How to become transportation security screenerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become transportation security screeners

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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)

Career path and how to earn more as transportation security screeners

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Security Guards Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules.	$38,020	41/100	39%
2	Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances.	$76,210	58/100	20%
3	Correctional Officers and Jailers Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures.	$58,940	36/100	24%
4	Firefighters Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk.	$59,280	58/100	8%
5	Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.	$33,580	64/100	8%
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.