The amount a bail bondsman makes can vary depending on several factors, including the jurisdiction, the bail bond amount, and the terms of the agreement between the bondsman and the defendant.

A bail bondsman charges a non-refundable fee, which is usually a percentage of the total bail amount, to post bail on behalf of the defendant. This fee is often around 10% to 15% of the bail amount but can vary. For example, if the bail is set at $10,000 and the bondsman charges a 10% fee, the defendant would pay the bondsman $1,000 to secure their release.

In addition to the initial fee, the bondsman may also require collateral, such as property or assets, to secure the bond. This collateral serves as a guarantee that the defendant will comply with the conditions of their release and show up for all court appearances.

If the defendant complies with all requirements and the case is resolved without any issues, the bail bondsman typically keeps the initial fee as their profit. If the defendant fails to comply with the conditions of their release, such as missing a court appearance, the bondsman may forfeit the bail bond and be responsible for paying the full bail amount to the court.

The earnings of a bail bondsman can vary depending on the volume of business, the size of the bail bonds written, and the success rate in recovering forfeited bonds.