All careers

Transportation Security Screeners

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.

What you’d do

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Test baggage for any explosive materials, using equipment such as explosive detection machines or chemical swab systems.
  • Perform pat-down or hand-held wand searches of passengers who have triggered machine alarms, who are unable to pass through metal detectors, or who have been randomly identified for such searches.
  • Notify supervisors or other appropriate personnel when security breaches occur.
  • Send checked baggage through automated screening machines, and set bags aside for searching or rescreening as indicated by equipment.
  • Decide whether baggage that triggers alarms should be searched or should be allowed to pass through.

Skills that matter

  • Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking
  • Social Perceptiveness

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Security Screener
  • Transportation Security Officer (TSO)

Related careers

See all careers

  • Security Guards

    • Bright Outlook
    • Numerous Job Openings

    Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Transit and Railroad Police

    Protect and police railroad and transit property, employees, or passengers.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Flight Attendants

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. Provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, serve food and beverages, and…

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Baggage Porters and Bellhops

    Handle baggage for travelers at transportation terminals or for guests at hotels or similar establishments.

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Airfield Operations Specialists

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers

    Directly supervise and coordinate activities of security workers and security guards.

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one