Airport Security Personnel

Before the responsibility for airline security was transferred to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), screeners were paid minimum wage. However, earnings have been considerably raised to attract and retain qualified, dedicated workers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, security screeners who worked for the federal government earned a median annual salary of $50,020 in May 2023. Salaries for all security screeners ranged from less than $40,270 to $62,800 or more. The TSA uses an SV grading system with pay ranges by letter grade rather than the standard GS grading system with numbers. Depending on the job title and experience level, in 2024 TSA employees' salaries ranged from pay band A, which starts at $18,753, to pay band M, which has a maximum pay of $170,793.

Air marshals and directors earn much more, with starting salaries ranging between $39,358 and $60,982. Directors earn one of the highest salaries in government service.

Benefits include paid vacation, health, disability, life insurance, and retirement or pension plans.