Transportation Security Screeners
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.
Also called: Airline Security Representative, Airport Baggage Screener, Airport Screener, Airport Security Screener, Bag Checker, Baggage Inspector
Median pay
$66,770
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$44,700 – $78,350
People employed
50,290
Holland code
CRE
Conventional · Realistic · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 2.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 6.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Dealing with conflict is part of the job
Transportation Security Screeners pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What transportation security screeners do
- 01Inspect carry-on items, using x-ray viewing equipment, to determine whether items contain objects that warrant further investigation.
- 02Search carry-on or checked baggage by hand when it is suspected to contain prohibited items such as weapons.
- 03View images of checked bags and cargo, using remote screening equipment, and alert baggage screeners or handlers to any possible problems.
- 04Check passengers' tickets to ensure that they are valid, and to determine whether passengers have designations that require special handling, such as providing photo identification.
- 05Test baggage for any explosive materials, using equipment such as explosive detection machines or chemical swab systems.
- 06Perform 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.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Self-Control
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from transportation security screeners
- Flight Attendants83% · −5%
- Transit and Railroad Police79% · +35%
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters78% · +17%
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors77% · −13%
- Subway and Streetcar Operators77% · +29%
Change into transportation security screeners
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Parking Enforcement Workers81% · $46,730
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops80% · $37,080
- Flight Attendants80% · $63,580
- Customs and Border Protection Officers77% · $76,210
- Orderlies77% · $38,290