What Transportation Security Screeners do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Transportation Security Screeners this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Ask passengers to remove shoes and divest themselves of metal objects prior to walking through metal detectors"; "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"; "Close entry areas following security breaches or reopen areas after receiving notification that the airport is secure"; "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".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Transportation Security Screeners
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 53,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 51,200 in 2035, a decrease of 2,300 jobs (-4.2%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 4,500 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.4% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $66,770, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Transportation Security Screeners earn the most
Published data currently covers New York, where the employment-weighted average of local median wages is $71,348. More states are added as pages are published.
Occupations related to Transportation Security Screeners
Crossing Guards and Flaggers, School Bus Monitors and Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (33-9000) include Security Guards.
Frequently asked questions about Transportation Security Screeners
What is the national median wage for Transportation Security Screeners?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $66,770.
What is the job outlook for Transportation Security Screeners?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 4.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 4,500 openings a year.
What education do Transportation Security Screeners need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.