Entry-level Transportation Security Officer (TSO) roles with the TSA, focused on screening passengers and property at airport checkpoints while keeping interactions courteous and professional. It’s a frontline security position with shift-based schedules, onsite work, and strong federal benefits. Standout perk: paid training plus overtime/premium pay and a federal retirement plan with TSP match.
- Paid training, entry-level friendly
- Federal benefits and retirement (TSP match)
- Overtime and premium pay available
Explore Career Opportunities as a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) with TSA
TSA is hiring Transportation Security Officers across the United States. TSOs are the face of the agency, the people on the front lines who play an important role at TSA. TSOs are responsible for screening travelers and property while keeping the experience courteous and professional. TSA offers paid training to prepare you for success, regardless of your experience level.
Position Details
- Openings: Nationwide
- Pay: $40,332 - $91,767
- Schedule: Shift work set by the airport (may include nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, extended shifts, and split shifts)
- Remote/Telework: Not available
- Relocation: Not provided
- Drug Test: Yes (including random testing after hire)
Perks and Benefits
- Paid Time Off : Annual leave + sick leave, plus paid federal holidays
- Health Coverage : Medical, dental, and vision (plus life insurance options)
- Retirement : Federal retirement plan + TSP (401k-style) with up to 5% match
- Extra Pay : Overtime and premium pay for nights, Sundays, and holidays (varies by shift/location)
- Career Growth : Paid training and opportunities to move up or transfer to other airports
Role Overview
As a TSO, you’ll screen passengers and property, operate screening technology, and make real-time decisions to spot and stop prohibited or dangerous items.
What You’ll Do
- Operate screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and on passengers
- Conduct screening and searches, which may include pat-downs and bag/property searches
- Lift/carry bins, bags, and property up to 50 lbs
- Control terminal entry/exit points
- Give directions and respond to traveler questions
- Stay focused in a high-noise, high-pressure environment (alarms, crowds, time pressure, and sometimes disruptive or angry passengers)
- Follow TSA procedures and adapt to new protocols as they change
Minimum Qualifications (Meet One)
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED/HiSET/TASC)
OR Experience
1 year full-time experience in the security industry, aviation screening, or as an X-ray technician
Paid, unpaid, and volunteer experience may be credited. Part-time experience is credited proportionally.
Requirements to Be Hired
- U.S. Citizen or U.S. National
- At least 18 years old at the time of application
- Must pass the TSA CBT exam
- You may need to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods of time.
Hiring Process (What to Expect)
If you meet minimum qualifications, all candidates are required to take the TSA computer-based test (TAB CBT) . It’s a timed exam testing your attention to detail, X-ray/object recognition, and reading comprehension. Passing drastically increases your chances to be hired.
Disclaimer
This is not a job offer from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This post promotes a third-party resource that helps applicants prepare for TSA job applications. TSA does not charge to apply. Applicants must pass required assessments and successfully complete the multi-step hiring process.
How Our Program Helps (Optional section for your offer)
For a one-time access fee, you get tools and resources to prepare for TSA’s process, including the CBT/TAB-style assessment and what comes next:
- Step-by-step guide to the TSA hiring process
- Practice-style prep for the computer-based assessment
- Interview prep guidance
- Support via email/chat