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Transportation Security Screener

What You Need to Know About 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

  • Search carry-on or checked baggage by hand when it is suspected to contain prohibited items such as weapons.
  • Contact leads or supervisors to discuss objects of concern that are not on prohibited object lists.
  • 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.
  • Patrol work areas to detect any suspicious items.
  • Direct passengers to areas where they can pick up their baggage after screening is complete.
  • Notify supervisors or other appropriate personnel when security breaches occur.

Transportation Security Screener Required Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Transportation Security Screeners say are important on the job.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

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.

  • Security Screener
  • Baggage Screener
  • Passenger Screener
  • Screener
  • Airport Security Screener

Are There Job Opportunities for Transportation Security Screeners?

There were about 46,100 jobs for Transportation Security Screener in 2016 (in the United States). 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.

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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

The salary for Transportation Security Screeners ranges between about $34,650 and $49,200 a year.

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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 different U.S. states?

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

What Tools do Transportation Security Screeners Use?

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

How to Become a Transportation Security Screener

Learn what Transportation Security Screener education requirements there are.

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Transportation Security Screener?

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Career changers with experience as a Transportation Security Screener sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

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