Airport Security Agent (TSA Screening) | Entry Level

TSA; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health coverage

Retirement plan

Overtime pay

Career growth

Job summary

TSA is hiring Transportation Security Officers to screen travelers and property at airports nationwide. The role involves operating screening equipment, making real-time decisions to spot prohibited items, and ensuring courteous, professional service. Training is provided, regardless of prior experience.

Openings: Nationwide. Pay ranges from $40,332 to $91,767 with shift work; benefits include health coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and overtime opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED/HiSET/TASC).
• 1 year full-time experience in the security industry, aviation screening, or as an X-ray technician.
• Paid, unpaid, and volunteer experience may be credited. Part-time experience is credited proportionally.

Responsibilities

• Operate screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and on passengers
• Conduct screening and searches, which may include pat-downs and bag/property searches
• Lift/carry bins, bags, and property up to 50 lbs
• Control terminal entry/exit points
• Give directions and respond to traveler questions
• Stay focused in a high-noise, high-pressure environment (alarms, crowds, time pressure, and sometimes disruptive or angry passengers)
• Follow TSA procedures and adapt to new protocols as they change

Skills

Attention to detail

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Explore Career Opportunities as a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) with TSA

TSA is hiring Transportation Security Officers across the United States. TSOs are the face of the agency, the people on the front lines who play an important role at TSA. TSOs are responsible for screening travelers and property while keeping the experience courteous and professional. TSA offers paid training to prepare you for success, regardless of your experience level.

Position Details

Openings: Nationwide

Pay: $40,332 - $91,767

Schedule: Shift work set by the airport (may include nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, extended shifts, and split shifts)

Remote/Telework: Not available

Relocation: Not provided

Drug Test: Yes (including random testing after hire)

Perks and Benefits

• Paid Time Off: Annual leave + sick leave, plus paid federal holidays
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision (plus life insurance options)
• Retirement: Federal retirement plan + TSP (401k-style) with up to 5% match
• Extra Pay: Overtime and premium pay for nights, Sundays, and holidays (varies by shift/location)
• Career Growth: Paid training and opportunities to move up or transfer to other airports

Role Overview

As a TSO, you’ll screen passengers and property, operate screening technology, and make real-time decisions to spot and stop prohibited or dangerous items.

What You’ll Do

• Operate screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and on passengers
• Conduct screening and searches, which may include pat-downs and bag/property searches
• Lift/carry bins, bags, and property up to 50 lbs
• Control terminal entry/exit points
• Give directions and respond to traveler questions
• Stay focused in a high-noise, high-pressure environment (alarms, crowds, time pressure, and sometimes disruptive or angry passengers)
• Follow TSA procedures and adapt to new protocols as they change

Minimum Qualifications (Meet One)

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED/HiSET/TASC)

OR

Experience

• 1 year full-time experience in the security industry, aviation screening, or as an X-ray technician

Paid, unpaid, and volunteer experience may be credited. Part-time experience is credited proportionally.

Requirements to Be Hired

• U.S. Citizen or U.S. National
• At least 18 years old at the time of application
• Must pass the TSA CBT exam
• You may need to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods of time.

Hiring Process (What to Expect)

If you meet minimum qualifications, all candidates are required to take the TSA computer-based test (TAB CBT)

It’s a timed exam testing your attention to detail, X-ray/object recognition, and reading comprehension. Passing drastically increases your chances to be hired.