idaho2,630$68,470$32.92$92,710$48,980
Illinois29,790$92,020$44.24$119,020$55,830
Indiana13,480$73,620$35.40$93,990$52,860
Iowa5,110$75,390$36.25$96,260$57,460
Kansas6,160$58,580$28.16$82,870$37,640
Kentucky7,090$59,460$28.59$78,820$40,600
Louisiana14,340$52,840$25.40$73,270$35,170
Maine1,930$68,100$32.74$84,270$54,660
Maryland9,420$81,660$39.26$109,300$58,140
Massachusetts17,000$80,790$38.84$106,300$59,870
Michigan16,290$71,380$34.32$91,210$49,390
Minnesota8,920$84,220$40.49$104,800$60,390
Mississippi7,590$45,450$21.85$58,780$30,450
Missouri12,750$63,640$30.60$90,900$41,970
Montana2,020$69,670$33.49$88,090$51,820
Nebraska3,620$73,580$35.38$96,340$50,080
Nevada5,490$84,510$40.63$102,460$62,980
New Hampshire2,550$70,060$33.68$89,120$54,410
New Jersey21,620$93,290$44.85$134,460$57,260
New Mexico4,830$65,020$31.26$77,910$47,470
New York54,360$86,880$41.77$116,950$53,020
North Carolina21,650$60,520$29.10$80,920$44,850
North Dakota1,850$74,450$35.80$92,340$58,580
Ohio24,050$76,200$36.64$104,430$49,390
Oklahoma9,420$61,000$29.33$95,950$34,780
Oregon4,950$88,260$42.43$112,530$68,270
Pennsylvania24,280$83,130$39.97$112,380$50,070
Rhode Island1,780$75,090$36.10$89,070$54,980
South Carolina12,820$60,140$28.91$78,590$43,640
South Dakota1,890$62,940$30.26$83,640$46,940
Tennessee13,780$60,280$28.98$81,340$40,940
Texas62,230$75,970$36.53$99,450$51,590
Utah5,370$77,370$37.20$98,670$58,870
Vermont1,080$68,220$32.80$89,110$46,500
Virginia19,400$70,330$33.81$96,700$50,160
Washington8,370$101,590$48.84$123,220$75,780
West Virginia3,130$54,930$26.41$68,080$39,780
Wisconsin11,500$77,520$37.27$93,460$55,450
Wyoming1,300$66,280$31.87$80,720$49,380
Puerto Rico11,620$41,280$19.85$49,570$28,680

Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States

California tops the list in this field, with an average salary of $111,630.

These are the leading 10 states in terms of earnings in the field:

California - $111,630
Alaska - $103,670
Washington - $101,590
New Jersey - $93,290
Hawaii - $92,030
Illinois - $92,020
District of Columbia - $91,310
Oregon - $88,260
New York - $86,880
Delaware - $85,350
* Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, OCC Code 33-3051, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Career Opportunities

With the US Marshal Service being the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the United States, Deputy US Marshals should continue to be key components of the federal justice system for the foreseeable future.

The US Marshals Service conducts hiring as staffing needs arise, and also depending on government funding.

To find any available opportunities, check the employment page of the U.S. Marshals at https://www.usmarshals.gov/careers/deputy-us-marshals

Michael Morales
Michael is the Webmaster and Editor in Chief for Legalcareerpath.com. With a strong background in Web Publishing and Internet Marketing, he currently works as an independent consultant. A former paramedic and EMS educator, he enjoys punishing himself doing triathlons and endurance sports. Michael currently lives in sunny Northern California, home of the highest tax rates in the United States.

4 Responses to How to Become a U.S. Marshal (Deputy)

  1. Santino Reyes #

    It’s important to note that the role can be physically and mentally demanding, requiring dedication, adaptability, and the ability to handle high-stress situation.

  2. Vanessa Begley #

    The training and skills acquired as a US Marshal are invaluable, and the camaraderie among colleagues fosters a sense of unity and purpose.

  3. Richard Gramling #

    One of the rewarding aspects of this career is the opportunity to work on high-profile cases and make a significant impact on public safety.

  4. Gregg Stone #

    It is an incredible career choice, as it involves upholding the law, ensuring justice, and protecting the safety of our communities.

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