Overview

TSO – Passenger Screening

The security checkpoint at the Local Area airport facility plays a critical role in maintaining safety standards for local and regional departures. The TSO – Passenger Screening position is central to daily checkpoint and terminal security operations. This federal role within the Department of Homeland Security offers a career with purpose, stability, and real impact on public safety. Day-to-day responsibilities for a TSO – Passenger Screening include screening passengers and baggage, resolving checkpoint alarms, documenting security incidents, and communicating professionally with travelers from all walks of life. TSA offers competitive federal pay, comprehensive benefits through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, and a clear career advancement path for high-performing officers. This TSO – Passenger Screening position is an investment in your long-term federal career.

The safety of air travelers at Local Area, US 00000 begins at the passenger screening checkpoint, where TSO – Passenger Screenings interact directly with the traveling public to verify identity, detect concealed threats, and maintain the secure boundary between the public and sterile areas of the terminal. This is one of TSA's most demanding and most essential roles. Passenger Screening TSOs in Local Area operate advanced imaging technology (AIT) units, walk-through metal detectors, and conduct physical screenings with professionalism and respect for every individual. Officers must be able to clearly explain procedures, manage anxious or non-compliant passengers, and make rapid decisions under pressure — all while maintaining the courteous public image that TSA expects of its workforce in US.
This position qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Key Responsibilities

  • ✓ Operating advanced imaging technology (AIT) and walk-through metal detectors at Local Area security lanes
  • ✓ Conducting full-body AIT screenings and interpreting automated target recognition (ATR) results
  • ✓ Performing pat-down screenings on passengers who alarm or opt out of AIT screening, following TSA SOP
  • ✓ Verifying boarding passes and identification using document reader technology at the checkpoint entry
  • ✓ Instructing passengers on carry-on preparation, liquid rules, and checkpoint procedures before entering the lane
  • ✓ Screening passengers with special needs, medical devices, and mobility aids with sensitivity and professionalism
  • ✓ Preventing unauthorized individuals from accessing the sterile area at the Local Area terminal
  • ✓ Reporting checkpoint anomalies, suspicious behavior, and security incidents to supervisory personnel
  • ✓ Maintaining screening lane throughput during peak travel hours while upholding security standards

Requirements & Qualifications

  • • U.S. citizenship
  • • High school diploma or GED
  • • Minimum one year of security, customer service, or aviation-related work experience, or one year of college
  • • Pass the TSA CBT including English proficiency and X-ray components
  • • Pass a medical evaluation and color vision test
  • • Clear Security Threat Assessment and TSA background investigation
  • • Physical stamina to stand, walk, and remain alert throughout rotating shifts

Preferred Skills

  • • Experience in crowd management or high-volume public service environments
  • • Conflict de-escalation or crisis communication training
  • • Bilingual English/Spanish or English/other language skills valued at Local Area international gates

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the TSA follows federal guidelines for Veteran Preference. Eligible veterans can receive preference points added to their passing assessment scores during the hiring process.
Full-time TSA employees accrue 13 days of paid annual leave and 13 days of paid sick leave per year from their start date. Annual leave accrual increases to 20 days per year after 3 years of service.
The frontline TSA CBT evaluation measures English language proficiency, writing skills, and object recognition, specifically interpreting 2D and 3D X-ray images to identify potential threats.
Because airports operate 24/7, frontline TSA officers work rotating shifts, which include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. Shift assignments are bid on by seniority.
Local operations are centered at the regional airport serving Local Area, US 00000. Onboarding, facility orientation, and primary duties are completed directly at this terminal.

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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