Transportation Security Screeners

Career summary

Transportation security screeners work at air, rail, and sea terminals. They check boarding passes before passengers go through security checkpoints. They may ask passengers questions about their identity and the purpose of their travel. They run bags, clothing, and other items through scanning machines. They direct passengers through screening machines. They randomly select passengers and baggage for more thorough searches.

Transportation security screeners may do pat-down searches if a passenger sets off an alarm. They follow a number of safety protocols in the event of an alarm. They isolate the suspicious person or baggage. They may close off an area of the airport until it can be thoroughly inspected, and redirect other passengers until the area is reopened. They may physically apprehend suspects.

Transportation security screeners answer passenger questions and help direct them to the next security checkpoint or destination.

Related careers

This career is part of the Government and Public Administration cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Bailiffs
• Border Patrol Agents
• Casino Gaming Workers
• Compliance Officers and Inspectors
• Corrections Officers
• Police Patrol Officers
• Security Guards

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to transportation security screeners.

• Challenge people who may be suspicious. Ask them for identification and why they are in a specific area.
• Follow those who breach security until law enforcement or security arrive.
• Search baggage by hand when it is determined to be suspicious.
• Monitor passenger flow through security to make sure it is efficient and orderly.
• Close areas after security breaches. Reopen when it is determined that everything is safe.
• Record information about baggage that sets off alarms.
• Locate suspicious bags and set aside for inspection.
• Contact police directly in urgent cases, using phones or two-way radios.
• Test baggage for explosive materials.
• Provide directions and respond to passenger inquiries.
• Confer with other screeners and agents throughout the day about suspicious bags or activity.
• Check passenger tickets to make sure they are valid and whether passengers may require special handling.
• Confiscate prohibited items. Tell passengers how to mail items to their home address if they are not allowed to take an item on the plane.
• Send baggage through screening machines. Help passengers go through screening machines, making sure they follow all rules.
• Perform pat-down or hand-held wand searches of passengers who have triggered machine alarms or who cannot go through metal detectors.

Common work activities

Transportation security screeners perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Perform for or work with the public
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Handle and move objects
• Evaluate information against standards
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Teach others
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Coach others
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Control machines and processes
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Develop and build teams
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Document and record information
• Use computers

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, transportation security screeners:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a very high level of social interaction. They question and talk with passengers during their shift.
• Communicate mostly by in-person discussions or on the telephone.
• Must deal with unpleasant or rude passengers on a daily basis.
• Sometimes are placed in conflict situations.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Have limited responsibility for the work done by other agents.
• Usually work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Almost always work indoors. Occasionally work outdoors.
• Regularly wear safety attire, such as latex gloves and face masks.
• Are often exposed to loud sounds and noise levels that may be distracting.
• Are often exposed to contaminants.
• Are sometimes exposed to radiation from the x-ray machines used to scan passenger items.
• Are occasionally exposed to the diseases and infections of passengers.
• May be exposed to extremely bright or dim light.

Work performance

• Must be very exact and accurate when performing their work. Errors could jeopardize flight safety.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities throughout the day.
• Must sometimes match the pace of work to the speed of equipment.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• Most work full time, at least 40 hours a week.
• May work weekends, nights, or early mornings. Shift work is common, especially when working in airports.

Physical demands

Transportation security screeners frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for transportation security screeners to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for transportation security screeners to be able to:

• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Transportation security screeners need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Look for ways to help people.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Law Enforcement and Police Science

Other programs of study to consider

• Aviation Operations and Services
• Homeland Security
• Security Studies

Training

To work as a transportation security screener, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required beyond high school. However, courses in business practices, computer, and airline operations are valuable.

Applicants must be US citizens and be able to read, speak, and write English. They must also pass a background check and routine alcohol and drug tests. In addition, they must pass a physical and aptitude test to be considered for the job.

Training in a second language can be useful and is required in some jobs.

Work experience

Some transportation security screeners have started their careers as freight dispatchers, airline ramp agents, or ticket agents.

On-the-job training

Transportation security screeners usually learn their skills on the job. You work with an experienced screener who oversees your work. For some tasks, you may receive classroom training. Training may last up to one year.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Community Protection
• Computer Applications
• Foreign Language
• Physical Education
• Public Speaking
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

In addition to meeting all the basic criteria for the job, employers look for applicants with very good communication skills. Good transportation security screeners interact well with people but are also authoritative and can make decisions very quickly. Employers also seek screeners with good physical health in case they must apprehend a suspicious person.

Licensing/certification

All transportation security screeners must be certified. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• complete on-the-job training; and
• pass a background test.

For more information about certification requirements, contact:

Transportation Security Administration 

#2/18/20

Wages

Pay varies by employer, area of the country, and the worker's level of experience.

Security screeners who work full time may receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Airports
• Federal, state, and local government agencies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is expected to show little to no change. Demand depends on the perceived threat level at airports and whether screeners are stationed at other travel hubs, such as train stations. It also depends on government funding for security screeners.

Job openings occur as people retire or leave the occupation for other reasons.

Other resources

Airlines for America 
1275 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1300
Washington, DC 20004
202.626.4000

Transportation Security Administration 

References

Career cluster

• Government and Public Administration

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Transportation Security Screeners (33-9093.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupation

• Airline Security Representative (372.667-010) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Enterprising/Realistic/Conventional
• Realistic/Enterprising/Conventional