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What is a transportation security officer and how to become one
A transportation security officer is also called or referred to as TSO. As a transportation security officer, you are saddled with the duty to protect and secure travelers in seaports, highways, airports, railroads, and public transit systems. You are to perform security checks on both travelers and workers by checking ticket information and identification. This could sometimes include physically patting travelers down to check for contraband or weapons. You are also to speak to violators, including telling loiterers to move along.
In addition, you are expected to remain alert at all times. This means that you must be ready to take action if suspicious activity is heard or seen. More importantly, as a transportation security officer, you are to maintain a professional appearance every time by being well-groomed. Also, you are expected to patrol in the assigned area, usually on foot.
Most transportation security officers do not have a college degree education. As a transportation security officer, you will make an average salary of $32,715 per year. However, you must be trained in law enforcement and must be physically fit for the job.
Avg. Salary $36,007
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 3%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.21%
Asian 4.05%
Black or African American 14.31%
Hispanic or Latino 22.21%
Unknown 5.32%
White 53.89%
Genderfemale 42.84%
male 57.16%
Age - 40American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 40Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is basic
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Transportation security officer career paths
Key steps to become a transportation security officer
Explore transportation security officer education requirements
Start to develop specific transportation security officer skills
Skills Percentages Continuous Development 11.72% Law Enforcement 9.02% Hire Training 8.89% TSO 8.28% Unexpected Obstacles 8.00% Complete relevant transportation security officer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New transportation security officers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a transportation security officer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real transportation security officer resumes.Research transportation security officer duties and responsibilities
- Resolve simple, informal complaints from employees and referring others such as formal grievances & appeals to an appropriate manager.
- Conduct entry of paperwork into PMIS.
- Perform search and seizure of drugs and various FAA contraband.
- Operate airport security screening equipment and identify items restrict by the FAA.
Prepare your transportation security officer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your transportation security officer resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a transportation security officer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable transportation security officer resume templates
Build a professional transportation security officer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your transportation security officer resume.
Apply for transportation security officer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a transportation security officer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first transportation security officer job
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Average transportation security officer salary
The average transportation security officer salary in the United States is $36,007 per year or $17 per hour. Transportation security officer salaries range between $29,000 and $44,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do transportation security officers rate their job?
Transportation security officer reviews
The pay is not worth what you have to do sometimes
I don't like jumping shifts day to night and so forth. it tends to mess up the internal clock.
Updated January 8, 2025
