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Transportation Security Screeners

Typical education: High school diplomaHigh pressure

What they 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.

Kinds of work

  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.

High pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $66,770 Median per year · $32.10/hr Most earn $44,700–$78,350

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Test baggage for any explosive materials, using equipment such as explosive detection machines or chemical swab systems.
  • View images of checked bags and cargo, using remote screening equipment, and alert baggage screeners or handlers to any possible problems.
  • Locate suspicious bags pictured in printouts sent from remote monitoring areas, and set these bags aside for inspection.
  • Confiscate dangerous items and hazardous materials found in opened bags and turn them over to airlines for disposal.
  • Contact leads or supervisors to discuss objects of concern that are not on prohibited object lists.
  • Follow those who breach security until police or other security personnel arrive to apprehend them.

Job outlook

United States
4% fewer jobs by 2035, declining · about 4,500 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Federal government, excluding postal service91.1%
  • Support activities for air transportation5.7%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: None

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: High school diplomaExperience before this job: NoneEntry-level

This is an entry-level job. Most people start with a high school diploma and no prior work experience, so you can often apply right after graduating.

  1. High school diploma

    About 4 years

    Finishing high school gives you the basic education most screener jobs ask for, and it shows employers you can follow rules and stay reliable.

  2. Transportation Security Screener

    Starts right after hiring

    You learn the screening procedures and how to use equipment like x-ray machines and hand wands through on-the-job training, then work at airport checkpoints checking passengers, bags, or cargo.

Where it can lead

  1. Security Supervisor

    About 1-2 years as a screener or in another security role of experience first

    You would lead a team of security workers, schedule shifts, train new staff, and handle problems at the checkpoint. Showing strong judgment, reliability, and good communication while screening helps you get noticed for this role.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take math and English classes seriouslyStrong reading and math skills help you learn procedures, follow written instructions, and pass any required tests on the job.
  • Get a part-time jobA job at a store, restaurant, or grocery store teaches you to follow rules, handle customers, and show up on time, which are key for screening work.
  • Join a club or teamActivities like student government, sports, or a debate team build teamwork, communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
  • Volunteer locallyVolunteering at a community event or organization shows responsibility and gives you experience working with the public.
  • Check local rules for school-based safety programsSome schools offer classes or clubs in criminal justice or public safety that introduce you to security work and rules.

In college

  • Take courses in communication and public speakingClear communication helps you explain screening steps to travelers and stay calm in tense moments.
  • Work a campus or customer service jobCampus jobs teach you to follow procedures, work with the public, and stay dependable, which are all valued by security employers.
  • Look for internships or job shadowing in aviation or securityHands-on experience at an airport, transit system, or security company helps you see the work up close and make connections.
  • Join a criminal justice or aviation-related student groupThese groups build knowledge of security practices and give you leadership experience you can list on applications.
  • Keep a clean record and learn basic computer skillsMany security employers run background checks, and comfort with computers helps with equipment-based work and reporting.

Tips for getting started

  • Keep a clean record and stay punctual, since many screener jobs require a background check and strong attendance.
  • Build comfort with following detailed step-by-step procedures, such as through a part-time job in a store, restaurant, or other setting with clear rules.
  • Practice clear, calm communication, because screeners often need to explain instructions to stressed travelers.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

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