Transportation Security Officer

Transportation Security Officer Job Description

Airport security is a very high priority for the federal government, so there’s a great need for skilled Transportation Security Officers. As an officer, you may help screen passengers, do physical screens of passengers, and perform security screens on luggage. This position tends to involve lots of interaction with people from different age groups, countries, and backgrounds. In addition, you must spend lots of time on your feet as a TSO.

When you compare this job to other criminal justice careers, it has far fewer requirements than the majority of jobs. If you are looking for an entry-level career in the Transportation Security Administration, this may be a great place to start. The hiring process can be long, as selected applicants must take a variety of tests and assessments. These assessments test your knowledge of the English language, your vision, and other skills that are critical to your job performance.

How to Become a Transportation Security Officer

The Transportation Security Administration tests its applicants on a range of skills to determine whether or not they are appropriate for a TSO position. They note that TSOs must have at least a high school diploma or GED. However, you can use work experience to qualify for this position as well. If you have one year or more of full-time work experience as an x-ray technician, you may be considered qualified for a Transportation Security Officer job.

Once the Transportation Security Administration has established that you meet their minimum requirements, they can put you through a list of tests to determine your eligibility. You take a Computer Based Test that measures your command of the English language. In addition, the test will look at your ability to interpret x-rays of people and packages. You must also pass a medical evaluation, a color vision test, an interview that tests your decision making skills, and a drug screen. The Transportation Security Administration will compile all of your qualifications and test results to label you as Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified. From there, they make their hiring decisions and assign people to airports across the country.

According to the TSA blog, training is a significant part of any Transportation Security Officer’s job. Upon getting hired, you must complete a training program that is over 120 hours long. This training includes classroom education and practical, on-the-job training. You may be tested on this information before you are allowed to officially begin your career. Depending on your assignment, you may have to complete more training; officers that screen passengers and baggage must complete further on-the-job training. On an annual basis, you may have to go through a certification process that rigorously tests your knowledge, ability to interpret x-rays, and ability to work with the public.

Transportation Security Officer Salary and Career Outlook

The job outlook for Transportation Security Officers is fairly positive. Job growth for TSOs is expected to remain steady through 2032, which is a little slower than the average job growth for all professions in the U.S.

If you want the best job outlook possible, you may need to be willing to relocate. When the Transportation Security Administration posts positions, they are typically looking for people to work at specific airports throughout the country. If you’re open to working at any airport that is hiring, then you may be able to find available jobs more quickly than those who want to stay in a specific geographic area.

Your salary is dependent on which pay band you get hired at and how qualified you are for the job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, TSOs earned an average wage of $48,520 in 2022.

Focus and concentration are two incredibly important skills to have in this job. Airports are notoriously noisy, and you must be able to focus on what you’re doing in the midst of noise and large crowds.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.