Average Salary for a US Marshal in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience, States & How to Earn More
"US Marshals are America's most famous law officers. They catch bad guys who run from the law and protect judges in courts.
If you want to become a US Marshal, you need to know many things, like the requirements to apply and also how much money you can make."
The salary of a U.S. Marshal changes based on where you work and how long you have been doing the job.
This blog will tell you everything about U.S. Marshal pay in 2025. We will look at how much money they make on average and how pay changes in different states. We will also share tips to help you earn more money as a U.S. Marshal + common FAQs about US Marshals.
The job market for law officers has changed a lot. Police and federal officers are needed more than ever. This means better pay for those who know their value.
By the end of this article, you will know what to expect as a US Marshal in America. If you’re considering law school or a career change, this guide will help you make smart choices.
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Average Salary for a US Marshal in the USA?
$95,435 per year (Average)
Government statistics, ZipRecruiter, and global salary surveys show that in 2025, the average salary for a US Marshal is $95,435 per year. This equals about $45.88 per hour for full-time work. The number comes from data collected by federal employment sources, Indeed, Glassdoor, and other major job platforms that track government salaries.
This year's salary has increased steadily compared to previous years.
This rise comes from a greater demand for federal law enforcement officers. The government is also working to attract qualified candidates for tough roles. They need more skilled law officers and are ready to offer competitive pay.
Salary for a US Marshal Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $95,435 to $151,596 per year, according to government statistics and multiple salary data sources.
Salary range: Most US Marshals earn between $41,793 and $152,418 annually, based on various USA salary surveys. Entry-level positions start around $47,562 to $60,153 per year. The top-paid Chief Operating Officers and Chief Deputy US Marshals can make as much as $152,418 a year, based on government employment data.
Salary by experience:
- New US Marshals with 0-1 years of experience typically earn $47,562-$60,153 per year according to federal pay scales.
- Mid-level Marshals with 3-7 years earn $80,000-$100,000 annually.
- Senior US Marshals with 8+ years of experience can earn $120,000-$152,000+ per year based on government data sources and multiple USA salary surveys.
75th percentile: US Marshals in the 75th percentile make about $120,000 to $130,000 a year. This is based on federal salary data and several job surveys.
Salary for a US Marshal: Regional Comparison
Location makes a big difference in US Marshal pay. States with a higher cost of living usually pay federal officers more money. Urban areas with more crime also tend to pay better than quiet rural areas. Some states have more federal crime cases, so they need more Marshals and offer higher wages.
Here's how salaries compare across major U.S. regions:
New York has the highest salary for US Marshals according to multiple salary surveys, even when the cost of living is considered. California also pays well above the national average for federal law enforcement positions.
Based on salary versus cost of living, Texas and other southern states offer good value for U.S. Marshals. These states have decent federal officer pay with lower housing and living costs compared to New York and California.
7 Tips to Grow Your US Marshal Salary
1. Gain Specialized Training and Certifications: US Marshals with special skills, such as computer crimes or tactical operations, earn 10-15% more than regular deputies. Federal employment data show that certification in areas like cybercrime investigation or hostage rescue can significantly increase your pay.
2. Pursue Advanced Education: Having a college degree can help you start at a higher pay grade. U.S. Marshals with a bachelor's degree usually start at the GL-9 level. This is better than the GL-7 level, leading to a higher salary. They can earn $5,000 to $10,000 more each year based on government pay scales.
3. Apply for Leadership Positions: Supervisory U.S. Marshals and Chief Deputies earn significantly more than regular deputies. These positions can add $20,000-$40,000 to your annual pay, according to federal salary data and government employment statistics.
4. Work in High-Crime Areas: US Marshals working in districts with more federal cases and dangerous fugitives often receive locality pay adjustments. This can add 15-25% to your base salary in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.
5. Volunteer for Special Operations: US Marshals in areas with many federal cases and risky fugitives often get extra pay. This can increase your yearly earnings by $10,000-$20,000 according to government employment sources.
6. Transfer to Higher-Paying Districts: Moving to federal districts in expensive cities can boost your salary through locality pay. The pay increase often covers the higher cost of living and provides better overall compensation packages.
7. Build Years of Service: Federal employees get automatic pay raises based on years of service. US Marshals get step increases every 1 to 3 years within their grade. They can also earn promotions to higher grades over time, based on government data.
FAQs | US Marshal's Salary
Is the average salary of a US Marshal before or after tax?
All salary numbers we discuss are gross annual salaries before taxes. You will need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes from these amounts to get your take-home pay.
Does the salary of a US Marshal include benefits?
No, the base salary numbers do not include benefits. US Marshals receive excellent federal benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, and paid time off. These benefits add significant value to your total compensation package.
What is the starting salary for a new US Marshal?
New US Marshals typically start at the federal GL-7 level with salaries between $47,562 and $60,153 per year, according to government pay scales. This can vary based on education level and prior law enforcement experience.
How much does a US Marshal make per hour?
The average hourly rate for US Marshals is approximately $45.88 per hour in the United States. This equals about $95,435 per year for full-time federal employment.
Which states pay US Marshals the highest salary?
New York has the highest salary for US Marshals, according to federal employment data. California, Alaska, and Washington, DC also pay US Marshals above the national average due to locality pay adjustments.
Do experienced US Marshals earn a higher salary than new hires?
Yes, experience significantly affects the US Marshal's salary. Entry-level Marshals start around $47,562, while senior positions can reach $152,418 per year. Federal pay scales reward experience with regular step increases and promotion opportunities.
What benefits do US Marshals get besides salary?
US Marshals receive comprehensive federal benefits, including health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, retirement savings plans (TSP), paid vacation and sick leave, and federal holidays off. These benefits are worth approximately $25,000-$35,000 per year in additional value.
How does a US Marshal's salary compare to other law enforcement jobs?
US Marshals earn competitive salaries compared to other federal law enforcement agencies. They typically earn more than local police officers, but similar to FBI agents and DEA agents. State police salaries vary widely by location.
Are US Marshals eligible for overtime pay?
Yes, US Marshals are eligible for overtime pay when working more than 40 hours per week. Special operations, court security, and fugitive cases often require overtime work, which can significantly increase annual earnings.
What education is required to become a US Marshal?
US Marshals need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent work experience in law enforcement. Higher education levels can qualify candidates for higher starting pay grades according to federal employment requirements.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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