Transportation Security Screeners

Also Called: Security Screener, Transportation Security Officer (TSO)

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$40,270

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What Transportation Security Screeners do

Conduct screening of passengers, baggage, or cargo to ensure compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. May operate basic security equipment such as x-ray machines and hand wands at screening checkpoints.

  • Inspect carry-on items, using x-ray viewing equipment, to determine whether items contain objects that warrant further investigation.
  • Search carry-on or checked baggage by hand when it is suspected to contain prohibited items such as weapons.
  • Check passengers' tickets to ensure that they are valid, and to determine whether passengers have designations that require special handling, such as providing photo identification.
Industry Areas:

Homeland Security • Transportation

Training Program Areas:

OCT-Only Homeland Security • OCT-Only Transportation • Security & Protective Services • Transportation Office Support

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  • Work With Work Group or Team
  • Contact With Others

Tools

  • X ray radiography examination equipment
  • Two way radios
  • Metal detectors
  • Weapon or explosives detectors and supplies
  • Notebook computers

Technology

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Email software
Computer based training software
Rapiscan Threat Image Projection

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge

Safety and Government
public safety and security
Business
customer service
Arts and Humanities
English language

Education

  • 85% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 11% Some college, no degree
  • 4% Less than high school diploma

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Transportation Security Screeners Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Flight Attendants

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Executive Secretaries & Executive Administrative Assistants

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Brokerage Clerks

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Chief Executives

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

  • Atlanta - Job Corps

    Atlanta, Georgia

  • Excelsior Springs - Job Corps

    Excelsior Springs, Missouri

ACT & College

  • Central Arizona College

    Coolidge, AZ

  • City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College

    Chicago, IL

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

The Military offers exciting career opportunities that align with your interests. Click here to explore military careers and find a recruiter near you.

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Enterprising (Persuader)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Self Control
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Values

  • Support
  • Relationships
  • Independence

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Attention
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Visual Understanding

This is what Transportation Security Screeners across the country typically make.

$19.36 / hour
$40,270 /year

Entry Level

$24.05 / hour
$50,020 /year

Median Level

$30.19 / hour
$62,800 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

Search Jobs