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.
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: $79,200
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 11,710 | $55,130 | $26.51 | $77,220 | $37,480 |
| Alaska | 1,260 | $101,770 | $48.93 | $137,340 | $60,670 |
| Arizona | 12,010 | $81,720 | $39.29 | $98,560 | $60,990 |
| Arkansas | 5,710 | $49,850 | $23.96 | $70,190 | $35,210 |
| California | 65,940 | $112,980 | $54.32 | $153,190 | $76,300 |
| Colorado | 9,610 | $90,550 | $43.54 | $109,300 | $65,340 |
| Connecticut | 6,500 | $83,920 | $40.35 | $102,660 | $63,310 |
| Delaware | 1,800 | $93,210 | $44.81 | $130,870 | $62,470 |
| D.C. | 4,720 | $92,390 | $44.42 | $119,660 | $66,420 |
| Florida | 43,630 | $75,320 | $36.21 | $98,190 | $51,330 |
| Georgia | 22,170 | $58,520 | $28.14 | $76,250 | $43,690 |
| Hawaii | 2,420 | $90,360 | $43.44 | $108,110 | $77,480 |
| Idaho | 2,810 | $70,860 | $34.07 | $97,980 | $48,840 |
| Illinois | 29,180 | $92,450 | $44.45 | $119,560 | $58,420 |
| Indiana | 12,980 | $75,130 | $36.12 | $100,010 | $52,170 |
| Iowa | 5,130 | $76,280 | $36.67 | $101,520 | $59,360 |
| Kansas | 6,130 | $61,450 | $29.55 | $90,530 | $42,040 |
| Kentucky | 7,890 | $59,840 | $28.77 | $77,970 | $38,780 |
| Louisiana | 12,400 | $51,250 | $24.64 | $69,140 | $36,470 |
| Maine | 2,120 | $69,830 | $33.57 | $91,270 | $55,930 |
| Maryland | 9,720 | $82,400 | $39.62 | $113,700 | $58,580 |
| Massachusetts | 17,040 | $83,230 | $40.01 | $108,150 | $61,160 |
| Michigan | 16,750 | $70,310 | $33.80 | $89,220 | $47,780 |
| Minnesota | 9,160 | $85,130 | $40.93 | $106,160 | $60,670 |
| Mississippi | 8,070 | $47,010 | $22.60 | $61,550 | $33,230 |
| Missouri | 13,570 | $62,520 | $30.06 | $90,770 | $43,210 |
| Montana | 2,160 | $69,540 | $33.43 | $84,150 | $55,330 |
| Nebraska | 3,490 | $75,290 | $36.20 | $95,210 | $54,680 |
| Nevada | 5,720 | $86,470 | $41.57 | $102,810 | $62,250 |
| New Hampshire | 2,460 | $70,630 | $33.96 | $89,940 | $57,930 |
| New Jersey | 21,780 | $93,700 | $45.05 | $134,260 | $57,740 |
| New Mexico | 4,580 | $66,700 | $32.07 | $85,740 | $48,400 |
| New York | 53,470 | $87,110 | $41.88 | $118,250 | $53,000 |
| North Carolina | 22,370 | $61,390 | $29.51 | $80,240 | $46,040 |
| North Dakota | 1,630 | $72,400 | $34.81 | $91,440 | $58,620 |
| Ohio | 23,430 | $76,730 | $36.89 | $103,210 | $51,110 |
| Oklahoma | 9,660 | $63,120 | $30.34 | $94,940 | $36,480 |
| Oregon | 5,030 | $87,990 | $42.30 | $109,350 | $66,380 |
| Pennsylvania | 26,510 | $81,910 | $39.38 | $109,780 | $48,680 |
| Rhode Island | 1,940 | $78,760 | $37.86 | $91,760 | $59,020 |
| South Carolina | 12,930 | $60,420 | $29.05 | $78,760 | $45,060 |
| South Dakota | 2,000 | $64,320 | $30.93 | $91,900 | $47,540 |
| Tennessee | 15,630 | $61,830 | $29.72 | $79,480 | $43,520 |
| Texas | 63,100 | $76,160 | $36.62 | $98,350 | $51,240 |
| Utah | 5,500 | $78,760 | $37.87 | $99,920 | $60,290 |
| Vermont | 1,020 | $70,560 | $33.92 | $95,530 | $53,950 |
| Virginia | 19,970 | $70,450 | $33.87 | $96,820 | $50,000 |
| Washington | 9,160 | $104,140 | $50.07 | $132,200 | $79,120 |
| West Virginia | 2,900 | $55,900 | $26.88 | $69,980 | $41,950 |
| Wisconsin | 12,320 | $76,560 | $36.81 | $94,450 | $58,530 |
| Wyoming | 1,310 | $67,080 | $32.25 | $76,840 | $57,130 |
| Guam | 540 | $66,940 | $32.18 | $98,030 | $36,590 |
| Puerto Rico | 11,640 | $42,920 | $20.63 | $50,240 | $30,500 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
California tops the list in this field, with an average salary of $112,980.
These are the leading 10 states in terms of earnings in the field:
* Salary estimates are based on data from the May 2025 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, (SOC Code 33-3051).* Employment opportunities may vary depending on your area.
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
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.
The training and skills acquired as a US Marshal are invaluable, and the camaraderie among colleagues fosters a sense of unity and purpose.
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.
It is an incredible career choice, as it involves upholding the law, ensuring justice, and protecting the safety of our communities.
What stood out to me most was how demanding the process actually is. Between the degree requirements, physical fitness standards, background investigation, and academy training in Georgia, Its clear this career isn’t easy to break into. The overview pf duties like fugitive investigation and prisoner transport really shows how serious the role is.