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Tsa Inspector Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

ORD A&P MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Chicago, IL · On-site

$28.21 - $46.45/hr

... for the inspection, repair, and maintenance of our aircraft to ensure they meet the highest ... TSA required fingerprint check for Criminal History Records Check * Must be able to work any shift

Inspections include but are not limited to landside roads, terminal facilities, airfield runways ... Serves as a liaison between the Transportation Security Authority (TSA), airlines, tenants and ...

... equipment inspections, safe forklift operation on the warehouse floor and ramp areas, loading ... Follow airport and TSA safety/security protocols. * Work efficiently in tight and fast-paced ...

... equipment inspections, safe forklift operation on the warehouse floor and ramp areas, loading ... Follow airport and TSA safety/security protocols. * Work efficiently in tight and fast-paced ...

Aircraft Mechanics A&P

Peoria, IL · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Inspect, service, troubleshoot, repair and/or replace, overhauls aircraft components & parts ... Comply with Byerly Aviation, Airport, FAA, TSA and other regulatory rules pertaining to the FBO ...

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Showing results 1-20

Tsa Inspector information

See Illinois salary details

$23.7K

$53.2K

$95.9K

How much do tsa inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for tsa inspector in Illinois is $53,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,300.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a TSA inspector?

TSA Inspectors are federal employees who work for the Transportation Security Administration to ensure the security and compliance of transportation systems, primarily at airports. They conduct inspections, investigations, and audits of transportation facilities and operations to enforce regulations and standards. Their responsibilities include monitoring security procedures, assessing vulnerabilities, and ensuring that transportation operators follow federal security requirements. TSA Inspectors play a vital role in protecting the public and maintaining the safety of the nation's transportation infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a TSA inspector?

To thrive as a TSA Inspector, you need a solid understanding of security regulations, investigative techniques, and relevant federal laws, usually supported by a background in law enforcement or security. Familiarity with X-ray imaging systems, security screening equipment, and government databases is essential for effective inspections and incident documentation. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring compliance and addressing security concerns. These abilities are vital for maintaining national security, enforcing regulations, and ensuring safe air travel environments.

What are some common challenges TSA inspectors face during airport security operations?

TSA Inspectors often encounter challenges such as handling high-pressure situations, adapting to constantly evolving security protocols, and efficiently managing time during busy travel periods. They must maintain attention to detail while screening passengers and baggage, and occasionally diffuse tense interactions with travelers. Collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and airport staff is frequent, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

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

AspectTsa InspectorTransportation Security Officer
CertificationsSecurity clearance, TSA certificationsSecurity clearance, TSA certifications
Work EnvironmentAirport security checkpoints, baggage screeningAirport security checkpoints, passenger screening
Employer & IndustryTransportation Security Administration, airportsTransportation Security Administration, airports
Job FocusInspecting baggage, verifying security compliancePassenger screening, ensuring safety protocols

Both Tsa Inspectors and Transportation Security Officers work within airport security, often performing overlapping duties such as baggage and passenger screening. Tsa Inspectors typically focus on inspecting baggage and security compliance, while Transportation Security Officers primarily handle passenger screening. Both roles require TSA certifications and work in similar environments, but their specific responsibilities differ slightly based on their focus areas.

Are TSA inspectors getting paid?

TSA inspectors are paid a salary that varies based on experience, location, and federal pay scales, typically starting at the GS-5 or GS-7 level. They receive regular wages, benefits, and may earn overtime pay depending on their schedule and workload.

How to become a TSA inspector?

To become a TSA inspector, candidates must pass a background check, complete TSA training, and meet age and physical requirements. Applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass written and skills assessments. Prior experience in security or law enforcement can be beneficial, and the role involves working in airport security screening environments.

Is it hard to become a TSA inspector?

Becoming a TSA inspector involves meeting basic eligibility requirements, passing a background check, and completing training at the Transportation Security Administration's training center. The process can be competitive and requires attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to handle security screening procedures. Overall, it requires preparation and adherence to specific standards but is achievable with proper qualification.
Infographic showing various Tsa Inspector job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,237 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Security Compliance Specialist

Forward Air

Des Plaines, IL

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 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.

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