How Much Does Judge Judy's Bailiff Make? Unpacking Byrd's Earnings

It's a question many fans of courtroom television often ponder: just how much do the folks behind the judge's bench actually bring home? For years, the popular show "Judge Judy" captivated audiences, and a big part of that appeal, too, was the steady presence of Bailiff Petri Hawkins-Byrd. His calm demeanor and sharp wit were, you know, a constant fixture alongside the sharp-tongued Judge Judith Sheindlin. So, it's really no surprise that people get curious about the financial side of things for such a familiar face on TV.

Many viewers, it seems, have a natural curiosity about the salaries of public figures, especially those who appear on their screens regularly. The world of television, you see, often involves earnings that can seem quite substantial, and Bailiff Byrd's role was, in a way, quite unique. He wasn't just any bailiff; he was, like, *the* Bailiff Byrd, a recognizable part of a show that ran for decades.

This article aims to shed some light on the earnings of Judge Judy's bailiff, Petri Hawkins-Byrd, drawing directly from available information. We'll look at his per-episode pay, what that might mean annually, and even, you know, how his earnings compare to the show's star, Judge Sheindlin herself. It's quite interesting, actually, to see the numbers laid out.

Table of Contents

• Bailiff Byrd: A Familiar Face
• Bailiff Byrd's Personal Details and Career Glance
• Earning Per Episode: What Bailiff Byrd Makes
• Annual Income from Filming Schedule
• Bailiff Byrd's Net Worth: A Bigger Picture
• Comparing Salaries: Byrd Versus Judge Judy
• General Bailiff Salaries for Context
• Frequently Asked Questions

Bailiff Byrd: A Familiar Face

Petri Hawkins-Byrd, or simply "Bailiff Byrd" as most people know him, was a consistent presence on "Judge Judy" from its very start in 1996. His role went beyond just keeping order in the courtroom; he often provided a calm counterpoint to Judge Sheindlin's direct style, and sometimes, you know, offered a quiet chuckle or a knowing glance. He was, arguably, a key part of the show's overall feel and success.

His long tenure with the program, nearly three decades, really speaks volumes about his dedication and, in a way, his importance to the production. Fans got used to seeing him there, and his presence became, well, a very expected part of the show's format. It's almost hard to imagine "Judge Judy" without him, is that right?

Bailiff Byrd's Personal Details and Career Glance

While the focus here is mostly on his earnings, it's helpful to have a quick look at some key details about Bailiff Byrd's career, as provided in the information. He's been a significant figure in television for a good while, so this table offers a bit of a snapshot.

Earning Per Episode: What Bailiff Byrd Makes

One of the most talked-about aspects of Bailiff Byrd's income is, arguably, his per-episode pay. According to the information available, Bailiff Byrd earns about $4,000 per episode. Now, that's a pretty notable amount for each individual show, isn't it?

This figure, while appearing large, represents his compensation for each segment of the program that airs. It's a sizable sum, to be honest, and certainly contributes to his overall financial picture. For someone appearing on a show with such wide distribution, it's, well, a fair bit of money per appearance.

Annual Income from Filming Schedule

To really get a sense of Bailiff Byrd's yearly earnings from the show, we need to consider his filming schedule. The text mentions that he is present for filming over the course of 52 days each year. This level of filming is able to produce about 260 episodes each season, which air on over 200 stations in the United States.

If he earns around $4,000 per episode and they produce about 260 episodes each season, a quick calculation shows his annual income from the show would be approximately $1,040,000. So, that's a pretty substantial yearly sum, you know, coming from his work on the program. It's really quite impressive when you look at it that way.

Bailiff Byrd's Net Worth: A Bigger Picture

Beyond his annual salary, it's also interesting to consider Bailiff Byrd's overall financial standing. The text indicates that Byrd, a longtime bailiff on the popular courtroom show, has a net worth of $3.5 million. This figure, of course, includes more than just his yearly earnings from the show; it would encompass investments, savings, and other assets accumulated over his long career.

His net worth reflects, in a way, the sustained success and financial stability that comes from being a prominent figure on a highly rated television program for many years. It's not just about what he makes per episode, but what he's built over time, too. That's a pretty significant sum, isn't it?

Comparing Salaries: Byrd Versus Judge Judy

It's natural to wonder how Bailiff Byrd's earnings stack up against the show's main star, Judge Judith Sheindlin. The provided information gives us a clear comparison. While Bailiff Byrd earns about $4,000 per episode, Judge Judith Sheindlin makes around $180,000 per episode. That's a very considerable difference, as you can probably tell.

This comparison highlights the vast disparity in earnings between the lead talent and supporting cast, even for a show as popular as "Judge Judy." Judge Sheindlin's salary, you know, reflects her status as the show's namesake and primary draw. It's a good example of how top-tier talent in entertainment can command extremely high figures, too.

General Bailiff Salaries for Context

To put Bailiff Byrd's earnings into perspective, it's helpful to look at what a typical bailiff might earn in the United States. The annual salary of a court bailiff, it turns out, varies greatly depending on where you live and what courthouse they work in. This is, you know, pretty standard for many professions.

As of September 18, 2024, the mean annual remuneration for a bailiff in the United States is $68,555. There's also a mention that as of May 5, 2025, the average annual pay for a Judge Judy bailiff in the United States is $68,555 a year, though this seems to refer to a general, perhaps non-TV, context or a different type of "Judge Judy panel" role. It's clear that Bailiff Byrd's television earnings are, you know, significantly higher than what a standard court bailiff typically makes. His role on TV is, arguably, a very different kind of job.

The average annual salary for a bailiff on the Judge Judy panel, if we consider it as a general role rather than the specific TV personality, is also noted at $68,555 as of September 18, 2024. This shows, in a way, the substantial difference between a real-world court position and a highly visible television role. You can learn more about general court roles by visiting a government resource like the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people often have about the show and its participants:

How much does the bailiff make on Judge Judy?

Bailiff Petri Hawkins-Byrd, who was the familiar bailiff on "Judge Judy," earns about $4,000 per episode. Given that the show produces around 260 episodes per season, his annual earnings from the show would be approximately $1,040,000. This is, you know, a very considerable amount for his role on the program.

Do the people on Judge Judy have to pay the judgment?

No, the litigants on "Judge Judy" do not actually pay the judgment themselves. The show itself pays the judgment amount from a fund set up by the production company. This is a key part of how the show operates, and it means, too, that neither the plaintiff nor the defendant has to worry about collecting or paying out of their own pocket. It's, like, a pretty unique setup for a court show.

How much does Judge Judy's Burt the bailiff get paid?

The question refers to "Burt the bailiff," but the main bailiff on "Judge Judy" was Petri Hawkins-Byrd. As mentioned, Bailiff Byrd earns about $4,000 per episode. There wasn't a prominent bailiff named Burt on the show; the long-standing and well-known bailiff was, in fact, Byrd. So, the earnings figure of $4,000 per episode refers to him. Learn more about popular TV personalities on our site, and link to this page for more insights into celebrity earnings.