Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Jobs

TSA Checkpoint At Miami Airport
Joe Raedle / Getty Images

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for keeping travelers and commerce in the United States safe from harm. They secure airports, seaports, railroads, highways, and/or public transit systems. The agency is under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and was created in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks.

TSA Careers

If you're looking for a job with the TSA, you'll find that employees have many roles, from looking for suspicious behavior amongst passengers to overseeing the canines hunting down weapons, drugs, and illegal materials.

While TSA employees handle security for all major modes of transportation, perhaps one of the agency's biggest responsibilities is managing security at airports, where Transportation Security Administration agents screen passengers and their luggage for harmful items.

Before you apply, learn about the TSA and decide which area interests you on the website. Details about the agency's mission as well a list of pay ranges and more are also available online.

TSA Job Listings

The TSA employs full-time and part-time transportation security specialists and law enforcement. Management level positions are also available. The TSA jobs site offers information on the Federal Air Marshal Service and Airport Security job openings in the location where you want to work.

For more information on requirements, benefits, and training, as well as the types of opportunities available, look around the TSA jobs site, which offers background information as well as directions on how and where to apply for positions. Jobs have different application instructions, so carefully follow instructions posted for each job. You may be able to apply online for some TSA positions. 

TSA Opportunities for Veterans

TSA is committed to ensuring the transition from military to civilian life is as seamless as possible. The company has a preference for hiring eligible veterans and individuals. You can learn more about career opportunities at TSA through the Veteran Program Office.

TSA Job Search and Application

TSA applicants can apply on the USAJobs search page by keyword (job title, department, agency, job series, or occupation) and location. After the search, applicants can filter results by Hiring Path, Pay, Department & Agency, Location, Work Schedule, Appointment Type, Security Clearance Level, Percentage Travel, and Job Series (a numbering system for grouping similar occupations).

Those applying online may use as many filters as they want through the filter feature on the right side. Remove a filter simply by clicking on it, at the top of the webpage. 

Select the position of interest and click on the title of the position for further information on job requirements and the description, as well as instructions for completing an application. All applicants must create an account with USAJobs to apply. Access and view your application status updates on your personal Candidate Dashboard.

TSA Employee Benefits

  • The Transportation Security Administration encourages learning and development through educational reimbursement, training, and other opportunities. These programs include classes in professional development, computer skills, and business immersion programs.
  • TSA employee standard benefits include health, dental, life insurance, vacations, a 401(k) savings plan, transportation subsidies, and more. Employees also receive Disney extras, including theme park admissions and discounts on Disney merchandise.

TSA Hiring Requirements

TSA jobs require U.S. citizenship and successful completion of a full background investigation. Those interested in security officer positions must pass a medical examination, be able to read, speak, and write English, and pass a physical ability test, a drug and alcohol screening, and an aptitude test. Eligible candidates must also be18 years or older and have a high school diploma, GED, or security experience equivalent.

TSA “Fast Track to Hiring” Events

The TSA holds job fairs called “Fast Track to Hiring” events throughout the year at various airports to speed up the hiring process for eligible candidates. These events feature multiple hiring shifts in one day.

Applicants can attend an Information Forum to learn more about the position and employment with TSA. Topics include applying for a position, completing a Computer Based Test to evaluate their English language proficiency and x-ray interpretation aptitude. They will also learn how to participate in a structured interview.

More Airport Jobs

If you're interested in working at an airport or for an airline, here are more good airport jobs to consider.