CareerSearch.com
Crazy Careers

Bounty Hunter

Bounty Hunter

Career Advice on How to Become a Bounty Hunter

There are only two nations in the world that permit bounty hunting.  One is the United States, and the other is the Philippines.  Thus, if bounty hunter is on your career planning or job search agenda, you are limited to just the United States and the Philippines in terms of your employment opportunities.  However, not to worry, there is still plenty of bounty in just these two countries. 

Career Facts:

A bounty hunter, simply stated, captures fugitives from the law and does so for money.  He or she seeks, in other words to “capture the bounty.”  If you attempt to arrest a fugitive outside of the United States or the Philippines, you may actually be charged with kidnapping.  

Most countries it would seem don’t take too kindly to having their citizens arrested by foreigners. Just ask Duane “Dog” Chapman, a bounty hunter and reality television star.  Chapman has gained fame thanks to his Dog the Bounty Hunter television show. He also found himself in a fairly serious legal situation after taking a bounty out of Mexico.

In general, when one does collect a bounty and effectively captures a runaway evildoer, he does get a reward.  However, it should be noted that this is an all or nothing endeavor; no bad guy, no money.  It should also be noted that it’s pretty common that the bad guys don’t want to be caught.  This can be particularly problematic for violent criminals.  So if you are thinking about going into this line of work, be prepared for some physical altercations that might involve people shooting at you.

Career Opportunities and Job Outlook-Unknown:

Odds are pretty solid that, at least where it’s legal, the job of bounty hunter will probably experience at least an average rate of growth. 

A Day in The Life:

Thousands of people “jump bail” every year, the bounty hunter needs to track them down, keep from getting killed and return them for a reward.  This may sound simple to some, but in practice, it is not.

Average Salary:

The salary for a bounty hunter can vary wildly.  A successful bounty hunter can make a decent living.  However, financial success depends completely upon successfully capturing those bail jumpers.  Unless, you can get your own reality television show, in which case you can do far, far better.

Career Training and Qualifications:

Almost anyone can get into the bounty hunter career.  Short training courses are common.

Want to learn more about these careers?