• Becoming a Bounty Hunter
• Criminal Justice Degrees
• Law Enforcement Degrees
• Business/Marketing Degrees
• Bounty Hunter Training
• Criminal Justice and Related Degrees

How to Become a Bounty Hunter

1) Start investing in your career as a bounty hunter by pursuing higher education. Though not required, degrees in criminal justice, law enforcement, or business/marketing can help set yourself apart in this competitive line of work. Learn more about Bounty Hunter Training.
2) Every state has different laws when it comes to bounty hunting. Find out what the requirements to be a bounty hunter are in your state and whether or not you need a bounty hunters license.
3) Whether you want work independently or are looking for employment at a company, remember that Bounty Hunting is a business, and not just for those seeking an adrenaline rush.

What does a Bounty Hunter do?

Bounty Hunters, also known as fugitive recovery agents or bail enforcement agents, are responsible for the capture and return of individuals that have failed to show up for their appointed day in court. These individuals are now considered fugitives in the eyes of the judicial system. By jumping bail, these fugitives have left the bail bondsmen in a tough financial predicament. Generally, it is in the best interest of the bail bond agency to hire a bounty hunter to locate and return the fugitive. Upon the capture and successful return of the fugitive, the bounty hunter will receive payment from the bail bond agency. Usually this payment is a set percentage of the original bail paid by the defendant.

Bounty Hunter Salary Information

Salary information is always important regardless of what career you are researching. So how much do bounty hunters get paid? As to be expected, a bounty hunters pay will depend on experience, education, training, and a overall reputation. As mentioned earlier, bounty hunters are paid a percentage of the original bail once a fugitive has been apprehended and returned. As a general rule, expected pay is approximately 10 percent of the original bail. At entry level, a bounty hunter can expect to earn roughly $25,000 per year. Experienced and successful bounty hunters may earn upwards of $100,000 annually. It is important to keep in mind that education can greatly contribute to a bounty hunter's success. Getting a degree in criminal justice or law enforcement can help you be better prepared as you launch into your career as a bounty hunter. Other degrees to consider are those in business, marketing, and communications as strong people skills and knowledge of business operations can help increase your success as well.

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Online Degrees for a Bounty Hunter Career

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In a Hurry? Find Schools that Help Train You to Become a Bounty Hunter Now

University of Phoenix Online:

Request free information about online Criminal Justice programs at University of Phoenix.

American InterContinental University Online: The BSCJ in Special Populations is an accelerated Bachelor's Degree program that will prepare you for careers in federal government, such as an Air Marshal.

Associate's Criminal Justice Administration
BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Forensic Science
BSCJ - Special Populations

Central Pennsylvania College:

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Administration

Colorado Technical University Online:

A.S. in Criminal Justice
B.S. in Criminal Justice
B.S. in Business Marketing

Kaplan University:

AAS in Criminal Justice
AASCJ - Corrections, Law Enforcement, Private Security
BS in Criminal Justice
BSCJ - Law Enforcement, Computer Crime, Corrections, Homeland Security...

Virginia College Online:

AA in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Cybersecurity