How much does a security screener make?
a year · about $32 an hour
A typical security screener in the United States makes $66,770 a year, about $32 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
At an airport checkpoint, screeners use machines to check bags and passengers, guide the line, and answer travelers’ questions. If something triggers an alarm, they may search the bag or conduct a pat-down.
Did you know? At a TSA checkpoint, officers may swab a pet owner’s hands to check for explosive traces while screening the pet.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $44,700 and $78,350How do you become one?
Finish high school or earn a GED, then apply to TSA once you are 18 and a U.S. citizen or national. Pass the computer test, airport assessment, medical and drug checks, and background check; TSA provides new-hire training.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like keeping things organized and building and doing
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., TSA screeners may earn more as they gain experience, build job skills, and complete training tied to pay progression. Airport location matters, and part-time hours or overtime can change how much someone earns overall.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New Jersey ($74,400), lowest in Missouri ($51,210).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $44,700 | $66,770 | $78,350 | about 50,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $74,400 | about 1,000 |
| California | $73,610 | about 5,000 |
| Massachusetts | $73,510 | about 1,000 |
| Maryland | $72,240 | about 570 |
| New York | $72,010 | about 4,000 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.tsa.gov/about/careers/tso
- jobs.tsa.gov/federal-hiring-process
- www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/TSA%20-%20Screening%20Workforce%20Pay%20
- www.usajobs.gov/job/862274400
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes339093.htm
- www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2023/02/14/tsa-tips-traveling-pets-through-secur
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY