Transportation security screeners
SOC Code: 33-9093Also known as:
Airline Security Representative, Airport Baggage Screener, Airport Screener, Airport Security Screener, Bag Checker
Median Annual Salary
$63,360
-6.0% growth (2024-2034)
5K
Openings/Year
50K
Current Jobs
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.
💰 Salary
$63,360
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-6.0%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
5K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
50,100
Projected Employment (2034)
47,100
Related Careers
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Top Skills Required
Speaking
Monitoring
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Social Perceptiveness
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Test baggage for any explosive materials, using equipment such as explosive detection machines or chemical swab systems.
- Perform pat-down or hand-held wand searches of passengers who have triggered machine alarms, who are unable to pass through metal detectors, or who have been randomly identified for such searches.
- Notify supervisors or other appropriate personnel when security breaches occur.
- Send checked baggage through automated screening machines, and set bags aside for searching or rescreening as indicated by equipment.
- Decide whether baggage that triggers alarms should be searched or should be allowed to pass through.
- Follow those who breach security until police or other security personnel arrive to apprehend them.
- Inform other screeners when baggage should not be opened because it might contain explosives.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do transportation security screeners make?
The median annual salary for transportation security screeners is $63,360.
What education do transportation security screeners need?
Most transportation security screeners positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming transportation security screeners a good career choice?
Transportation security screeners is projected to see -6.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 4,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for transportation security screeners?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to transportation security screeners?
Transportation security screeners may also be known as: Airline Security Representative, Airport Baggage Screener, Airport Screener, Airport Security Screener, Bag Checker, Baggage Inspector, Baggage Screener, Baggage Security Checker, Biometric Screener, Flight Security Specialist, Notification Specialist, Passenger Screener, Screener, Security Inspector, Security Officer, Security Screener, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Screener, Transportation Security Administration Screener (TSA Screener), Transportation Security Officer (TSO), Transportation Security Screener.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.