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As of October 2025, the average salary for a Lead Transportation Security Officer stands at $36,127 per year. This role is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of passengers, luggage, and facilities. Factors influencing salary include geographic location, years of experience, and the specific sector within transportation.
In areas with higher living costs, salaries often reflect this, offering more competitive pay. For instance, cities known for significant travel demand may offer higher wages to attract skilled security personnel. Understanding these nuances is vital for job seekers looking to maximize their earnings.
With experience, Lead Transportation Security Officers can move into supervisory or management roles, which typically offer enhanced compensation and responsibilities. Engaging in specialized training or certifications can also bolster prospects for higher-paying positions.
For professionals considering a career in this field, awareness of salary trends and advancement opportunities is essential. By leveraging available resources and staying informed, aspiring officers can effectively navigate their career paths.
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The highest-paying states for lead transportation security officers are Alaska, California, and Washington. The lowest average lead transportation security officer salary states are Alabama, Oklahoma, and Mississippi.
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $49,027 | $23.57 |
| 2 | Arkansas | $38,767 | $18.64 |
| 3 | Washington | $46,402 | $22.31 |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $39,056 | $18.78 |
| 5 | North Dakota | $38,445 | $18.48 |
| 6 | South Dakota | $37,611 | $18.08 |
| 7 | Minnesota | $38,938 | $18.72 |
| 8 | Ohio | $37,068 | $17.82 |
| 9 | New York | $42,321 | $20.35 |
| 10 | Illinois | $38,338 | $18.43 |
| 11 | Massachusetts | $43,768 | $21.04 |
| 12 | California | $46,720 | $22.46 |
| 13 | Nevada | $36,327 | $17.46 |
| 14 | Indiana | $37,801 | $18.17 |
| 15 | Nebraska | $36,569 | $17.58 |
| 16 | Maine | $37,868 | $18.21 |
| 17 | New Jersey | $40,632 | $19.53 |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | $35,532 | $17.08 |
| 19 | Colorado | $40,028 | $19.24 |
| 20 | Vermont | $37,712 | $18.13 |
| 21 | Tennessee | $37,471 | $18.01 |
| 22 | Connecticut | $38,141 | $18.34 |
| 23 | Arizona | $36,086 | $17.35 |
| 24 | Idaho | $34,583 | $16.63 |
| 25 | Oregon | $36,781 | $17.68 |
| 26 | Kentucky | $35,028 | $16.84 |
| 27 | Montana | $34,364 | $16.52 |
| 28 | Iowa | $34,579 | $16.62 |
| 29 | Hawaii | $39,968 | $19.22 |
| 30 | Louisiana | $35,640 | $17.13 |
| 31 | Texas | $35,467 | $17.05 |
| 32 | Wisconsin | $35,014 | $16.83 |
| 33 | Virginia | $36,486 | $17.54 |
| 34 | North Carolina | $35,212 | $16.93 |
| 35 | Florida | $36,664 | $17.63 |
| 36 | Wyoming | $34,676 | $16.67 |
| 37 | Maryland | $37,020 | $17.80 |
| 38 | Missouri | $34,373 | $16.53 |
| 39 | Kansas | $31,621 | $15.20 |
| 40 | New Mexico | $32,064 | $15.42 |
| 41 | Rhode Island | $30,990 | $14.90 |
| 42 | South Carolina | $34,079 | $16.38 |
| 43 | Georgia | $32,720 | $15.73 |
| 44 | Utah | $32,207 | $15.48 |
| 45 | Oklahoma | $31,457 | $15.12 |
| 46 | Mississippi | $31,437 | $15.11 |
| 47 | Alabama | $31,524 | $15.16 |
| 48 | Michigan | $32,612 | $15.68 |
| 49 | West Virginia | $29,660 | $14.26 |
| 50 | Delaware | $30,058 | $14.45 |
| 51 | District of Columbia | $29,725 | $14.29 |
The highest-paying cities for lead transportation security officers are Fairbanks, AK, New York, NY, and Texarkana, AR.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fairbanks, AK | $49,149 | $23.63 |
| 2 | New York, NY | $42,283 | $20.33 |
| 3 | Texarkana, AR | $38,840 | $18.67 |
| 4 | Minot, ND | $38,622 | $18.57 |
| 5 | Quincy, IL | $37,834 | $18.19 |
| 6 | Las Vegas, NV | $36,202 | $17.40 |
| 7 | Madison, WI | $34,908 | $16.78 |
| 8 | Dubuque, IA | $34,814 | $16.74 |
| 9 | Great Falls, MT | $34,618 | $16.64 |
| 10 | Idaho Falls, ID | $34,176 | $16.43 |
| 11 | Savannah, GA | $32,565 | $15.66 |
A lead transportation security officer's salary ranges from $28,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $45,000 at the 90th percentile.

| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $45,000 | $3,750 | $22 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,000 | $3,333 | $19 |
| Average | $36,127 | $3,011 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,000 | $2,583 | $15 |
| 10th Percentile | $28,000 | $2,333 | $13 |
The highest paying types of lead transportation security officers are head of security, transportation officer, and bag checker.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screener | $36,366 | $3,031 | $17.48 | 3,108 |
| Security | $31,836 | $2,653 | $15.31 | 150,586 |
| Head Of Security | $154,257 | $12,855 | $74.16 | 92,369 |
| Lead Security Officer | $43,560 | $3,630 | $20.94 | 114,945 |
| Transportation Officer | $50,972 | $4,248 | $24.51 | 75,504 |
| Transportation Security Officer | $36,007 | $3,001 | $17.31 | 127,192 |
Top companies hiring lead transportation security officers now:
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tsa | $35,872 | $17.25 |
The average lead transportation security officer salary has risen by $6,026 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average lead transportation security officer earned $30,101 annually, but today, they earn $36,127 a year. That works out to a 12% change in pay for lead transportation security officers over the last decade.
Compare lead transportation security officer salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Compare lead transportation security officer salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,100 | $17.37 | +5.7% |
| 2024 | $34,100 | $16.38 | +0.7% |
| 2023 | $33,800 | $16.27 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $33,100 | $15.91 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $32,400 | $15.56 | +0.9% |
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