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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