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Transportation

Transportation Security Officer

Conduct screening of passengers, baggage, or cargo to ensure compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. May operate basic security equipment such as x-ray machines and hand wands at screening checkpoints.

Annual openings

148

Median wage

$71,530

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

+2%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

No certification is required or expected for this job, but you must: - Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National and at least 18 years of age - Pass a drug screening, medical evaluation, and background investigation And you will be subject to post-employment random drug and/or alcohol testing

Work experience

No previous work experience is required, though previous experience in a Customer Service role is highly valued.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsMay vary

Interests it draws on

  • Transportation
  • Aviation

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. Inspect carry-on items, using x-ray viewing equipment, to determine whether items contain objects that warrant further investigation.
  2. Search carry-on or checked baggage by hand when it is suspected to contain prohibited items such as weapons.
  3. Check passengers' tickets to ensure that they are valid, and to determine whether passengers have designations that require special handling, such as providing photo identification.
  4. Test baggage for any explosive materials, using equipment such as explosive detection machines or chemical swab systems.
  5. Perform pat-down or hand-held wand searches of passengers who have triggered machine alarms, who are unable to pass through metal detectors, or who have been randomly identified for such searches.
  6. Notify supervisors or other appropriate personnel when security breaches occur.
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