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Transportation Security Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Transportation Security Inspector information

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How much do transportation security inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for transportation security inspector in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Transportation Security Inspectors?

Transportation Security Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring the safety and security of various modes of transportation, such as airports, railways, highways, and ports. They inspect facilities, equipment, and operations to ensure compliance with federal security regulations and standards. Their duties often include conducting investigations, assessing security protocols, and providing guidance on improving transportation security. These inspectors play a crucial role in protecting the public and preventing security threats within the transportation system.

What are some typical challenges Transportation Security Inspectors face when balancing security protocols with efficient travel operations?

Transportation Security Inspectors often encounter the challenge of enforcing strict security regulations while minimizing disruptions to travelers and transportation schedules. They must remain vigilant for potential threats, conduct thorough inspections, and ensure compliance with federal standards, all while working collaboratively with airport staff, law enforcement, and transportation operators. Balancing these priorities requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and sound judgment, especially during peak travel times or special security alerts.

What is the difference between Transportation Security Inspector vs Transportation Security Officer?

AspectTransportation Security InspectorTransportation Security Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, TSA certification, security trainingHigh school diploma, TSA training
Work EnvironmentInspections at airports, security assessmentsPassenger screening at airport checkpoints
Employer & IndustryTransportation Security Administration (TSA), aviation securityTSA, aviation security
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Transportation Security Inspectors focus on inspecting security measures and ensuring compliance at airports, while Transportation Security Officers handle passenger screening and security checks. Both roles are essential in aviation security, but they differ in responsibilities and work scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Transportation Security Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Transportation Security Inspector, you need a solid understanding of transportation security regulations, investigative techniques, and typically a background in law enforcement or security-related fields. Familiarity with security screening equipment, incident reporting systems, and certifications such as those offered by the TSA are often required. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help inspectors identify threats and collaborate with various stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for maintaining safety standards and protecting transportation systems from security risks.
More about Transportation Security Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Transportation Security Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Transportation Security Inspector job openings:
What states have the most Transportation Security Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Transportation Security Inspector jobs include:
Infographic showing various Transportation Security Inspector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,990 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Supervisory Transportation Security Officer

Supervisory Transportation Security Officer

Transportation Security Administration

Edgartown, MA • On-site, Remote

$84K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

New


Transportation Security Administration rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 234 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 279 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
Securing Travel, Protecting People - At the Transportation Security Administration, you will serve in a high-stakes environment to safeguard the American way of life. In cities across the country, you would secure airports, seaports, railroads, highways, and/or public transit systems, thus protecting America's transportation infrastructure and ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce.
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Duties
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This Supervisory Transportation Security Officer position is located at Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY), Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO), you will be responsible for mitigating actual and potential threats against civil aviation and other transportation modes. You will also perform and supervise in your area of specialty, which may include Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) and Lead Transportation Security Officers (LTSOs) in the performance of all security functions related to the screening of people, property, and cargo through the use and application of procedures, techniques, and technology. In addition, you will make independent, security-based decisions using intelligence, critical thinking, experience, observation, and passenger engagement. Typical duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Conducting and supervising subordinate employees in conducting pre-board security screening of persons, their carry-on and checked baggage/cargo.
  • Overseeing screening checkpoint(s) and/or baggage screening operations on a day-to-day basis to include equipment, personnel, and the scheduling and rotation of personnel.
  • Participating in the development of new policies and procedures, and recommending changes in policy and procedures based on observation of work, as required.
  • Participating in the development of strategic planning initiatives, workforce planning, succession planning initiatives, and other reports and documents for TSA and superiors.
  • Engaging in continuous development of critical thinking skills necessary to mitigate security threats by identifying, evaluating, and applying appropriate situational options and approaches.
  • Preparing various types of communications such as morning briefings, checkpoint logs, reports, and documents that are germane to the work performed.
  • Developing incident information and reports for Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) and superiors.

Supervisory/Managerial: duties include serving as a first line supervisor for the organization. This includes, but is not limited to: assigning work, setting priorities, and reviewing and evaluating work and performance of subordinates; approving leave; coaching and developing employees; recommending corrective or disciplinary actions; resolving routine problems that typically impact the objectives of the organizational unit; when required, coordinating with customers outside the immediate organization; supervising employees performing special program work; and serving as the supervisor-in-charge of an assigned airport or other transportation terminal.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
  • Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
  • Complete a favorable Background Investigation (BI).
  • Obtain and maintain a Secret level security clearance.
  • Pass pre-employment Drug Screening AND you will be subject to post-employment random drug and alcohol testing.
  • Selective Service registration is required.
  • Must be available to work various shifts and overtime, as needed.
  • Must meet and maintain medical requirements for screening work (including a medical examination and physical abilities assessment) including, but not limited to, the following:
    • Be able to efficiently and thoroughly manipulate and lift baggage, containers, and other objects subject to security processing
    • Be able to repeatedly lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds
    • Be able to maintain physical agility that would allow you to squat, bend, and lean to inspect individuals and baggage/cargo
    • Be able to maintain the ability to walk up to two miles during a shift and stand for prolonged periods (e.g., 3-4 hours) of time
    • Be able to maintain a measured threshold for sight: Distance vision correctable to 20/30 or better in the best eye and 20/100 or better in worst eye. Near vision correctable to 20/40 or better Snellen binocular
    • Maintain a measured threshold for hearing: Average hearing loss of 25 decibels (ANSI) at 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz in each ear. No greater than 45 decibels at 4000 and 6000 Hz in each ear
    • Be able to distinguish principal colors that will be a part of images displayed on automated screens: Color perception (e.g., red, green, blue, yellow, orange, purple, brown, black, white, gray). Note: Color filters for enhancing color discrimination are prohibited.
  • Unless previously completed, you must satisfactorily complete a one-year supervisory trial period to continue in this supervisory/managerial position.
  • This position is designated as an Emergency Essential (EE) position. This designation requires the employee to remain in a duty status if an emergency arises.

If you fail to meet the conditions of employment or any other pre-employment requirements, such as missing any of the scheduled appointments, the hiring agency may rescind their tentative offer of employment.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for TSA to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
Qualifications
To qualify for the SV-G Pay Band (equivalent to GS-10/11), you must have:
  • At least one year of specialized experience which has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer, and this is typically related to the duties of a Transportation Security Officer or Lead Transportation Security Officer. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to the E band level or above.

AND
  • Six months of experience as a work leader, team leader, or supervisor in any type of work environment which demonstrates the possession of proficiency, or the potential to develop proficiency, in tasks such as:
    • Identifying, distributing, and balancing work load and tasks among employees;
    • Training or arranging for training of employees on procedures, use of various electronic equipment, or similar requirements;
    • Maintaining records of work accomplishments and administrative information; and
    • Resolving simple, informal complaints of employees and referring formal grievances to the appropriate management official.

This experience may or may not have been gained concurrently with the specialized experience above.
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 the vacancy announcement
Additional information
Stay-in-place Incentive: The Transportation Security Administration is currently offering a stay-in-place incentive for this duty location up to $15,000 per year that is paid out in two installments, every six months after completing the service agreement for the relocation incentive.
A Retention incentive in the amount of 10% is authorized.
Eligibility to apply for other Federal positions: TSA is an Excepted Service agency exempt from most of Title 5 United States Code, including regulations which apply to displaced Federal employees (CTAP/ICTAP) of other agencies, and employment with TSA does not confer "Competitive Status" that generally results from selection and service in Competitive Service agencies. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has established an Interchange Agreement, which allows most permanent TSA employees to apply and be considered for vacancies in Competitive Service agencies. Information from OPM on this or other Interchange Agreements is available at: www.opm.gov/
To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation as a condition of placement into this position.
DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
TSA employees who are absent for the purpose of performing military duty may apply for any vacancies announced in their absence.
More than one position may be filled from this announcement.
If you are entering TSA employment on an appointment without time limitations, you must serve a basic trial period unless you have already met the requirement.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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