How Much Does a US Marshal Make?

U.S. Marshal Roles

The duties of the USMS include the seizure of assets and property, witness protection, renting of jail space to state and local governments, carrying out tactical operations, conducting investigations, transporting prisoners and providing judicial security at courthouses. The USMS is the primary federal agency in the U.S. for conducting investigations and capturing fugitives. According the USMS website, in 2008, U.S. marshals captured more fugitive felons than all the other law enforcement agencies in the country combined.

As of January 2008, all positions with the USMS have the entry-level classifications of GL-082-5 or GL-082-7. Those with GL-082-5 positions earned an annual income of $36,658 to $41,260 in 2008. During the same year, U.S. marshals with GL-082-7 positions earned $41,729 to $46,969 annually. The USMS website states that pay is also based upon location. After one year of service, a U.S. marshal in the GL-082-5 class can earn a promotion into the GL-082-7. Likewise, those in the GL-082-7 class can earn a promotion into the GL-082-9 class after a year of service. Grade levels within the USMS go up to GS-1811-12. The USMS website, however, does not indicate the pay for a marshal in the GL-082-9 and GS-1811-12 levels.

A new U.S. marshal deputy is automatically covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). A marshal can retire after 25 years of service, at the age of 50, if has already served with law enforcement for at least 20 years. A marshal must retire, however, at age 57. Employees also earn annual leave base on the number of years they have worked with the USMS, as well as sick leave. Additionally, employees of the USMS receive health benefits, life insurance and access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential, free counseling services to USMS employees and family members.

To be a U.S. marshal, an individual must have U.S. citizenship and be 21 to 36 years old when he applies. Aspiring marshals must have a valid driver's license, a good driving record and a bachelor's degree. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, an applicant may substitute three years of law enforcement or military experience. Applicants must pass structured interviews, the gender-specific fitness standards, be in good shape and meet the "medical qualifications." Upon passing a background check, the candidate must pass a 17.5-week USMS basic training program at the USMS Training Academy.