Transportation Security Officer

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Work Tasks

• Inspect baggage or cargo coming into and leaving the country
• Operate x-ray machines and check airplane carry on luggage
• Screen passengers and gather security information
• Watch for threats to national security
• Work in airports, and sea and rail terminals, or wherever people and cargo cross international borders, and for the government
• Work with people and their baggage, hand wands, metal detectors, and x-ray machines

Salary, Size & Growth

• $32,500 average per year ($15.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (42,400 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.4% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A high school diploma and a clean record
• Employers Prefer: College courses in security training
• Skills/Courses: Must be able to deal with people, be observant, and alert; courses include job classroom training.