Public Safety

How to become a Transportation Security Officer

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

1–3 months

Typical pay

$40k–$55k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required — not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   1–3 months

   Apply through the federal system

   USAJOBS posting, an assessment, and a colour-vision and hearing check.

2. 2

   1–2 months

   Pass the background investigation

   Federal suitability check and drug screen. This step takes the longest.

3. 3

   3–6 weeks

   Complete TSA basic training

   Paid classroom and on-the-job training at your airport.

4. 4

   1–3 years

   Move up or across

   Lead officer, behaviour detection, or across into other federal law enforcement.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Transportation Security Officer

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