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How much do federal air marshal service jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for federal air marshal service in the United States is $29.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Federal Air Marshal Service?

The Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) is a federal law enforcement agency within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that is responsible for protecting the nation's civil aviation system. Air Marshals are trained to detect, deter, and respond to criminal and terrorist activities on board commercial flights and at airports. They work undercover to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, often traveling on both domestic and international flights. In addition to their presence on airplanes, Federal Air Marshals may also participate in other transportation security operations and collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Air Marshal?

To thrive as a Federal Air Marshal, you need law enforcement training, firearms proficiency, and physical fitness, generally supported by a background in criminal justice or prior security experience. Familiarity with surveillance technology, defensive tactics, and federal security protocols is typically required, along with completion of specialized training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). Keen observational skills, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for effectively detecting and responding to threats, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining security in the aviation environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Federal Air Marshals while performing their duties?

Federal Air Marshals often face the challenge of maintaining high levels of vigilance and readiness during long, unpredictable flight schedules, which can be physically and mentally demanding. They must remain alert while blending in with passengers, requiring excellent observation and discretion. Additionally, adapting quickly to new security threats and working closely with different law enforcement agencies is essential. The role also demands ongoing training to stay updated on the latest security protocols and defensive tactics.

What is the difference between Federal Air Marshal Service vs Transportation Security Officer?

AspectFederal Air Marshal ServiceTransportation Security Officer
Required CredentialsFederal law enforcement credentials, firearms certification, specialized trainingSecurity screening certification, training in passenger screening
Work EnvironmentOnboard aircraft, in airports, covert operationsAirport security checkpoints, passenger screening areas
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal governmentU.S. Transportation Security Administration, Federal government

The Federal Air Marshal Service and Transportation Security Officer roles both serve security functions within the transportation industry. While the Air Marshal is a law enforcement officer focusing on onboard security and covert operations, the TSA officer primarily conducts passenger screening at airports. Both positions require security training, but the Air Marshal role involves firearms and law enforcement credentials, making it more specialized and enforcement-oriented.

How do you become a Federal Air Marshal Service?

To become a Federal Air Marshal, candidates must meet age, background, and physical fitness requirements, pass a series of assessments including interviews and medical exams, and complete specialized training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Prior law enforcement or military experience is often preferred. Applicants must also obtain a Top Secret security clearance and be willing to work irregular hours and in various environments.

Is it hard to be a Federal Air Marshal Service?

Becoming a Federal Air Marshal requires passing a rigorous selection process that includes written exams, background checks, physical fitness tests, and training. The job involves high responsibility, vigilance, and the ability to handle stressful situations, making it a challenging but rewarding career for qualified candidates.
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Federal Air Marshal Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Air Marshal Service job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,848 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Federal Air Marshal-AFSD-LE

TSA FOIA Library | Homeland Security

Saint Thomas, VI • On-site

$109K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 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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