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Airport Security Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Maximus Global Services

Security Officer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$19.36/hr

MGS has immediate openings for Security Officer at Dulles International Airport. Pay Rate: $-----19.36 per hour Status: Full Time and Part Time Benefits: * Paid Training * 401(k) Retirement Plan

Maximus Global Services

Security Officer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$19.36/hr

MGS has immediate openings for Security Officer at Dulles International Airport. Pay Rate: $-----19.36 per hour Status: Full Time and Part Time Benefits: * Paid Training * 401(k) Retirement Plan

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Airport Security information

See Reston, VA salary details

$14

$21

$39

How much do airport security jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for airport security in Reston, VA is $21.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an airport security officer?

Airport security officers are professionals responsible for ensuring the safety and security of passengers, staff, and aircraft at airports. Their duties include screening passengers and luggage, monitoring security equipment such as X-ray machines and metal detectors, and responding to potential security threats or emergencies. They work to prevent prohibited items from being brought onto aircraft and help enforce regulations set by aviation authorities. Airport security officers play a critical role in maintaining safe travel environments and deterring criminal activity within airport premises.

What does an airport security officer do?

A job in airport security is to screen, monitor, and protect passengers who pass through an airport. The specific job duties depend on the type of position, but many airport security workers in the United States work for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The responsibilities of TSA employees are to screen passengers and baggage as they enter the secure area of the airport. Airport security may also patrol the airside and landside terminals of an airport, direct traffic on airport roads, clear employees and contractors working at the airport, and monitor video surveillance equipment of airport grounds.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airport security officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airport Security Officer, you need knowledge of security procedures, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, often accompanied by specialized security training. Familiarity with screening equipment, X-ray machines, and security monitoring systems is commonly required, as well as passing relevant certification exams. Strong interpersonal skills, alertness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you handle diverse situations and interact effectively with travelers. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and airport operations while maintaining efficient and respectful security processes.

What are some common challenges faced by airport security personnel and how can they be managed?

Airport security personnel often face challenges such as dealing with high-stress situations, managing long hours, and interacting with travelers from diverse backgrounds. Effective communication, strong observational skills, and regular training on updated security protocols are essential for managing these challenges. Teamwork is also crucial, as security staff frequently collaborate with law enforcement, airline personnel, and other airport staff to ensure a safe and efficient environment. Staying adaptable and maintaining a professional demeanor can help security personnel handle unexpected situations effectively.

What is the difference between Airport Security vs TSA Agent?

AspectAirport SecurityTSA Agent
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, security trainingHigh school diploma, TSA certification
Work EnvironmentAirports, security checkpointsAirport security areas, screening stations
Employer & IndustryAirports, private security firmsTransportation Security Administration (TSA)
Job FocusOverall security screening and safetyPassenger screening, baggage checks

Airport Security is a broad term encompassing various roles involved in maintaining airport safety, including screening passengers and baggage. TSA Agents are specific personnel employed by the TSA responsible for passenger screening and security checks. While both roles work in airport security environments, TSA Agents are a subset focused on passenger and baggage screening, often with specific certifications and federal employment status.

How can I become airport security?

To become an airport security officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete security training provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or relevant agency. Certification in security procedures and good communication skills are also important, and officers often work in a fast-paced environment with irregular hours.

How do I join airport security?

To join airport security as a security officer, you typically need to meet age and background check requirements, complete security training, and obtain necessary certifications such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) certification in the United States. Applicants often need to pass a criminal background check and drug screening, and may be required to work flexible hours including nights and weekends.

How much does airport security get paid?

Airport security officers typically earn an average hourly wage of $15 to $20, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $40,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and employer, and the role often requires certification and security training.
More about Airport Security jobs

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Airport Security jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airport Security job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,247 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Airport Security Officer-DCA

GLOBAL SECURITY CONSULTING GROUP IN

Arlington, VA

$21.11/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Airport Security Officer – Aviation Security Company

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport- Arlington, VA (Must have a valid/active VA DCJS license)

Global Elite Group- Providing world-class aviation security through innovation and people committed to excellence.

Global Elite Group is a highly specialized aviation security company, comprised of a diverse and collaborative team of committed professionals, industry leaders, and subject matter experts who rely on optimized processes and tools to deliver quality services. 

Our unarmed security officers are in the forefront of homeland security, safeguarding infrastructure and ensuring seamless and secure operations in many of the largest and busiest airports in the country. 

Global is an equal-opportunity employer.  All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. 

Benefits: 

  • $21.11 per hour- part time/full time
  • Paid training- participate in a world class internationally recognized training program in a federally regulated industry
  • Employee engagement, and opportunities for advancement
  • Tenure and Performance Recognition Program
  • Paid time off

Position Overview: Security personnel are trained for several different posts including those detailed below. Working in conjunction with the airport and government agencies, the main priority of each position is to ensure that we maintain compliance with local and federal regulations in respect to each of the following:

  • Reporting actual or potential breach of Airport Security
  • Maintain all communication protocols in a professional and efficient manner
  • Alarm and emergency response including communicating with necessary airport community stakeholders and first responders to ensure timely response to all reported incidents
  • Maintaining access control to secured areas within the airport
  • Verify personal identification and access badge of person/people requesting entrance to secured areas
  • Vehicle inspection and access control in designated areas
  • Patrolling airside and landside areas of the airport; including parking lots, aviation department offices, construction sites, and providing traffic management in designated areas
  • Providing crowd control and interacting with traveling public in a professional and courteous manner
  • Prepare written reports and records of all events, i.e., discrepancies, security incidents or breaches.

Qualifications:

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Must have a valid State Security License
  • Upon hire, must provide proof of legal right to work in the United States
  • Ability to effectively speak, write, and understand the English language
  • High School Diploma or G.E.D.
  • Must be able to pass all initial and recurrent training classes and exams as administered by Global Security and Airport Authority
  • Must have access to reliable transportation

Apply