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What Does it Take to Be a Transportation Security Screener?
Occupation 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.
Daily Life Of a Transportation Security Screener
- Inspect checked baggage for signs of tampering.
- Inform other screeners when baggage should not be opened because it might contain explosives.
- 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.
- Inform passengers of how to mail prohibited items to themselves, or confiscate these items.
- Confiscate dangerous items and hazardous materials found in opened bags and turn them over to airlines for disposal.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Transportation Security Screener?
These are the skills Transportation Security Screeners say are the most useful in their careers:
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Types of Transportation Security Screener Jobs
- Transportation Security Screener
- Flight Security Specialist
- Screener
- Security Screener
- Airport Security Screener
Job Outlook for Transportation Security Screeners
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 46,100 jobs in the United States for Transportation Security Screener. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 2.6% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,200 new jobs for Transportation Security Screener by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 4,200 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Transportation Security Screener are Nevada, Utah, and Nebraska. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, New Jersey, or West Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Transportation Security Screener Average Salary
Transportation Security Screeners make between $34,650 and $49,200 a year.
Transportation Security Screeners who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or North Dakota, make the highest salaries.
How much do Transportation Security Screeners make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $39,850 |
| Alaska | $49,440 |
| Arizona | $40,880 |
| Arkansas | $39,280 |
| Connecticut | $44,560 |
| District of Columbia | $99,160 |
| Florida | $40,550 |
| Georgia | $40,760 |
| Hawaii | $41,430 |
| Idaho | $39,380 |
| Illinois | $42,290 |
| Indiana | $38,570 |
| Iowa | $39,560 |
| Kansas | $38,990 |
| Kentucky | $39,580 |
| Louisiana | $38,630 |
| Maine | $40,940 |
| Maryland | $42,560 |
| Massachusetts | $43,920 |
| Michigan | $41,580 |
| Mississippi | $38,270 |
| Missouri | $38,930 |
| Montana | $39,830 |
| Nebraska | $38,700 |
| Nevada | $38,980 |
| New Hampshire | $42,980 |
| New Jersey | $44,370 |
| New Mexico | $37,970 |
| New York | $41,600 |
| North Carolina | $39,350 |
| North Dakota | $45,970 |
| Ohio | $40,780 |
| Oklahoma | $38,910 |
| Rhode Island | $42,830 |
| South Carolina | $36,740 |
| South Dakota | $38,810 |
| Tennessee | $39,550 |
| Texas | $42,160 |
| Utah | $38,380 |
| Vermont | $42,200 |
| Virginia | $40,960 |
| Washington | $42,940 |
| West Virginia | $41,000 |
| Wisconsin | $39,970 |
| Wyoming | $41,190 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Transportation Security Screeners
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Transportation Security Screeners:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Linux
- Oracle Taleo
Becoming a Transportation Security Screener
Individuals working as a Transportation Security Screener have obtained the following education levels:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Transportation Security Screeners Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Transportation Security Screeners employed by various industries.
Related Careers
Those who work as a Transportation Security Screener sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.