Transportation Security Screeners Salary 2025: $66,770 Median, -6% Decline
Transportation Security Screeners earn a median of $66,770 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The typical range runs from $44,700 at the 10th percentile to $78,350 at the 90th. That works out to roughly $32 an hour.
How much Transportation Security Screeners earn
The median annual wage for Transportation Security Screeners is $66,770, with the mean at $64,310. Most screeners earn between $44,700 and $78,350. The top 10% pull in over $78,350, while the bottom 10% make under $44,700.
Pay varies by employer and location. Federal government jobs, which employ the vast majority of screeners, tend to follow GS pay scales. Experience and shift differentials also affect take-home pay.
Pay by state
Highest-paying states include New Hampshire ($76,130), New Jersey ($74,400), California ($73,610), Massachusetts ($73,510), and Maryland ($72,240).
On the lower end, screeners in North Dakota ($54,950), Montana ($54,770), and Missouri ($51,210) earn significantly less. Cost of living partly explains the spread, but federal pay locality adjustments play a big role.
How to become Transportation Security Screener
The TSA hires Transportation Security Screeners directly. Minimum requirements: U.S. citizenship, high school diploma or GED, and passing a background check, drug test, and medical evaluation. You also need to be at least 18 years old.
The hiring process includes a computer-based test (CBT) covering English and X-ray image interpretation, plus a structured interview. Once hired, you complete paid training at the TSA Academy and on-the-job training. No prior security experience is required, but customer service or security-related roles help.
Certification is not required upfront, but screeners must maintain TSA certification and complete annual recurrent training.
- U.S. citizenship, high school diploma or GED, age 18+
- Pass background check, drug test, medical evaluation
- Take and pass the TSA computer-based test and interview
- Complete paid training at the TSA Academy (2–3 weeks) plus on-the-job training
- Maintain certification through annual recurrent training
Job outlook
The BLS projects a 6% decline in employment for Transportation Security Screeners from 2024 to 2034, meaning about 4,700 openings each year on average. The decline is tied to automation (advanced screening technology) and budget constraints. However, replacement needs due to turnover will keep openings steady.
Despite the negative growth rate, job security is reasonable for current screeners. The TSA is a federal agency, so layoffs are rare. Competition for new hires may increase as the number of positions shrinks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary of a Transportation Security Screener?
The median annual salary is $66,770, with a mean of $64,310. Most earn between $44,700 and $78,350.
How do I become a Transportation Security Screener?
You need U.S. citizenship, a high school diploma or GED, and must pass a background check, drug test, medical exam, and TSA computer-based test. Hiring includes a structured interview and paid training at the TSA Academy.
Is the job outlook good for Transportation Security Screeners?
The BLS projects a 6% decline in employment from 2024 to 2034, with about 4,700 openings per year. Automation and budget cuts are shrinking the field, but turnover creates jobs.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Transportation Security Screeners data.