What is the salary of a Transportation Security Screener?

The typical salary range is $44,352 - $88,704 per year.

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Which studies lead to becoming a Transportation Security Screener?

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Government & Public ServicesDeclining

Transportation Security Screener

Operational-level

Also known as: Airline Security Representative, Airport Baggage Screener, Airport Screener, Airport Security Screener

Government & Public ServicesBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.

Aviation SecurityTransportation SecuritySecurity OperationsHomeland SecurityPublic SafetyRegulatory ComplianceGovernment ServicesPolice & MilitaryGovernment

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the bustling airport terminal before dawn, the air already thick with the hum of early flights. After checking in, you head to the locker room, lacing up your sturdy safety shoes and pulling on your crisp TSA uniform. The team leader gives a quick briefing on potential alerts and checkpoint assignments. Today, you're starting at the X-ray console. You take your position, mentally preparing for the shift as the first trickle of passengers begins to arrive, their luggage gliding onto the conveyor belt.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Linux Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word Oracle Java Slack

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-4.2%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

4,500

per year (US)

Jobs today

53,500

in 2025 → 51,200 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

High

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

Moderate

Time pressure

Moderate

Time spent sitting

Low

Working outdoors

Low

Indoor, climate-controlled

High

Dealing with customers

High

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

The number of Transportation Security Screeners is expected to decline by about 4.2% over the next decade. However, there will still be around 4,500 job openings each year, with a median annual wage of $66,770. With experience, you could advance to roles like Transportation Security Supervisor or Compliance Inspector.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Security Guard
Airport Operations Agent

Transportation Security Screener

Where it can lead

Transportation Security Supervisor
Compliance Inspector
Security Training Officer

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly augment Transportation Security Screeners by automating initial threat detection in scans and flagging suspicious behaviors, boosting efficiency. This shift will likely transform the role, requiring screeners to focus more on verifying AI alerts, resolving complex anomalies, and conducting physical inspections, rather than primary visual identification.

Salary

$66,770

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position