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Transportation Security Screeners

Also called: Security Screener, Transportation Security Officer (TSO)

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What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
  • Inspect carry-on items, using x-ray viewing equipment, to determine whether items contain objects that warrant further investigation.
  • Search carry-on or checked baggage by hand when it is suspected to contain prohibited items such as weapons.
  • 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.

Knowledge

Safety and Government
  • public safety and security
Business
  • customer service
Arts and Humanities
  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • talking to others
Social
  • changing what is done based on other people's actions
  • understanding people's reactions

Abilities

Verbal
  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say
Attention
  • pay attention to something without being distracted
Ideas and Logic
  • notice when problems happen
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
Visual Understanding
  • see hidden patterns

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Self Control
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Electronic mail software
  • Email software
Computer based training software
  • Rapiscan Threat Image Projection

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
some college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
$45,470
$39,330
$55,870
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about transportation security screeners.