Occupation · SOC 33-9093
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.
Median wage
$63,360
$45,010–$75,940
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
46,340
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
0 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingCoordinationActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingService OrientationReading ComprehensionPersuasionWritingInstructingActive LearningOperations MonitoringComplex Problem SolvingTime ManagementOperation and ControlNegotiationQuality Control AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesSystems EvaluationTroubleshootingSystems AnalysisEquipment MaintenanceOperations AnalysisMathematicsManagement of Material ResourcesEquipment SelectionScienceRepairingManagement of Financial ResourcesProgrammingTechnology DesignInstallation
Knowledge areas
Public Safety and SecurityCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageLaw and GovernmentEducation and TrainingTransportationAdministration and ManagementPsychologyForeign LanguageComputers and ElectronicsAdministrativeTelecommunicationsPersonnel and Human ResourcesCommunications and MediaSociology and AnthropologyPhilosophy and TheologyMechanicalMathematicsEconomics and AccountingProduction and ProcessingEngineering and TechnologyTherapy and CounselingChemistrySales and MarketingGeographyPhysicsHistory and ArcheologyMedicine and DentistryDesignBuilding and ConstructionBiologyFood ProductionFine Arts
Technology & tools
Applicant tracking softwareEmail softwareLinuxMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordOracle JavaOracle TaleoRapiscan Threat Image ProjectionSlackWeb browser software
Representative tasks
Getting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicPerforming General Physical ActivitiesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesHandling and Moving ObjectsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeTraining and Teaching OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCoaching and Developing OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersControlling Machines and ProcessesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsDocumenting/Recording InformationCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentAssisting and Caring for OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationAnalyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationScheduling Work and ActivitiesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesPerforming Administrative ActivitiesThinking CreativelyRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentSelling or Influencing OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
X-ray viewing equipment — operate under direct supervision to inspect carry-on items for objects warranting further investigation at a checkpoint lane.Passenger tickets and travel documents — verify validity and identify special-handling designations under close guidance at a screening station.Explosive detection machines and chemical swab systems — apply standardized test procedures to checked baggage under supervisor direction in a screening area.Automated baggage screening machines — send checked bags through and set aside flagged items as indicated by equipment under direct oversight.Hand-held wand searches — conduct on passengers who have triggered metal detector alarms following step-by-step protocols learned in initial training.Security breach procedures — recognize and immediately notify a supervisor when an anomaly or potential breach is observed at the checkpoint.Prohibited item recognition — identify basic categories of restricted objects on x-ray displays by following agency reference guides and training materials.Passenger communication — deliver clear, polite screening instructions to travelers using practiced scripted language at the checkpoint entry.Baggage hand-search procedures — assist a senior screener in physically searching carry-on bags suspected of containing prohibited items.Checkpoint monitoring duties — maintain attentive observation of the screening lane for short periods under supervisor oversight, applying attention-to-detail habits learned in training.
developing
X-ray image interpretation — analyze carry-on item scans with reduced oversight to distinguish benign objects from those warranting secondary screening at a busy checkpoint.Hand searches of carry-on and checked baggage — conduct thorough physical inspections independently when prohibited items are suspected, following established TSA protocols.Passenger document verification — routinely check tickets, boarding passes, and photo identification to validate credentials and flag anomalies without constant supervisor input.Explosive trace detection equipment — operate swab systems and automated detection machines on checked baggage, interpret results, and escalate positives in a timely manner.Pat-down search procedures — perform full pat-down searches on passengers who cannot pass through or have triggered alarms, applying correct technique and maintaining passenger dignity.Alarm adjudication decisions — evaluate whether bags or individuals triggering alarms should proceed, receive additional screening, or be held, applying agency decision criteria.Passenger de-escalation — use active listening and calm verbal communication to manage frustrated or anxious travelers while maintaining checkpoint flow.Coordination with checkpoint team — synchronize lane duties with fellow screeners and lane supervisors to maintain efficient throughput during moderate passenger volume.Computer-based training modules — complete recurrent certification exercises using training software to maintain proficiency on evolving threat recognition standards.Incident documentation — record security events and equipment anomalies accurately using electronic mail or office suite software for supervisor review.
proficient
Complex x-ray image analysis — independently identify ambiguous or deliberately concealed prohibited items across a full shift under varying passenger-volume conditions.Multi-method passenger screening — autonomously select and apply the appropriate combination of metal detection, wand search, or pat-down based on alarm type and passenger circumstance.Checked baggage screening workflow — manage the full automated baggage screening process end-to-end, including rescreening decisions and chain-of-custody documentation, without supervisory prompting.Threat credibility assessment — apply deductive and inductive reasoning to determine whether a triggered alarm represents a genuine security risk, escalating or clearing based on evidence.Non-routine security breach response — lead immediate containment actions when a breach occurs, coordinating with law enforcement and supervisors until the situation is resolved.Special-needs passenger handling — adapt screening procedures sensitively and in compliance with regulations for passengers with medical devices, disabilities, or VIP designations.Checkpoint performance monitoring — observe lane operations across an entire shift, identifying inefficiencies or compliance gaps and making real-time adjustments to restore standard protocol.Peer mentoring on equipment use — guide newer screeners through correct operation of explosive detection machines and x-ray equipment during live checkpoint operations.Regulatory knowledge application — interpret and apply current TSA directives and security advisories to daily screening decisions without requiring supervisor clarification.Passenger persuasion and compliance — use evidence-based communication techniques to gain voluntary cooperation from resistant travelers while upholding security requirements.
advanced
Checkpoint security strategy — develop and implement lane assignment plans, staffing rotations, and contingency protocols to sustain security effectiveness across a high-volume terminal.Screener performance development — design and deliver on-the-job coaching sessions and scenario-based drills that build x-ray interpretation and pat-down proficiency across the team.Security breach policy leadership — lead post-incident reviews, identify systemic vulnerabilities, and recommend procedural changes to regional security management.Alarm adjudication standards — establish and communicate decision criteria for ambiguous alarm situations, ensuring consistent and defensible checkpoint-wide judgment under pressure.Cross-functional coordination — liaise with airline staff, law enforcement, and airport operations leadership to align security protocols and resolve jurisdictional issues at the organizational level.Training program oversight — evaluate and update computer-based training content and recurrent certification requirements to reflect emerging threat intelligence and equipment upgrades.Workforce integrity and conduct standards — model and enforce the highest standards of attention to detail, cautiousness, and professional integrity, addressing compliance failures through formal channels.Technology adoption leadership — assess new screening technologies and software tools, pilot implementations, and lead change-management efforts to ensure seamless integration at the checkpoint.Stress and resilience culture — institute team practices and supervisory routines that build stress tolerance and self-control across screeners operating in sustained high-pressure environments.Operational reporting and analytics — synthesize checkpoint incident data and throughput metrics using spreadsheet and cloud-based software to produce executive-level briefings that inform resource and policy decisions.
Also known as
22 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Airline Security RepresentativeAirport Baggage ScreenerAirport ScreenerAirport Security ScreenerBag CheckerBaggage InspectorBaggage ScreenerBaggage Security CheckerBiometric ScreenerFlight Security SpecialistNotification SpecialistPassenger ScreenerScreenerSecurity InspectorSecurity OfficerSecurity ScreenerTransportation OfficerTransportation Security Administration (TSA) ScreenerTransportation Security Administration Screener (TSA Screener)Transportation Security Officer (TSO)Transportation Security ScreenerTransportation Security Specialist