🟢 Status: OPEN CONTINUOUS | No Fixed Closing Date — Apply Anytime | Source: USAJOBS.gov
The US Marshals Service (USMS) — America’s oldest federal law enforcement agency, founded in 1789 — is actively recruiting Deputy US Marshals for 2026 through an open continuous announcement across all 94 federal judicial districts nationwide. If you’ve been researching deputy US marshal jobs 2026, this is the most complete guide you’ll find: salary, requirements, training, and exactly how to apply.
Deputy US Marshals are the enforcement arm of the federal courts — the men and women who protect federal judges, apprehend fugitives on the USMS 15 Most Wanted list, manage the federal Witness Security (WITSEC) program, and oversee the custody and transport of federal prisoners. It is one of the most mission-diverse roles in all of federal law enforcement, and deputy us marshal salary 2026 figures reflect that prestige.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Deputy US Marshal |
| Agency | US Marshals Service (USMS) |
| Department | US Department of Justice (DOJ) |
| Announcement Type | Open Continuous — No Closing Date |
| Pay Scale & Grade | GL-7 to GS-12 (entry); promotion to GS-13 |
| Base Salary Range | $51,713–$89,835/yr (GL-7 to GS-12 base) |
| LEAP (Availability Pay) | +25% of base salary — automatic for all Deputy Marshals |
| Total Estimated Pay | $64,641–$116,000+/yr with LEAP and locality |
| Locations | Nationwide — 94 federal judicial districts across all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, USVI, Northern Mariana Islands |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time — Irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Service Type | Excepted Service |
| Age Requirement | Must be appointed before age 37 (veterans may receive waiver) |
| Who May Apply | US Citizens / Nationals |
| Security Clearance | Top Secret (Single Scope Background Investigation — SSBI) |
| Drug Test | Required — ongoing random testing (TDP position) |
| Firearms | Must qualify twice yearly in multiple firearms |
| USAJOBS Link | Click Here to Apply |
About the Role
When people search how to become a US marshal, they often picture car chases and courtroom drama — and they’re not wrong. But the scope of the Deputy US Marshal position goes far beyond that. As a Deputy Marshal, your jurisdiction spans the entire federal justice system.
You’ll be assigned to one of 94 districts — at least one in every US state, plus territories — where you’ll protect federal judges, court officials, and jurors from threats. You’ll hunt fugitives wanted on federal warrants, including some of the most dangerous criminals in America listed on the USMS 15 Most Wanted list. You’ll manage WITSEC — the federal Witness Security program — providing round-the-clock protection to federal witnesses whose testimony puts them in danger. You’ll execute court orders, seize billions of dollars in assets under the Asset Forfeiture program, and transport federal prisoners aboard Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS) flights.
Few federal law enforcement roles offer this breadth. The DEA focuses on drugs. The FBI targets specific threat categories. But the US Marshals Service occupies a uniquely central position at the intersection of every major federal law enforcement function — and usms careers nationwide reflect that versatility in every district.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Protect federal judges, court personnel, jurors, and witnesses in and around federal courthouses nationwide
- Investigate and apprehend fugitives wanted on federal warrants, including violent offenders, sex offenders, and escaped prisoners
- Manage protected witnesses under the federal Witness Security (WITSEC) program — including relocation and 24/7 protection
- Execute federal arrest warrants, search warrants, and court orders
- Seize and manage assets forfeited to the federal government under court order — including real estate, cash, vehicles, and businesses
- Transport federal prisoners domestically and internationally via JPATS (the “Con Air” system)
- Serve legal process including civil, criminal, and administrative process on behalf of federal courts
- Participate in multi-agency fugitive task forces alongside FBI, DEA, ATF, ICE, and local law enforcement
- Respond to courthouse emergencies, security threats, and civil disturbances
- Prepare detailed law enforcement reports, affidavits, and court documents; testify in federal proceedings
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
To meet deputy us marshal requirements, all applicants must satisfy the following at the time of appointment:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any field |
| Experience Substitution | 3 years of general work experience (including 1 year at GL-5 equivalent) may substitute for education at GL-7 |
| Citizenship | US citizen or national — required, no exceptions |
| Age | Must be appointed before 37th birthday; minimum age 21 |
| Driver’s License | Valid driver’s license required at time of appointment |
| Firearms | Must be willing and able to carry a handgun at all times on duty |
| Court Testimony | Must be willing to provide sworn statements and testify in federal court |
Grade-Level Qualifications
| Grade | Base Salary | How to Qualify |
|---|---|---|
| GL-7 | $51,713–$67,228/yr | Bachelor’s degree + Superior Academic Achievement OR 1 year graduate study OR 1 year specialized experience at GL-5 |
| GL-9 | $63,285–$68,442/yr | Master’s degree OR 1 year specialized experience at GL-7 |
| GS-11 | $73,939–$96,116/yr | PhD OR 1 year specialized experience at GS-9 |
| GS-12 | $88,621–$115,208/yr | Promotion through demonstrated performance — no reapplication |
💡 Tip: Most applicants enter at GL-7. Apply at the highest grade level for which you qualify — entry salary with LEAP and Washington DC locality pay at GL-7 exceeds $85,000/year in the first year.
Other Requirements
- Background Investigation: Full Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) — Top Secret clearance required
- Drug Test: Pre-employment and ongoing random drug testing; position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP)
- Physical Fitness: Must pass the USMS Pre-Employment Fitness Test (see Fitness Standards section below) — one attempt only
- Medical: Must meet USMS medical requirements for federal law enforcement; periodic medical exams required
- Mobility Agreement: Must sign a mobility agreement — must be willing to accept assignment to any of the 94 districts; must remain at your first duty station for a minimum of 3 years
- Polygraph: May be required as part of background investigation
- Vision: Corrected to 20/20 required; color vision required
USMS Fitness Standards — Pre-Employment Test
The deputy us marshal requirements include a mandatory physical fitness test that must be passed before attending training. You get one attempt only — no retests.
| Event | Male (Age 21–29) | Female (Age 21–29) | Male (Age 30–39) | Female (Age 30–39) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sit-Ups (1 min) | 38 | 32 | 35 | 27 |
| Push-Ups | 32 | 18 | 27 | 15 |
| 1.5-Mile Run | 12:15 min | 14:20 min | 13:00 min | 15:00 min |
| 300-Meter Sprint | 52 sec | 64 sec | 55 sec | 68 sec |
⚠️ Failing even one event disqualifies you from the entire hiring process. Begin training for the fitness test as soon as you apply — the process from application to training can take 6 to 24 months.
US Marshal Salary 2026 — Full Compensation Breakdown
The us marshal salary 2026 figures are among the strongest in federal law enforcement when all components are added together.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $51,713–$115,208/yr (GL-7 to GS-12) |
| LEAP (Law Enforcement Availability Pay) | +25% of base salary — automatic for all Deputy Marshals |
| Locality Pay | +14.68% (Rest of US) to +33.26% (San Francisco) — added on top of base |
| Estimated Total Pay — GL-7 (Nationwide) | ~$64,641–$75,000+/yr in year one |
| Estimated Total Pay — GL-7 (DC/NY/LA) | ~$85,000–$95,000+/yr in year one |
| Estimated Total Pay — GS-12 (Senior) | $110,000–$150,000+/yr depending on location |
| Career Maximum (GS-13 with locality) | $160,000+/yr in major metropolitan areas |
Salary & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $51,713–$115,208/yr (GL-7 to GS-12 base) |
| LEAP | +25% of base — Law Enforcement Availability Pay |
| Locality Pay | +14% to +33% depending on duty station |
| Health Insurance | FEHB — federal health benefits, ~70% premium covered by government |
| Dental & Vision | FEDVIP |
| Retirement | Law Enforcement FERS — retire at age 50 with 20 years of service; mandatory retirement at 57 |
| TSP (401k) | Thrift Savings Plan with 5% government matching |
| Paid Annual Leave | 13–26 days/year based on tenure |
| Sick Leave | 13 days/year |
| Federal Holidays | 11 paid federal holidays |
| Life Insurance | FEGLI — automatic enrollment |
| Paid Parental Leave | 12 weeks |
| Physical Fitness | Paid time for fitness during duty hours at many districts |
| EAP | 24/7 Employee Assistance Program |
| Tuition Assistance | Available at many districts for continuing education |
US Marshal Training Academy — FLETC Glynco, GA
Understanding the us marshal training academy FLETC is essential before you commit to applying. Training is among the longest and most rigorous in federal law enforcement.
| Phase | Duration | Location | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 — Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) | 10 weeks | FLETC, Glynco, GA | Core federal law enforcement: arrest, search and seizure, firearms, defensive tactics, legal authorities |
| Phase 2 — Deputy US Marshal Basic Training (DUSM-BT) | 8–9 weeks | FLETC, Glynco, GA | Judicial security, fugitive investigations, prisoner operations, WITSEC, advanced firearms, court procedures |
| Total Training | 18–19 weeks | Glynco, GA | Fully paid — salary, housing, and meals provided during academy |
All training is at full pay — you draw your full salary while at the academy. Training is physically and academically demanding. Failure results in separation from the agency.
How to Apply
Applying for deputy US marshal jobs 2026 follows the USMS excepted service hiring process — different from standard competitive service federal hiring:
Step 1 — Create a free account at USAJOBS.gov and build your federal resume. USMS requires a maximum 2-page resume — longer resumes are disqualified. Focus on law enforcement, military, investigative, or relevant professional experience; include exact dates, hours per week, and supervisors.
Step 2 — Search USAJOBS for “Deputy US Marshal” under the US Marshals Service and apply when openings are posted for your region. Positions are filled by District Regional Groups (DRG) — check usmarshals.gov/careers/deputy-us-marshals/district-recruiting-officers to find your local District Recruiting Officer (DRO) and express your interest directly.
Step 3 — Complete the online application questionnaire and submit required documents.
Step 4 — If screened in, complete the Structured Interview and Pre-Employment Fitness Test at a USMS location near you. You get one fitness test attempt — no retests.
Step 5 — Pass the Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) and medical examination.
Step 6 — Receive conditional offer of employment and report to FLETC, Glynco, Georgia for the 18–19 week Basic Training program.
Step 7 — Graduate and report to your first duty station — where you’ll remain for a minimum of 3 years.
⚠️ Important: The USMS uses excepted service hiring — positions are filled through open continuous announcements with rolling referrals based on district needs. The total process from application to training completion can take 6 to 24 months. Contact your local District Recruiting Officer to track openings in your target region. Apply at USAJOBS.gov — search “Deputy US Marshal.”
Veterans’ Preference
Veterans with honorable discharges are eligible for 5-point or 10-point hiring preference. Critically, qualified veterans may receive an age waiver past the standard 37-year cutoff if their military service delayed their application — this is a major advantage for veterans in their late 30s. Veterans with military police (31B), special operations, criminal investigation (CID/OSI/NCIS), or combat arms backgrounds are exceptionally competitive. USMS has a strong veterans hiring culture. Bring your DD-214 and VA disability rating letter if applicable.
About the US Marshals Service
The US Marshals Service was established by the Judiciary Act of 1789 — making it the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency, predating even the FBI by more than a century. Today, USMS operates across 94 federal judicial districts in all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands, with approximately 3,500 Deputy Marshals and 4,000+ total employees.
The USMS apprehends more than 85,000 federal fugitives per year — more than all other federal law enforcement agencies combined. It manages over $3.5 billion in seized assets annually. It protects more than 2,700 federal judges and thousands of prosecutors, witnesses, and court personnel daily. The USMS also operates JPATS — the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System — which transports more than 300,000 prisoners per year on scheduled and charter flights. If you want to work for the agency that hunts the most dangerous criminals in America, protects the entire federal court system, and runs the most famous witness protection program in the world, the Deputy US Marshal position is it.
FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job notification website. This listing is sourced from USAJOBS.gov and USMS.gov for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest details and apply directly at www.usajobs.gov — search “Deputy US Marshal.” We are not affiliated with the US Marshals Service, the Department of Justice, or any US government agency.
Sources
- Deputy US Marshals Careers — USMS.gov
- Qualifications — USMS.gov
- Excepted Service Hiring Process — USMS.gov
- USAJOBS — Deputy US Marshal
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