Will AI replace transportation security screeners?AI replacement risk 26% and how the work is changing

United States Protective Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$66,770

25th–75th pct. $57,050–$72,820

Top pay (est.)

$101,900

Top 10% $78,350

Pay in 5 years

$76,500est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$87,700est.

$75,500–$101,900

Outlook score

43/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

26%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

−4.2%

4,500 openings / yr

Will AI replace Transportation Security Screeners? AI replacement risk

26%

Low

Ranked #202 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations

Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Transportation Security Screeners

Key skills

Critical Thinking

3.5

Active Listening

3.5

Coordination

3.4

Monitoring

3.1

Reading Comprehension

3.0

Speaking

3.0

Social Perceptiveness

3.0

Persuasion

3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Public Safety and Security

4.1

Customer and Personal Service

3.9

English Language

3.3

Education and Training

2.9

Law and Government

2.6

Administration and Management

2.6

Psychology

2.2

Transportation

2.1

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting InformationPerforming General Physical ActivitiesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Important abilities

Speech RecognitionProblem SensitivityFlexibility of ClosureFar VisionNear VisionOral Comprehension

Education of workers

High school diploma

85%

Some college

11%

Less than high school

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

48%

1–3 months

22%

3–6 months

11%

None / short demo

6–12 months

1–2 years

Related work experience

None

74%

6–12 months

11%

3–6 months

Up to 1 month

1–2 years

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

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6	First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.	$106,040	61/100	15%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.