The Average Salary of Airport Screeners

by Aurelio Locsin, studioD

Since the events of 9/11, the job of airport screeners has taken on added significance. It uses detection technology to defend against dangerous terrorist activity and to protect the flying public. These security workers ensure that no weapons or other illegal devices enter secure airport areas or airplanes. Their salaries depend on their job titles.


The Transportation Security Administration determines the salaries of airport security workers. This federal organization, which is under the Department of Homeland Security, does not depend on the standard GS grading pay system used by most government agencies. Instead, the TSA uses its own SV grading system that distinguishes pay levels using letters. As of 2012, the lowest pay band of A showed minimum annual salaries of $17,083 and a maximum of $24,977. The maximum pay band of M ranged from $120,236 to $155,500. This did not included adjustments based on the location of the job.


Airport screeners at the first level are known as transportation security officers. They start with pay band D at $25,518 to $38,277 per year, or E at $29,302 to $44,007 per year. They screen passengers at airport checkpoints using basic security equipment such as X-ray machines, body scanners and hand wands. They learn the theories and factors behind airport screening, and must be able to communicate about them in a non-technical way to passengers. They participate in information briefings containing classified information and meet frequently with supervisors about any weaknesses in the screening process.


In 2012, lead transportation security officers started at pay band F, which ranged from $33,627 to $50,494 per year. They act in a supervisory capacity by assigning schedules and tasks to subordinate officers. They train team members, monitor and report on work performance, approve emergency leave of up to three days and solve simple, informal employee problems. They represent their team members in discussions with supervisors or higher-level managers. They also implement new security procedures, oversee security stations and participate in the screening of passengers.


Supervisory transportation security officers in 2012 began at pay band G, which ranged from $39,358 to $60,982 per year. They oversee screeners, law enforcement staff, and equipment at security checkpoints. They interpret federal and TSA procedures and policies, conduct training sessions for screeners, coach staff in customer service and solve all problems without management intervention, except for unique technical issues. They evaluate job performance, approve leave and take disciplinary action when necessary. They participate in the screening when needed and resolve issues with the flying public. They also help managers with information requests and investigations.

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