Sign up for our newsletter
Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates and insights in online education. Get exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert advice, and special offers tailored for your educational journey.
Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates and insights in online education. Get exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert advice, and special offers tailored for your educational journey.
This bar graph shows the annual salary for Transportation Security Officer (TSO)s.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Transportation Security Officer (TSO)s.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: -1%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Check passengers' tickets to ensure that they are valid, and to determine whether passengers have designations that require special handling, such as providing photo identification.
Inspect carry-on items, using x-ray viewing equipment, to determine whether items contain objects that warrant further investigation.
Search carry-on or checked baggage by hand when it is suspected to contain prohibited items such as weapons.
If you're interested in a career that helps ensure the safety of travelers across the United States, you might want to consider becoming a Transportation Security Officer (TSO). Here's a step-by-step guide to help you understand the requirements and process.
First and foremost, know what a TSO does. As a TSO, you'll be responsible for securing airports and screening passengers, luggage, and cargo to prevent any harmful items from being transported on aircraft.
Before applying, ensure you meet the following prerequisites:
Visit the USAJOBS website to find open TSO positions. Create an account, prepare your resume, and submit your application through the platform.
After submitting your application, you may be asked to take the Computer Based Test (CBT). The CBT assesses your English language proficiency and x-ray interpretation abilities.
If you pass the CBT, you'll be invited to participate in an interview. During this stage, demonstrate your communication skills, professionalism, and decision-making abilities.
Upon successful completion of the interview process, you'll be required to undergo training at the TSA Academy. This includes both classroom and on-the-job training.
As a TSO, you must maintain certification by passing recurrent training and assessments. This ensures that you remain up-to-date with procedures and regulations.
For more detailed information about becoming a TSO and to start your application process, visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website.
A Transportation Security Officer, commonly referred to as a TSO, is responsible for providing security for travelers in airports and other transportation facilities. They work under the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Their duties include:
To become a TSO, you must meet certain requirements and go through the TSA's hiring process. The steps typically involve:
For more detailed information on the application process, visit the TSA careers page (noopener noreferrer).
TSOs have various opportunities to advance within the TSA structure. Career progression can include:
TSOs may also pursue specialized roles in areas like canine handling, explosives detection, or training.
TSOs receive comprehensive training that includes:
Yes, the TSA offers both full-time and part-time positions for TSOs. Part-time positions can provide flexibility for individuals who have other commitments or are seeking a work-life balance.
TSOs enjoy a range of federal employee benefits, including:
Current job openings for TSOs are listed on the USAJOBS website (noopener noreferrer), where you can search for positions by location, salary range, and other criteria.
The demand for TSOs fluctuates based on factors like travel volume, national security concerns, and budgetary constraints. However, as air travel remains a vital part of global transportation, there is generally a steady need for qualified security personnel to protect the traveling public.