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Air Marshal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Transportation Security Administration

$109K - $142K/yr

Summary The Federal Air Marshal (FAM) serves as Assistant Federal Security Director-Law Enforcement (AFSD-LE) at a Category I, II, or III airport. Reporting to the Special Agent in Charge (SAC ...

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How much do air marshal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for air marshal in the United States is $26.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an air marshal?

Air Marshals are highly trained law enforcement officers who work undercover on commercial flights to protect passengers and crew from threats such as terrorism and hijacking. They are part of the Federal Air Marshal Service, a division of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States. Air Marshals are skilled in firearms, self-defense, and crisis management, and their presence helps maintain security and deter criminal activity during flights. Their identities are kept confidential to enhance their effectiveness in preventing and responding to potential threats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air marshal, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Marshal, you need law enforcement or military experience, firearms proficiency, and completion of specialized federal training programs. Familiarity with security protocols, surveillance technology, and federal regulations is essential, often supported by certifications from agencies like the Federal Air Marshal Service. Exceptional situational awareness, discretion, and strong decision-making under pressure are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure Air Marshals can effectively deter and respond to threats, maintaining safety and security aboard commercial flights.

What are some common challenges faced by air marshals during flights, and how are they trained to handle them?

Air Marshals often face the challenge of remaining vigilant and alert for long periods while blending in with passengers to avoid detection. They must be prepared to respond quickly to potential threats in a confined and unpredictable environment, such as an aircraft cabin. Training emphasizes situational awareness, crisis de-escalation, and firearms proficiency in close quarters. Air Marshals also regularly participate in scenario-based exercises to simulate real in-flight incidents and maintain readiness.

What is the difference between Air Marshal vs Security Officer?

AspectAir MarshalSecurity Officer
Required CredentialsSecurity training, aviation security certificationSecurity guard license, basic security training
Work EnvironmentOnboard aircraft, airports, security checkpointsBuildings, premises, event venues
Employer & IndustryAirlines, airports, government agenciesPrivate security firms, corporations, government

Air Marshals and Security Officers both focus on security, but Air Marshals operate primarily onboard aircraft and require specialized aviation security training. Security Officers work in various environments like buildings and events, with different certification requirements. While both roles aim to ensure safety, Air Marshals are highly trained to handle threats during flights, whereas Security Officers provide general security services on the ground.

Do all air marshals carry guns?

Air marshals are law enforcement officers responsible for airline security and are typically armed with firearms to respond to threats onboard. They undergo specialized training in weapons use, self-defense, and threat assessment to perform their duties effectively.

How do you become an air marshal?

To become an air marshal, candidates typically need to meet age and physical fitness requirements, pass background checks, and complete specialized training provided by the transportation security or law enforcement agency. Prior experience in law enforcement, military, or security fields can be advantageous, and candidates must often obtain security clearances and certifications before deployment.

What do air marshals do all day?

Air marshals are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of passengers and crew on flights. Their daily activities include monitoring for suspicious behavior, conducting security checks, and responding to potential threats, often while traveling undercover. They also coordinate with airline and security personnel and maintain their training and certifications to stay prepared for emergencies.
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Air Marshal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Marshal job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,346 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Federal Air Marshal-AFSD-LE

TSA FOIA Library | Homeland Security

Saint Thomas, VI • On-site

$109K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Federal Air Marshal (FAM) serves as Assistant Federal Security Director-Law Enforcement (AFSD-LE) at a Category I, II, or III airport. Reporting to the Special Agent in Charge (SAC), Incumbent will work closely with the Federal Security Director (FSD) to ensure airport safety and security. This position operates under limited direction as a specialist or team lead for various work activities.Qualifications:To qualify for the AFSD-LE SV-I Pay Band you must meet the qualification requirements outlined below:
  1. Be serving as a current, credentialed TSA LE Federal Air Marshal; AND
  2. To qualify for the SV-I Pay Band (equivalent to GS-13), you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the SV-H or GS-12 Pay Band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is defined as:
    • Communicating LE/FAMS goals and objectives to external partners or stakeholders; AND
    • Experience with Federal, state or local agency programs or activities that impact or relate to TSA operations or similar security programs.

Conditions of Employment
MOBILITY AGREEMENT: Individuals selected for this position must sign a mobility agreement as a condition of employment.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: This position requires a Top-Secret Security Clearance. Selectees must undergo and successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation and credit check as a condition of placement/retention in the position. The background investigation will include a check of credit history and criminal record, interviews with prior employers, and contacts with references, co-workers, and personal associates, family members and friends. A candidate may be disqualified from selection or removed from employment as a Federal Air Marshal based on information obtained during this background investigation. The employee will also be subject to a 5-year periodic reinvestigation.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING: Selectees will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing during employment.
PHYSICAL ABILITY: This position requires employees to engage in moderate to arduous physical exertion. Employees must meet and maintain medical requirements for law enforcement officers (including medical examinations and physical abilities assessments). Employees may be required to engage in physically strenuous and stressful activities during potentially dangerous duties that include but are not limited to, the use of defensive tactics.
TRAINING: This position requires employees to successfully complete all relevant training programs.
FIREARMS: Federal Air Marshals are required to carry a firearm and maintain firearms proficiency as part of conducting law enforcement activities. Federal Air Marshals may be required to use deadly force, if necessary.
LAUTENBERG NOTICE: Title 18 USC, Section 922 (g) (9), automatically disqualifies anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from being appointed to this position.
TRAVEL: Selectees will be required to travel constantly while on duty. Federal Air Marshals are required to travel at various times during the day and night, and this travel routinely requires overnight stays both domestically and internationally. Federal Air Marshals are often required to travel to areas or locations that may be dangerous or present health hazards.
DUTY LOCATION/TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENTS: Federal Air Marshals must be available for permanent or long-term temporary (e.g. 30-day, 90-day, 120-day, etc.) assignments in any U.S. or international location in which the Federal Air Marshal Service operates.
HOURS OF DUTY: Federal Air Marshals are subject to 24-hour on-call duty. The work day of a Federal Air Marshal is often longer than 8 hours and will include working overtime, extended hours, and/or an irregular schedule as assigned. Federal Air Marshals are subject to changing shifts and assignments based on the needs of the Federal Air Marshal Service. Flexible schedules are not available and candidates must agree to perform the duties and duty tours as assigned.
This position has secondary coverage under 5 USC 8336(c) for applicants covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and 5 USC 8412(d) for applicants covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Applicants covered by CSRS in a primary position under 5 USC 8336(c) must meet eligibility requirements for mandatory separation under 5 USC 8335(b), including coverage in a primary position, before transferring directly, without a break in service exceeding 3 days, to a secondary position. Applicants covered by FERS in a rigorous position under 5 USC 8412(d) must meet the eligibility requirements for mandatory separation under 5 USC 8425(b), including coverage in a rigorous position for at least 3 years, before transferring directly, without a break in service exceeding 3 days, to a secondary position.
Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of this vacancy announcement.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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