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Career Profile

Transportation Security Screeners

What they do:

Conduct screening of passengers, baggage, or cargo to ensure compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. May operate basic security equipment such as x-ray machines and hand wands at screening checkpoints.

Also Called:

Security Screener, Transportation Security Officer (TSO), Security Screener, Transportation Security Officer (TSO)

TX Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$46,510
Starting Salary (2025)
$68,640
Median Salary (2025)
-6.0%
Projected Job Growth
4,300
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Contact leads or supervisors to discuss objects of concern that are not on prohibited object lists.
Notify supervisors or other appropriate personnel when security breaches occur.
Test baggage for any explosive materials, using equipment such as explosive detection machines or chemical swab systems.
Challenge suspicious people, requesting their badges and asking what their business is in a particular areas.
Provide directions and respond to passenger inquiries.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Enterprising
Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Self-Control
Stress Tolerance
Adaptability/Flexibility

What key skills are needed for this job?

Monitoring
Speaking
Coordination
Social Perceptiveness
Active Listening
Critical Thinking

Expected Knowledge

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 85%
  • Some college 11%
  • Less than high school 4%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Security Guards
Transit and Railroad Police
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
Flight Attendants
Baggage Porters and Bellhops

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.