TSA Screener Job Description & Career Outlook
The Transportation Security Administration employs thousands of individuals known as TSA screeners. TSA screeners are charged with the task of maintaining safety and security at airports across the United States. Note in addition to TSA screeners, there are many opportunities within the Transportation Security Administration including security officers, inspectors, directors, air marshals and managers.
TSA Screeners are responsible for providing safety for persons traveling through the United States. They screen airline passengers, railways, subways and other means of transportation to help prevent attacks on passengers, transportation employees and the surrounding areas. They use a variety of techniques and equipment to screen individuals who are traveling including x-ray machines, standing and hand held metal detectors, physical searches of persons and luggage, use of canines and other security devices such as cameras and surveillance equipment. TSA agents search for weapons, drugs and other contraband that make travel unsafe.
TSA agents are federal government employees working for the Department of Homeland Security. Their primary duties include:
- Discover and stop emerging transportation security threats, utilizing state of the art technology
- Educate and provide friendly customer service to travelers
- Screen passengers and gather intelligence
- Coordinate security involving aviation, rail, and other surface and maritime transportation
- Oversee most transportation-related responsibilities of the federal government during a national emergency
How to Become a TSA Screener
Key requirements to become a TSA agent include:
- Must be a US Citizen or US National; be 18 years old at time of application
- Be proficient in English; have customer service skills
- Dependable & operate with integrity; repeatedly lift/carry up to 70 pounds
- Maintain focus & awareness within a stressful environment
- Get a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in criminal justice to improve odds of hiring
- Meet job-related medical standards and pass background investigation
TSA Screener Salary
Average salary for a TSA agent ranges from $29,795.00 to $44,692.00 per year depending on the individual’s level of education and experience.
TSA Screener Career Outlook
As the United States continues to combat terrorist activity at home and abroad, the opportunities for employment with the Transportation Security Administration continue to grow. As air miles travelled are increasing, TSA screener hiring needs will grow alongside.
TSA Career Related Degrees in Counter Terrorism and Homeland Security
Upper Iowa University
Popular Degree Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Public Administration - Justice and Homeland Security emphasis
- Master of Public Administration - Government Administration emphasis
Southern New Hampshire University
Popular Degree Programs:
- Bachelor of Science - Justice Studies/Terrorism & Homeland Security
-
Popular Degrees:
- Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Associate of Arts in Homeland Security
- Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security
- Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Public Safety
Grantham University
Popular Degrees:
- Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
- Certificate of Learning Computer Forensic Investigations
- Certificate of Learning Criminal Investigation
- Certificate of Learning Juvenile Justice
Strayer University
Popular Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Homeland Security and Information Systems
- Associate in Arts in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Computer Security and Forensics
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Criminal Justice Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Bachelor of Business Administration - Legal Studies
Herzing University
Popular Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety (BSHSPS)
- Associate of Science in Legal Assisting/Paralegal (ASLAP)
- Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies (BSLS)
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJNM)
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security (BSCJHS)
- Associate of Science in Criminal Justice (ASCJ)
Colorado Technical University Online
Popular Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Management - Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Management - Homeland Security
Ashford University
Popular Degrees:
- BA/Social and Criminal Justice
- BA/Social Science - Psychology
- BA/Organizational Management - Homeland Security
- BA/Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- BA/Environmental Studies
Walden University
Popular Degrees:
- Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
- Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) - Homeland Security Policy
- M.S. in Psychology - Terrorism and Security
- B.S. in Criminal Justice - Computer Information Systems and Security
- M.S. in Forensic Psychology - Psychology & Legal Systems
- Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Homeland Security Policy and Administration
- B.S. in Psychology - Criminal Justice
- PhD in Public Policy/Admin - Terrorism/Mediation/Peace
Test Drive College Online
If you are thinking about online college but you’re not sure if it's for you, you should apply for Test Drive College Online. It is the only program that provides students with the opportunity to "try" online learning by taking a real college course online at no cost or obligation. Plus, the credits you earn may save you up to $2000 in tuition when you apply them toward a full degree. Get Started!
