What Do Transportation Security Screener Do?
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.
Life As a Transportation Security Screener
- Record information about any baggage that sets off alarms in monitoring equipment.
- Locate suspicious bags pictured in printouts sent from remote monitoring areas, and set these bags aside for inspection.
- Search carry-on or checked baggage by hand when it is suspected to contain prohibited items such as weapons.
- Decide whether baggage that triggers alarms should be searched or should be allowed to pass through.
- Close entry areas following security breaches or reopen areas after receiving notification that the airport is secure.
- Inform passengers of how to mail prohibited items to themselves, or confiscate these items.
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Things a Transportation Security Screener Should Know How to Do
When polled, Transportation Security Screeners say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Types of Transportation Security Screener
- Security Officer
- Transportation Security Screener
- Airport Screener
- Baggage Screener
- Notification Specialist
Transportation Security Screener Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 46,100 jobs for Transportation Security Screener in 2016. 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.
Salary for a Transportation Security Screener
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 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 |
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
What education or degrees do I need to become a Transportation Security Screener?

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.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those who work as a Transportation Security Screener sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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