Overview

If you are one of those who is wondering what it is that makes the bail bond business a delightful career to venture into, then you have come to the right place. First, what is or are the duties of a bail bondsman? A bondsman is a person, an agent or a company that stands in for and pledges money or property on behalf of a client who is in law enforcement custody and who is trying to get out of jail until the determination of his or her case in court. The bail bond business involves you putting down your money or property which will be paid back to you by the person you are representing.A bail bondsman provides bail (funding) for a defendant that was arrested. This money becomes a security deposit in exchange for the defendant’s release from custody until their set court date. This bond promises the court that the defendant will appear for a hearing on the set date and time established. If the defendant does not show up for their scheduled appearance, the bail bondsman will lose the money they posted for bail.

Reasons To Become A Bail Bondsman

There are lots of advantages, which exist as reasons for someone to become a bail bondsman undertaking bail bonds in Orlando. Below are the top 10 reasons why you should become a bail bondsman.

1. The Job is Energetic and always enjoyable

Becoming a bail bondsman in Orlando is mostly suitable for people who love to work within and around odd hours. Much of the work is done during the wee hours of the morning because most arrests take place at night. This type of work sharply differs from the conventional office career where you have to work your back off most times of the day.

2. Flexibility guarantees in schedule

One main benefit of becoming a bail bondsman is the ability of the person to set flexible schedules that will suit his or her objectives. Bail bonds in Orlando are among the few time flexible career paths that allow the individual to work as little as possible or determine when to work and when not to work. The job allows bail bonds agents to have complete control without outside interference over what days and what hours they work. Thus, bail bondsmen have the time-saving option to work as full-time or part-time; something that lots of people do to bring in some additional income plus a regular full-time job.

3. It pays well

Although you may not become rich over night while working as a bail bondsman, the earning potential in this career is great. For instance, a bail bondsman working as a part-time agent by just writing three or four bonds a month can make enough income to replace a full-time paying job. As noted by the Professional Bail Agents Body of the US (PBUS,) the average bail bondsman rakes in $25, 000 to $50,000 each year. The body also noted that, in the major cities, some agents make hundreds of thousands of Dollars every year.

4. You are your own boss

The business of bail bonds in Orlando are only undertaken by people licensed as bail bonds agents by the Department of Financial and Consumer Services, and they have the legal right to post bail on behalf of a criminally accused defendant. From a starting point, lots of bail bonds agents in Orlando learn and mastered the nature of their career by working for established bail bonds companies.

After they have completed their learning process, the experienced bail bondsman in Orlando has the option to set up his bail bonds agency. Becoming your boss will provide you with the ability to control your time completely and schedule your work as you deem fit. You will have total control in every area of operations, including choosing the bonds to write or reject.

5. Your job is secured

A career in the business of bail bonds in Orlando is one that is vest-up with recession-proof. Unlike in most career industries, the bail bondsman doesn’t have to worry much about the economic recession or the market forces of price, demand, and supply. Because of the unique service that makes up the career, the request for bail bonds typically accelerates during recession periods, providing the bail bondsman with a greater enduring level of job security.

It is a fact that a downturn in economic activities results in job losses, which in turn, fuels criminal activities according to researchers.

6. A chance to make a difference

When someone is arrested and charged with criminal activity, it is always a hectic experience, and the task of getting their act back together is always difficult. But, being a bail bondsman tends to be very rewarding as you are provided the opportunity of helping such people to have hope and belief again. A bail bondsman on Orlando builds a strong relationship with their clients based on dialogue, mutual trust and professionalism, especially in preparation for the client’s appearance in court.

Such a relationship and professional approach can make a huge difference in a client’s life, which speaks well of the bondsman, and can be very rewarding in the future.

7. Increase learning opportunity

Becoming a bail bondsman entails much study and learning of various aspects of criminal law and procedures. If today you chose to become part of the business of bail bonds in Orlando, you will have to study and research, a process that will aid your communication skills, sharpen your ability to interact with clients effectively, discipline your emotional reactions while managing clients’ behavior in a more sophisticated and matured manner.

8. Long-term career opportunity

Becoming a bail bondsman is a job that can serve you for life, especially if you are operating your bail bonds agency. Bail bondsmen in Orlando have the opportunity to build something from scratch, nurture it to maturity and thrive with it according to their own terms and conditions.

9. Helping the human right process

Choosing a career in bail bonds will provide the bail bondsman the opportunity to help people to exercise and secure their constitutional right to freedom. When you post a bail as bail bond agent on behalf of a criminal defendant, you are helping him or her to get out of jail and have the time to get a lawyer and prepare for his or her case before the court process commences. Once that individual comes out of jail by the bail you have posted on his behalf, it is evident you have aided the First and Second Amendment Rights of the defendant, and by extension the overall supremacy of the law.

Job Description of Bail Bondsman

Bail is money put up by a criminal suspect to buy freedom before a trial begins. If he can’t pay himself, he can pay a fee to a bond agency, which puts up a percentage of the bail in the form of a surety bond. A bail bond agent, also know as a bail bondsman, works independently or as a representative of the agency. His role is to complete bonding paperwork with an accused person, receive payments and track down the person if he fails to appear in court.

Bail Bond Agents: Assessment

Normally, the first step in a bond process is an assessment of the defendant’s or his representative’s qualifications for bond. The agent investigates the background of the suspect to determine whether he is a flight risk, or likely to appear in court. He also assesses his ability to pay the bond fee and cover the financial recourse of failing to appear in court. In essence, the agent qualifies a prospect similar to the way a salesperson does. A decision to provide the surety bond is normally made if the agent is comfortable that the suspect will appear in court as necessary, which means bond money is returned to the agency. In some cases, agents participate in aggressive marketing and prospecting for potential clients.

Bail Bond Paperwork

The next step after a positive bond decision is to accept the payment of fee from the defendant and complete paperwork. Investopedia reports that this fee is typically around 10 percent. The paperwork is filed with the court, formally executing the bond and resulting in the defendant’s release from jail. The common legal name for the document clients sign is a power of attorney, which turns over to the agency the right to represent the defendant on the matter of bail.

Agency Communication Basics

Though the agent spends much of his time out prospecting for new clients, meeting with defendants and completing paperwork, he must also maintain regular communication with the agency. Agencies often call agents when a new prospect is found. Time is often of the essence as defendants typically want bail release as soon as possible after an amount is set. Agents must also submit paperwork and sales receipts to the agency office within a certain period of time, often 24 hours, to retain employment and collect commission payments.

Understanding Client Apprehension

The role of a bail bond agent that many people are most familiar with is that of client apprehension. This is the function often depicted in movies and on television shows. If a defendant fails to appear in court, he typically owes bail. The bond is intended to ensure his appearance. According to Shouse California Law Group, when an agent’s client doesn’t appear, he is sometimes expected to act as a bounty hunter in order to track down, apprehend and bring the suspect to jail or present him before the court. This protects the financial interests of the agent.

15 Essential Bail Bondsman agent skills for your resume and career 

1. Court Proceedings

Here’s how court proceedings is used on bail bond agent resumes:

• Establish a large client base by executing bail, maintain all records of bail bonds and court proceedings for the clients.
• Prepared documents and recording the outcomes of court proceedings.
• Prepare motions, Nebbias and proper documents for court proceedings.
• Provide security deposit in court proceedings Represent the company in all legal proceedings Investigate and recover fugitives
• Attended court proceedings daily and advised clients on the procedures of bail bonding and the responsibilities thereof.

2. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers — answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here’s how customer service is used on bail bond agent resumes:

• Provide prompt, professional and non-judgmental customer service while interviewing prospective clients to gather information, determine qualifications and collateral arrangements.
• Performed agency check-ins with outstanding customer service, urgency and diligence.
• Provided customer service to persons desiring bail assistance.
• Meet potential clients with excellent customer service and help them complete bail applications, make payments, and execute bail bonds.
• Managed all scheduling, appointments, travel arrangements, customer service, and purchase of office supplies and equipment.

3. New Clients

New clients are identified as a person or entity that has not yet availed of the goods or services of your company. A person who is not an existing client of your company falls under the definition of a new client. A company survives and thrives because of new clients, and there are several jobs designated in a company to find new clients. Marketing or advertisement may be the best ways to target and influence new clients to the company.

Here’s how new clients is used on bail bond agent resumes:

• Completed contracts with new clients before they are released.
• Developed and implemented business model to generate new clients and referrals through advertising and marketing applications.
• Developed and implemented personal business and marketing strategy to attract new clients and maintained existing clients.
• Prospected for new clients using established and non-traditional methods of lead generation.
• Canvassed local area businesses in order to initiate relationships with new clients

4. Bail Bonds

Here’s how bail bonds is used on bail bond agent resumes:

• Execute bail bonds for defendants in all Davidson County Courts in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated and Local Rules of Practice.
• Write and execute bail bonds at various police departments, correctional facilities, and courthouses throughout the state of Connecticut.
• Help complete bail applications, make payment, execute bail bonds, maintain accurate records of execute bail bonds.
• Bail bondsmen/ office clerk and secretary, phone calls, appointments, handling money, payments, and paperwork.
• Perform multiple tasks such as answering phones, posting bail bonds, taking notes, and greeting customers.

5. Law Enforcement

Law enforcement is the task of certain members of the community who work together to uphold the law by identifying, preventing, rehabilitating, or prosecuting others who break society’s laws and norms. The phrase refers to the police, the judiciary, and the correctional system.

Here’s how law enforcement is used on bail bond agent resumes:

• Developed strong relationships with law enforcement and court officials.
• Attended on location administrative requirements of local law enforcement.
• Communicate with law enforcement officers and defendants.
• Worked in conjunction with bail bond employer and local law enforcement agencies to execute bounty hunts and serve active state warrants.
• Maintain professional manner that preserves solid reputation with the public, local law enforcement, attorneys, and court personnel.

6. Surety Bonds

Here’s how surety bonds is used on bail bond agent resumes:

• Post Surety Bonds for the release of defendants and ensure by follow up that they attend court dates.
• Post surety bonds or cash bail on behalf of suspected criminals and ensuring a timely release.
• Executed Surety Bonds in five counties.

7. Background Checks

Here’s how background checks is used on bail bond agent resumes:

• Performed marketing and administrative record-keeping, ran background checks.
• Confirmed criminal records, employment, and residence, and processed background checks.
• Performed criminal background checks for potential clients and past clients.
• Subcontracted service to Bondsman* Searched for bail jumpers* Did research, background checks, investigation, surveillance, arrest, and transport
• Locate customers using credit bureau information, background checks, loan documents, and other paperwork or databases.

8. Payment Plans

The payment plan is a type of schedule to pay off outstanding debt or for collecting payment on an invoice. Such plans are an effective strategy for accounts receivable software tools and allow the customers to choose from flexible plans without the interference of third parties like agencies. Payment plans work well in mortgage industries, auto industries, and college tuitions.

Here’s how payment plans is used on bail bond agent resumes:

• Run credit reports for approval of bond 10,000 or more and payment plans.
• Consult with clients regarding payment plans, bondsmen & insurance premium fees.
• Make collection calls and collect payments for bond fees and payment plans.
• Assigned and/or designed payment plans most suitable for each individual client.
• Negotiated prices and payment plans with clients and co-signers.

9. Insurance Companies

Here’s how insurance companies is used on bail bond agent resumes:

• Maintain office power of attorney and cash reports for our insurance companies.
• Assess risk and write bonds for insurance companies.
• Submitted various reports to insurance companies.
• Submit weekly and annual reports to Assurety Insurance companies as required by state law.
• Correspond with insurance companies, indemnitors, courts, attorneys and defendants.

10. Communication

Communication is the ability to express one’s ideas and thoughts to other people using expressions, words, or actions. Communication is to receive or send any kind of information. People need to be able to communicate and convey their message to the customers to run a successful business.

Here’s how communication is used on bail bond agent resumes:

• Maintain communication with bonded clients to ensure court orders & conditions of bond are met and kept.
• Position required direct communication with the local courts, Prosecuting Attorney’s office and local Detention Facilities.
• focused on communication skills both oral and written, confidentiality, time management, and gathering information efficiently
• Served as a communication intermediate between clients and the corrections facility.
• Establish open communication with clients to ensure all service transactions are properly documented and to maintain all pertinent information current.

11. Accurate Records

Accurate records include addresses, names, telephone numbers, and social security numbers of people involved in public jobs or projects. These records help in knowing and identifying people or property.

Here’s how accurate records is used on bail bond agent resumes:

• Document all release and payments for accurate record keeping.
• Underwrite Applications Maintain Accurate Records Manage Collections
• Maintained accurate records of past due customer account activity.

12. Paperwork

Any kind of work that revolves around writing, managing, and keeping official reports, letters, and forms is termed as paperwork. The term paperwork is mostly used in government and educational institutions, business corporations, law firms, and any kind of facility that involves data to be written down.

Here’s how paperwork is used on bail bond agent resumes:

• Completed bonding decisions; guaranteed proper paperwork was also finished.
• Administered bond paperwork with co-signer.
• Executed office duties such as: answer phones, copy, and fax documents, file paperwork, etc.
• Pick up the inmate at the jail when all paperwork is filled out and signed by the District Judge.
• Ensured that all bail bond paperwork be returned to our main office within 72 hours of executing the bail bond.

13. Federal Courts

Federal courts refer to designated law system units mandated to rule cases that involve the constitution, the federal laws, cases entailing bankruptcy, the general conduct of the ambassadors and public ministers in treaties, and crimes that involve different states.

Here’s how federal courts is used on bail bond agent resumes:

• Represent the company in federal court for all bond forfeiture cases to settle and dispute client pending cases.
• Guaranteed the appearance of clients to state, county and federal courts.

14. County Jail

Here’s how county jail is used on bail bond agent resumes:

• Posted bond for defendants in NC county jails to ensure appearance in District and Superior Courts.
• Interview new commits at Berks County Jail every morning to get contact information of family/friends.
• Prepare paper work to post bonds at the county jail for an arrested person.
• Secured and transported prisoners between local, city and county jails.
• Posted Bonds for clients that are incarcerated in the County Jail.

15. Client Information

Client information is confidential and proprietary information or documents received from a client to complete a sales transaction; billing; or provision of data, products, services, or information. The client’s information includes name, address, phone number, social security number, medical information, and personal financial information, etc.

Here’s how client information is used on bail bond agent resumes:

• track and monitor all client information and insurance company information.
• Help develop and maintain communication both internally and externally control by receiving, distributing, collecting mail and client informational correspondence.
• Gathered and verified all pertinent client information and reviewed their applications for minor errors and discrepancies.
• Looked through daily breakdown listings and submitted client information to casting directors for audition opportunities.
• Assisted all Agents in processing personal and business client information to develop coverage proposals.

How to Become a Bail Bondsman

1. Determine Eligibility

The profession of bail bondsman is a challenging one that requires knowledge of finance, contract law and criminal law, so most state licensing boards—which are usually agencies within state departments of insurance–require that bail bondsmen meet certain requirements in order to be licensed.  This typically includes:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Complete a pre-licensing course
• Pass the state licensing exam
• Possess sufficient financial resources to meet all surety obligations
• Have the sponsorship of a surety company

2. Complete Educational and Training Requirements

While only a high school diploma is required to become a bail bondsman in most states, many of the most successful bail bondsmen prepare for the challenges of this demanding profession by attending college.  Many bail bondsmen possess an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in finance, economics, business administration or law.  This type of education is exceedingly helpful in the performance of bail bonding duties as well as preparing to take the bail bondsman licensing exam.

Many of the most successful bail bondsmen in the industry obtain some form of post-secondary education.  The primary reason for this is that the bail bonds occupation is primarily a financial services profession with bondsmen issuing surety to worthwhile candidates.  To discern which criminal defendants are viable bond clients requires knowledge of financial practices and laws as well as contract law.

The most common degrees that bail bondsmen may hold are associate’s or bachelor’s degrees, although a small percentage may hold advanced degrees like a Master of Business Administration or a doctorate.  While a degree may be acquired in any field, the most helpful are those which relate strongly to the bail bonds industry including:

• Finance
• Law
• Criminal justice
• Business administration
• Economics

It can also be beneficial to take classes that can be helpful during the course of business operations like Spanish, public administration or psychology.

For bail bondsmen who wish to establish their own company, it is often a wise option to acquire an advanced degree in business management – like an MBA.  This type of degree provides the skills and knowledge often required to found and operate a complex financial services company like a bail bonds business.

In many states, the bail bond licensing board has instituted a pre-licensing course that specifically prepares candidates to take the licensing exam and complete the licensing process.  In most cases, this course provides an introduction to basic bail bond principles, laws and practices, and is the first step in learning how to become a bail bondsman.

Although not every state requires completion of a pre-licensing course to become licensed, it is often a wise investment, as it can help lay an intellectual foundation for a bail bondsman career.  Most instructors of these courses have served in the profession and can provide firsthand experience and advice.

3. Check Local State Regulations and Requirements

Why is this very important? At the time of writing, there are eight states that do not allow private bail bondsmen (or have very strict policies), namely Washington, D.C, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Illinois, Maine, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Oregon. Additionally, each state has different prerequisites (such as age, criminal history, etc.) that might prevent you from pursuing your dream career as a bondsman, so always do your research first.

How to do your research: The good news is that it is actually pretty easy to find out what you need to become a bail bondsman. Simply visit your local state’s department of Insurance (or criminal justice) website to either read up on it or to get in touch with someone who can answer your questions. If you cannot find it, just Google “bondsman requirements + your state” to find a portal like this one for Virginia or this one for North Carolina.

4. Clearly Define Your Bail Bondsman Career Goals

If you will look for employment: While there is always room to adjust your career goals in the bail bondsman space, it is worth deciding if you want to immediately look for a job once you have your license or if you want to start an agency due to the additional cost involved. While the choice is up to you, if you are new to the bail bonds industry, it might be worth getting some experience before starting out on your own.

If you want to start an agency: If you would prefer to start your own bail bonds company from the start, there are a number of additional steps you need to complete, such as registering your business, becoming tax compliant, obtaining a suitable surety, renting office space, etc.

5. Attend Bondsman Training and Pass Examination

Is bondsman education necessary? In some states, it is compulsory to attend a bail bondsman course even if you have sufficient knowledge or even experience in the bail industry to pass the exam. Although this can cost around $500, I personally recommend that you opt to do the bondsman training regardless, as the content will prove valuable both for acing the exam and laying a good foundation for your career.

Examination overview and the cost: The exam is usually held at a qualified testing center (such as Pearson Vue). You can expect up to 100 multiple choice questions, a 1-2 hour time limit, and a passing score of 70%. The cost for this bondsman exam is between $40 to $80 and you may have to wait a full year between retries. Here is an example overview of what you can expect if you were taking the examination in North Carolina.

6. Apply And Pay For Your Bondsman License

How to get a bondsman license? Once you have passed your exam, you can start the process of obtaining a bail bondsman licensure for your state. This process varies depending on where you live, but generally you will need to submit an application form (usually a digital one found on the state’s insurance or criminal justice website), your test scores, and in some cases, evidence that a surety will back your work as a bondsman.

How much does a state license cost? You can expect to pay anything from around $50 to $700 (you can review this chart for estimated pricing), and note that it usually needs to be renewed every few years. When the renewal period arrives, you may also be required to attend additional classes (usually around 6 hours) to qualify for renewal. Provided there are no delays, your bondsman license should arrive via post in around 2-3 weeks.

7. Join a Bail Company or Start a New One

Most newly licensed bail bondsmen join an already established bail company in their state to learn about the industry and develop a network of financial partners.  Once a modicum of experience has been obtained, bail bondsmen may found their own bail company which usually requires applying for a firm license, submission of a surety bond, and incorporating the business under state law.

Colleges with Bail Bonding Programs

• Boston University

Program Info

Areas of study you may find at Boston University include:

Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master

Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate

Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor

Legal

Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Corrections

Criminal Justice and Safety Studies

Law Enforcement Administration

Legal Research and Professional Studies

Legal Support Services

• University of Georgia

Program Info

Areas of study you may find at University of Georgia include:

Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master

Undergraduate: Bachelor

Legal

Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Corrections

Criminal Justice and Safety Studies

Legal Research and Professional Studies

• University of Louisville

Program Info

Areas of study you may find at University of Louisville include:

Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master

Non-Degree: Certificate

Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate

Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor

Legal

Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Corrections

Law Enforcement Administration

Legal Research and Professional Studies

Legal Support Services

• Michigan State University

Program Info

Areas of study you may find at Michigan State University include:

Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master

Non-Degree: Coursework

Undergraduate: Bachelor

Legal

Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Corrections

Criminal Justice and Safety Studies

Forensic Science

Law Enforcement Administration

Legal Research and Professional Studies

• Marquette University

Program Info

Areas of study you may find at Marquette University include:

Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master

Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate

Undergraduate: Bachelor

Legal

Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Corrections

Law Enforcement Administration

Legal Research and Professional Studies

Legal Support Services

• The University of Alabama

Program Info

Areas of study you may find at The University of Alabama include:

Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master

Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate

Undergraduate: Bachelor

Legal

Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Corrections

Criminal Justice and Safety Studies

Legal Research and Professional Studies

• University of Iowa

Program Info

Areas of study you may find at University of Iowa include:

Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master

Undergraduate: Bachelor

Legal

Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Corrections

Corrections, Probation, and Parole

Legal Research and Professional Studies

• Temple University

Program Info

Areas of study you may find at Temple University include:

Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master

Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master’s Certificate

Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor

Legal

Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Corrections

Criminal Justice and Safety Studies

Legal Research and Professional Studies

Legal Support Services

• The University of Tennessee

Program Info

Areas of study you may find at The University of Tennessee include:

Graduate: Master

Undergraduate: Bachelor

Legal

Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Corrections

Law Enforcement Administration

• University of Connecticut

Program Info

Areas of study you may find at University of Connecticut include:

Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master

Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate

Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor

Legal

Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Corrections

Security and Theft Prevention Services

Legal Research and Professional Studies

Legal Support Services

Bail Bondsman Salary

One obvious concern anyone has when choosing a career is, “how much will I make in a year?” Of course, we’re all looking for a job that will fulfill and challenge us on a personal level while also allowing us to make a solid living. The salaries of Bail Bondsmen in the US range from $10,076 to $237,811 , with a median salary of $43,050 . The middle 57% of Bail Bondsmen makes between $43,050 and $107,871, with the top 86% making $237,811.

For many people, the career path of a bounty hunter or bail bondsman can fulfill this goal, but the earnings of a bail bondsman can wildly vary, both from state-to-state and from bondsman to bondsman. Learn about bail bondsman earnings, what factors affect your paycheck, and how you can earn the most money in this exciting line of work.

Bail Bondsman Income

The first thing you need to understand when researching average bail bondsman income is that it varies wildly based on your level of experience, the state in which you practice and how good you are at your job. Newer bondsmen sometimes use this business as a supplementary income, building their clientele until they reach a solid income level, which can range well into six figures!

Fee-Based Earnings

Many bail bondsmen earn income based on the fees they charge for posting bond. These businesses work through paying bail on behalf of a client to the courts so that the client can go free while awaiting trial. They get this bond back when the client appears in court, but they also charge a 10% to 20% fee to the client on top of the bond they pay. This is how they make a profit on their business.

Income for a New Bondsman

New bail bondsmen are licensed and bonded to underwrite the bonds they handle, and agents working for the company usually earn between $10 and $15 per hour as they build experience. This translates to a salary of roughly $25,000 per year. Most payment, though, will be based on commissions via clients the new bondsman brings into the company.

Income for Experienced Bondsmen

The most experienced bail bondsmen can earn well into six figures. Those who earn this kind of money usually have many years of experience and are outstanding at what they do. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the United States doesn’t specifically track bail bondsmen, rather including them under “Financial Specialists, All Other.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this job classification pulls an average annual wage of $76,230 per year, with top earners pulling down around $118,780 annually. Other sites record that bondsmen at the top of their field can earn between $130,000 and $150,000 annually. Regardless, to get to this level you’ll need top skills, training and experience in your area.

Working as a bail bondsman can be exciting and challenging, and ultimately rewarding. It does, however, require a great deal of commitment and experience to become a top earner in the field. 

FAQS

• Is being a bail bondsman profitable? 

This really depends on whether you are employed or if you run your own agency. In the latter scenario, you get to set your commission, and although you will have more responsibility, your earning potential is much higher than working as a bondsman for another company. If you are looking at ballpark figures, you can expect to earn around $50 000 to $80 000+ p/a depending on your experience.

• What can stop me being a bondsman? 

In addition to state restrictions, you may not be able to become a bondsman if you have a criminal history (at least a recent one), are under 18 years old, are an illegal resident, don’t hold a high school diploma (or equivalent) or fail to pass your bondsman exam (you may need to wait one year). Honestly, though, it is not too hard to achieve this career goal compared to other jobs in the financial sector.

How much does a bail bondsman make in Florida?

In Florida, the average range is between $36,959 and $45,374.

Can a felon be a bail bondsman in mississippi?

Yes, a felon can be a bail bondsman in Mississippi but with no criminal records.

What is required to be a bail bondsman in Georgia?

A Georgia resident for at least a year who is at least 18 years and should not be in criminal record. pass a written bail bonds exam and a 40-hour pre-licensing course.

What can a bail bondsman do legally in Florida?

A person from another state who is properly licensed and a bail bond agent are both permitted to capture or arrest under Florida Administrative Code 69B-221.001.

How to become a bail bondsman in florida?

Take a 120-hour approved course, then an approved correspondence course, apply for an agent license, go through a background check, and finish a one-year internship with an authorized bail agent.

How to become a bail bondsman in NY?

In New York must be at least 18 years old, complete the necessary pre-licensing coursework, and pass the relevant license exam.

How to become a bail bondsman in CT?

The Connecticut State Police, Special License Unit, and Firearms Unit must receive applications for a bail bond license.

How to become a bail bondsman in Arkansas?

To become a certified bail bondsman in Arkansas, you must schedule an appointment with a recognised bail bond business.

How to become a bail bondsman in PA?

Pennsylvania’s educational requirements, the bail bondsman examination, and state license application In Pennsylvania, fill out a County Affiliation Form to start working.

How to become a bail bondsman in TN?

Contact the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance and submit an application. You must pay a $50 state application fee.

How to become a bail bondsman in Indiana?

Take and pass the 60 multiple-choice question Indiana Bail Bond Licensing Exam with a score of at least 70%.

How to become a bail bondsman in Kansas?

Having met the knowledge requirements, submitting an application, passing the test, and starting work.