Overview

TSO – Baggage Screening

Serving as a high-volume international gateway, the aviation hub in the Chicago area requires complex coordination and advanced screening technologies to secure millions of annual flights. A career as a TSO – Baggage Screening places you at the forefront of the nation's transportation security mission. Every shift, you apply federally certified screening skills to protect passengers and airport personnel from security threats. The TSO – Baggage Screening role requires both technical skill and interpersonal composure. Officers must screen efficiently during peak hours, handle passenger concerns with professionalism, and apply sound judgment when security protocols are triggered. Officers serving as TSO – Baggage Screening are eligible for federal retirement under FERS, TSP matching contributions, and union representation through AFGE. This is a career-track position with meaningful benefits from day one.

Serving travelers at Chicago, IL 60666, the Baggage Screening TSO specializes in the detection of prohibited and dangerous items within checked and carry-on luggage before it enters the aircraft cabin or cargo hold. Every bag that travels through this checkpoint tells a story — and it's the Baggage Screening Officer's job to read it accurately and quickly. This position focuses on the operation and interpretation of X-ray and CT baggage screening systems, along with explosive trace detection (ETD) equipment. Officers in this role are trained to recognize complex threat images, resolve passenger alarms calmly and professionally, and coordinate with law enforcement when prohibited items are identified. Shift rotations ensure coverage across all operating hours at Chicago's terminal facilities in IL.
Screening proficiency is developed through hands-on, paid on-the-job training.

Key Responsibilities

  • ✓ Operating computed tomography (CT) baggage screening systems and interpreting 3D threat images
  • ✓ Running explosive trace detection (ETD) swabs on checked baggage flagging automated inline screening alarms
  • ✓ Conducting physical searches of flagged baggage according to SOP, documenting findings accurately
  • ✓ Coordinating with the checkpoint supervisor when a prohibited or suspicious item is identified in Chicago
  • ✓ Maintaining the integrity of the sterile baggage-handling area and preventing unauthorized access
  • ✓ Performing baggage resolution using dual-view X-ray to clear ambiguous images before escalating to a physical search
  • ✓ Communicating with airline and airport ground staff to ensure baggage security chain of custody
  • ✓ Logging all baggage screening resolutions in the TSA Performance and Results Information System (PARIS)
  • ✓ Remaining current on changes to prohibited items lists and new threat categories briefed by TSA headquarters

Requirements & Qualifications

  • • U.S. citizenship
  • • High school diploma or GED
  • • One year full-time work experience or one year of post-secondary education
  • • Pass TSA Computer-Based Test (CBT) including X-ray image interpretation component
  • • Color vision sufficient to distinguish between threat-image colors on screening equipment
  • • Successful Security Threat Assessment and federal background investigation
  • • Physical ability to lift, push, and move baggage items weighing up to 70 lbs

Preferred Skills

  • • Prior experience with X-ray, baggage, or cargo inspection
  • • Familiarity with TSA threat image projection (TIP) training systems
  • • Knowledge of TSA prohibited items list and airline security protocols

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all TSA training is fully paid. Initial training includes both local on-the-job training at your assigned airport and classroom instruction, which may occur at the TSA Academy in Glynco, Georgia.
TSA career employees are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which includes a three-tiered system: a defined-benefit pension, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching up to 5%.
Officers must be able to stand, walk, bend, and lift baggage items (up to 50–70 lbs depending on the role) regularly. Passing a medical evaluation and color vision test is also required.
Yes, to maintain alertness and prevent fatigue, officers rotate through various screening stations (such as document checking, walk-through metal detectors, AIT, and baggage resolution) during their shifts.
High-volume hubs require coordinators and officers to manage complex multi-terminal plans, integrate with international carrier systems, and maintain throughput during peak seasonal travel windows in the Chicago market.

Estimated Pay and Benefits

💰
$19.65 — $29.80 per hour
Estimated Hourly Pay Range
💼 Employment Benefits
  • ●
    Federal Health Insurance (FEHB)
    Medical, dental & vision for career employees
  • ●
    Federal Retirement (FERS + TSP)
    Pension + Thrift Savings Plan with gov't match
  • ●
    Paid Leave Accrual
    13 days annual leave/year starting from day one
  • ●
    Union Representation (AFGE)
    American Federation of Government Employees
📋 TSA Onboarding Vetting
  • ✓U.S. Citizenship is required for all security screening positions.
  • ✓Must pass the TSA Computer-Based Test (CBT) covering X-ray interpretation.
  • ✓Comprehensive medical evaluation and drug screening required.
  • ✓Background investigation and Security Threat Assessment (STA) mandatory.
  • ✓Selective Service registration check (for males born after 1959).
  • ✓All onboarding training is fully paid and conducted by certified TSA instructors.

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