How Much Does Judge Judy’s Bailiff Make? Unpacking The Paycheck Of A TV Courtroom Icon

Have you ever found yourself watching Judge Judy and, you know, sort of wondering about the person standing quietly next to her? That's the bailiff, of course, Petri Hawkins Byrd, a familiar face to millions of viewers for decades. It's almost natural to think about what kind of money someone in such a visible role might bring home. People often assume that being on a popular television show means a huge salary, but the reality for a TV bailiff, as a matter of fact, might surprise you a little. We're going to take a closer look at what the numbers actually say about how much does Judge Judy's bailiff make.

It's interesting, really, to consider the financial side of television personalities, especially those who aren't the main star. Petri Byrd became such a beloved part of the "Judge Judy" experience, often seeming more like a trusted friend or a sidekick than just a court officer. This close relationship with Judge Judy, whose real name is Judith Sheindlin, certainly added a unique touch to the program, which has been a daytime television staple for a very long time.

So, we'll explore the typical earnings for someone in this kind of position, and then we'll get into the specific figures that have been shared about what Judge Judy's bailiff makes. We'll also touch upon Petri Byrd's overall financial standing and his journey beyond the famous courtroom. It’s a bit of a look behind the scenes, you know, at the financial aspects of a TV career that many people watch every day.

Table of Contents

• Petri Hawkins Byrd: A Familiar Face
• The Role of a Bailiff: On and Off Screen
• How Much Does a Bailiff Typically Earn?
• The Judge Judy Bailiff's Specific Earnings
• Petri Byrd's Net Worth and Filming Schedule
• Judge Judy's Earnings: A Look at the Bigger Picture
• Beyond Judge Judy: New Ventures
• Frequently Asked Questions About the Judge Judy Bailiff
• Wrapping Things Up

Petri Hawkins Byrd: A Familiar Face

Petri Adonis Byrd, the man known to millions as Judge Judy's bailiff, has a story that's quite interesting. He was born on November 29, 1957, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, in the United States. His presence on the "Judge Judy" show made him a television personality, and for many viewers, he became an instantly recognizable part of their daily routine. It’s funny, you know, how some figures on TV just become part of the family in a way.

His connection with Judith Sheindlin goes back a bit, too. After Judge Sheindlin learned she would be filming a new show in Los Angeles, Byrd, you know, took the initiative. He sent her a congratulatory letter, and in that letter, he included a memorable line: "If you ever need a bailiff, my uniform still fits." This simple yet powerful message, as a matter of fact, really highlights his readiness and perhaps a bit of hope for a new chapter. It certainly worked out for him, didn't it?

Personal Details and Bio Data of Petri Hawkins Byrd

The Role of a Bailiff: On and Off Screen

A bailiff's job, in a typical courtroom setting, is pretty important. They are responsible for keeping things orderly and making sure everyone follows the rules. This means maintaining peace, escorting people, and generally ensuring the court runs smoothly. It's a role that requires a good deal of calm and authority, you know, especially when things get heated.

On "Judge Judy," however, Petri Byrd's role, while officially that of a bailiff, really grew over the years. He was there to keep order, yes, but he also became much more than that. He often seemed like Judge Judy's trusted confidant, a bit of a sounding board, and in some respects, almost a comedic foil. This added dynamic, you know, really made their interactions a highlight for many viewers. It was a unique partnership that went beyond just official duties, and that, is that.

How Much Does a Bailiff Typically Earn?

When we talk about how much a bailiff makes, it's good to start with the general picture across the United States. The pay can vary quite a bit depending on location, experience, and whether they work for a state, county, or federal court. According to data from Glassdoor, as of 2020, the average salary for a bailiff in the United States was around $39,716. That's a general figure, of course, and it gives us a baseline to think about.

However, if we look at more recent information, the average annual pay for a bailiff in the United States has seen some changes. As of May 5, 2025, for instance, the average annual pay for a Judge Judy bailiff in the United States is actually quite a bit higher, coming in at $68,555 a year. This figure, you know, shows a pretty significant jump and suggests that roles in specific, high-profile settings can command more.

Just in case you need a simple salary benchmark, that $68,555 figure for a bailiff is a rather clear indicator of the potential earnings in this profession, especially when tied to a well-known program. It's not always easy to find exact numbers for every job, but these averages give us a good idea. So, it’s fair to say that the pay for this kind of work, as a matter of fact, can be pretty decent.

The Judge Judy Bailiff's Specific Earnings

Now, let's get to the specific question: how much does Judge Judy's bailiff make? While general bailiff salaries provide a context, the figures for a TV personality are often different. According to some reports from our information, Judge Judy's bailiffs make a salary of $45,000 per year. This is a specific figure tied directly to the show's operations, and it's interesting to compare it to the general averages we just discussed.

However, another piece of information from our text, dated September 18, 2024, states that the mean annual remuneration for a bailiff on the Judge Judy panel in the United States is $68,555. This figure matches the general average for a "Judge Judy bailiff" from May 2025, which is a bit curious, but it suggests that the pay scale might have evolved or that different sources provide slightly different estimates. It really shows, you know, how data can shift over time.

So, we have a couple of figures here: $45,000 and $68,555. The higher figure, perhaps, reflects a more current or comprehensive estimate of what a bailiff associated with the "Judge Judy" brand might earn. It's not as much as some people might think, especially considering the show's immense popularity and Judge Judy's own vast wealth, but it's a solid income for the role. You know, it's a living, and a pretty good one at that.

Petri Byrd's Net Worth and Filming Schedule

Beyond the annual salary, it's also interesting to look at Petri Byrd's overall financial standing. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Petri's estimated net worth is around $3.5 million. This figure, of course, includes his earnings from the show, any investments, and other ventures he might have. It's a pretty substantial amount, you know, and reflects a successful career in television.

To earn his salary on "Judge Judy," Bailiff Byrd was present for filming over the course of 52 days each year. That's a little less than two months of work spread throughout the year. During these filming days, the show manages to shoot approximately 260 episodes every year. This level of filming, as a matter of fact, is quite efficient, allowing them to produce a large volume of content in a relatively short period. It’s pretty amazing, when you think about it, how much content they create in such a concentrated time.

This schedule means that while the pay is good, the actual working days are somewhat condensed. It's not a typical 9-to-5, five-days-a-week job, which, you know, could be seen as a benefit for some. This kind of arrangement often allows for other pursuits or simply more personal time, which is something many people value. So, the earnings, coupled with the filming schedule, paint a pretty interesting picture of his professional life.

Judge Judy's Earnings: A Look at the Bigger Picture

To put Petri Byrd's earnings into perspective, it's helpful to consider Judge Judy's own financial success. As of 2020, Judge Judy's net worth was estimated to be a staggering $420 million. This makes her one of the highest-paid television personalities, and it really highlights the massive difference in earnings between the star of a show and even a very prominent supporting cast member. It's a huge amount of money, you know, truly immense.

Judge Judy's show, whose real name is Judith Sheindlin, has been a staple of daytime television since its premiere. Her financial success comes not just from her salary but also from owning and distributing her show. For example, her new show, "Judy Justice," is owned and distributed by Amazon, which is a significant deal. This kind of ownership stake, as a matter of fact, is where the really big money is made in television, rather than just being paid a salary.

It's also worth noting that the decisions made on "Judge Judy" are not legally binding in the same way real court decisions are. According to Consumerist, the show is governed by a "contract of adhesion," meaning the court isn't bound by real procedural, evidence, or behavior rules. This comes as no surprise, as "Judge Judy" is a television program designed for entertainment, even though it feels very much like a real courtroom. This setup, you know, allows for the drama and quick resolutions that make for compelling viewing.

Beyond Judge Judy: New Ventures

Even after the original "Judge Judy" show concluded, Petri Hawkins Byrd's career continued to flourish. Judge Judy's longtime bailiff, Petri Hawkins Byrd, will return to the courtroom, as a matter of fact, with a new Amazon Freevee show called 'Tribunal.' This is pretty exciting news for fans who enjoyed his presence on the original program. It shows that his popularity and rapport with Judge Sheindlin extend beyond just one show.

The new show, 'Tribunal,' offers a fresh opportunity for Byrd to continue his television career, working once again alongside Judith Sheindlin. This move, you know, really confirms his status as a valuable and recognizable television personality. It also suggests that his earnings and net worth will likely continue to grow with these new projects. It’s a pretty good testament to his enduring appeal, isn't it?

This continuation of his work, as a matter of fact, is a testament to the strong bond he built with Judge Judy and the audience over many years. It's not every day that a bailiff becomes such a household name, but Petri Byrd certainly achieved that. So, his career, you know, is definitely still going strong.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Judge Judy Bailiff

People often have questions about the roles and earnings of TV personalities, and Petri Byrd is no exception. Here are some common inquiries:

How much does a bailiff typically earn in the US?

The average annual pay for a bailiff in the United States can vary. As of 2020, figures from Glassdoor suggested around $39,716 a year. However, more recent data, like from May 5, 2025, shows the average annual pay for a Judge Judy bailiff in the United States is about $68,555. This higher figure, you know, likely reflects specific roles in well-known programs.

What is Petri Hawkins Byrd's net worth?

Petri Hawkins Byrd's estimated net worth, according to Celebrity Net Worth, is around $3.5 million. This includes his earnings from his long tenure on "Judge Judy" and any other ventures or investments he might have. It's a pretty good sum, you know, for a career in television.

What does a bailiff do on a TV show like Judge Judy?

On a TV show like "Judge Judy," the bailiff's official role is to keep order in the courtroom. However, Petri Byrd's role, as a matter of fact, expanded beyond that. He often acted as Judge Judy's sidekick, adding to the show's dynamic with his presence and interactions. He was a familiar and reassuring presence for viewers, basically.

Wrapping Things Up

So, when you consider how much does Judge Judy's bailiff make, it's clear that while it's not the multi-million dollar figures of the main star, it's a very respectable income for a television personality. Petri Hawkins Byrd built a successful career, not just through his official duties but also through his engaging personality and long-standing connection with Judge Judy. His story is a pretty good example, you know, of how dedication and a bit of charm can lead to lasting success in the entertainment world.

If you're interested in learning more about how television shows are put together, or perhaps about other roles within the entertainment industry, you could learn more about daytime television production on our site. There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes, and it's quite fascinating. You can also link to this page for more details on TV court shows.