What is a Transportation Security Screener?
Job 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.
A Day in the Life of a Transportation Security Screener
- Send checked baggage through automated screening machines, and set bags aside for searching or rescreening as indicated by equipment.
- Confiscate dangerous items and hazardous materials found in opened bags and turn them over to airlines for disposal.
- Monitor passenger flow through screening checkpoints to ensure order and efficiency.
- 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.
- Contact leads or supervisors to discuss objects of concern that are not on prohibited object lists.
- Watch for potentially dangerous persons whose pictures are posted at checkpoints.
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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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Security Inspector
- Biometric Screener
- Security Screener
- Transportation Security Screener
- Screener
Are There Job Opportunities 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.
Do Transportation Security Screeners Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Transportation Security Screeners is somewhere between $34,650 and $49,200.

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
How do I Become a Transportation Security Screener?
Are there Transportation Security Screeners education requirements?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Transportation Security Screeners Work

Transportation Security Screeners work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Are you already one of the many Transportation Security Screener in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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