Title: How to Become a Bounty Hunter: A Quick Guide
Headings: How to Become a Bounty Hunter: A Quick Guide
How to Become a Bounty Hunter: A Quick Guide
While many have watched the popular “Dog the Bounty Hunter” series as a glimpse into this world, some industry insiders see it as a glamorized view of the career.
Table of Contents
Find Schools
What Is a Bounty Hunter?
The Bail Process and the Parties Involved
Public Bail
Private Bail
Find Schools
Desired Traits and Characteristics for Bounty Hunters
Steps for Becoming a Bounty Hunter
1. Research your state’s regulations.
2. Complete training or gain relevant experience in the field.
3. Build relationships with bail bondsmen.
Find Schools
How Is a Fugitive Recovery Agent Paid?
Bounty Hunter License Information, Requirements, Training, Education, and Regulations
Research Bounty Hunter Regulations by State
Additional Resources

Content: Bounty hunters receive as compensation a portion of the posted bond, typically a fee between 10-25% of the value of the bond, when they successfully find, arrest, and return the accused to court. While this seems to take the profit from the bondsman, the contract signed will usually assign these fees to the recaptured fugitive. To get work from bail bondsmen, a fugitive recovery agent must know the bondsman and must demonstrate to them an ability to get the job done. The best proxy for pay is the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)-tracked category of private detectives and investigators. In May 2014, the BLS reported an average annual salary of $52,880. 3 The states of California and Florida employed the highest number of detectives and investigators in May 2014, with 3,640 and 2,430 re