1

Transportation Security Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Transportation Security Manager information

See salary details

$33.5K

$74.7K

$123.5K

How much do transportation security manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for transportation security manager in the United States is $74,701.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Transportation Security Manager, you need expertise in security protocols, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field and relevant management experience. Familiarity with security screening technologies, incident management software, and federal transportation security regulations (such as TSA guidelines) is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal communication skills help in managing teams and coordinating with stakeholders under pressure. These skills ensure the safe and efficient protection of transportation systems, compliance with laws, and effective crisis response.

What are some common challenges Transportation Security Managers face when overseeing airport security teams?

Transportation Security Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining high morale and performance among diverse security staff, adapting quickly to evolving security threats, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Balancing the need for thorough security checks with efficient passenger flow can be demanding, especially during peak travel times. Additionally, managers must foster strong communication within their team and coordinate with other airport departments to ensure consistent security standards and swift incident response.

What are Transportation Security Managers?

Transportation Security Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the security operations at transportation facilities such as airports, seaports, or train stations. They manage teams that implement safety policies, coordinate security screenings, and respond to emergencies or security threats. Their role is to ensure compliance with government regulations and to maintain the safety of passengers, staff, and assets. They also train security personnel and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to prevent and address security breaches.

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

AspectTransportation Security ManagerTransportation Security Officer
CertificationsTSM certification, security management trainingBasic TSA security training, certification required
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role overseeing security operationsFrontline screening at airports and transportation hubs
Employer & IndustryAirports, transportation agencies, government agenciesPrimarily TSA, airports, transportation facilities
Job FocusManaging security procedures, staff supervisionScreening passengers, baggage, and cargo

Transportation Security Managers oversee security operations and staff, ensuring compliance and safety protocols, while Transportation Security Officers focus on passenger and baggage screening at transportation hubs. Both roles are essential in transportation security but differ in responsibilities, certifications, and work scope.

What cities are hiring for Transportation Security Manager jobs? Cities with the most Transportation Security Manager job openings:
What states have the most Transportation Security Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Transportation Security Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Transportation Security Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,701 per year, or $35.9 per hour.
Supervisory Transportation Security Officer

Supervisory Transportation Security Officer

US Department of Homeland Security

Dillingham, AK

$84.44K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

83rd of 272 rated public sector bodies


Job description

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.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 announcementEducation:Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Homeland Security employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


U.S. Department of Homeland Security logo

About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003