ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Transportation Security Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTransportation Security Inspector JobsTransportation Security Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL

Transportation Security Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$21

$53

How much do transportation security inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for transportation security inspector in Chicago, IL is $21.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.30 and $23.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a transportation security inspector?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a transportation security inspector?

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.

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.

Are Transportation Security Inspectors getting paid?

Transportation Security Inspectors are paid a salary that varies based on experience, location, and federal pay scales. They typically receive benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, and retirement contributions, and may work full-time shifts including nights and weekends. Salary ranges generally start from around $40,000 to over $70,000 annually, depending on the level and location of the position.

How do you become a transportation security inspector?

To become a transportation security inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete specialized training provided by the hiring agency. Relevant skills include attention to detail, communication, and knowledge of security procedures, and some positions may require prior experience in security or law enforcement.

Is it hard to become a transportation security inspector?

Becoming a transportation security inspector typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing written exams, background checks, and physical assessments. The process can be competitive and may involve specialized training and certification, but it is designed to ensure candidates have the necessary skills for security screening and inspection duties.
Transportation Security Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Transportation Security Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,152 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Security Compliance Specialist

Forward Air

Des Plaines, IL

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Position: Security Compliance Specialist 

Compensation: $70,000 - 80,000 Annually

The Security Compliance Specialist is responsible for administering, interpreting, and enforcing security, regulatory compliance, and related initiatives across the company's enterprise operational network. They serve as the enterprise subject matter expert for Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) compliance, and supports Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA), and customer security objectives. They play a critical role in safeguarding the organization against regulatory, operational, and reputational risk through proactive oversight and audit readiness. They partner closely with Operations, Security, Legal, and Quality teams to ensure consistent, compliant execution security programs across the enterprise.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the enterprise owner and centralized authority for CTPAT compliance strategy, execution, and oversight.

  • Assess operational practices for compliance risks, conduct gap analyses, and determine appropriate corrective action plans to mitigate regulatory exposure.

  • Lead and support internal audits and regulatory reviews, providing expert interpretation of findings and required responses.

  • Validate facilitylevel compliance with CTPAT and TSA standards, including physical security controls, cargo handling procedures, and chainofcustody requirements.

  • Provide authoritative guidance to operations and leadership regarding compliant cargo handling, documentation, exceptions, and security incidents.

  • Analyze compliance data, trends, and reports to inform leadership decisions related to audit readiness, training effectiveness, and risk exposure.

  • Collaborate crossfunctionally with Legal, Security, Quality, and Operations to resolve complex compliance issues and implement sustainable solutions.

  • Maintain enterpriselevel CTPAT documentation standards and retention practices to ensure continuous audit readiness.

  • Participate in crossfunctional compliance, security, and regulatory initiatives, including TSA and TAPA alignment where applicable.

  • Domestic and international travel as needed to conduct site assessments, validate compliance practices, and support continuous improvement efforts.

  • All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications

  • Education: High School Diploma or GED Equivalent required; Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university preferred. 

  • Experience: 3+ years' progressive experience in CTPAT, TSA compliance, air cargo operations, freight forwarding, LTL, or logistics within regulated environments.

  • Demonstrated working knowledge of CTPAT, TSA, TAPA or similar security compliance programs; professional certifications such as CTPAT SCSS, ASIS, or Certified Quality Auditor preferred.

  • Proven ability to interpret regulatory requirements and exercise independent judgment in applying them across complex, multisite operations.

  • Experience supporting audits, inspections, and interactions with government agencies or regulatory bodies.

  • Strong analytical, organizational, and documentation management skills with an auditfocused mindset.

  • Effective communicator capable of advising and influencing operational and leadership stakeholders on compliance matters.

  • Language: Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred. 

  • Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information.

  • Technical: Proficient with common office technologies, including Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and web conferencing (Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc.).

  • Environment: Comfort commuting to/from and working in a 100% onsite setting (listed in this posting), with travel for related meetings/events.

#LI-Onsite #LI-KB1

Apply