What is it like working as a TSO?

A typical day

"They come into work, they'll get the machine set up, they'll get everything operating correctly. Then, when they open up the gates to the airport, they'll start having passengers come in." TSOs rotate positions every 20 to 30 minutes within a checkpoint.

Is being a TSO a good job?

TSOs are the backbone of TSA and they play a vital role in keeping air travel safe. If you're interested in a career that offers benefits like health care and retirement, and where you work alongside a diverse and inclusive team, the TSO position offers a great first step in your federal career.

Is TSO job hard?

Easy work, good pay.

Nothing about the job is difficult or stressful. Lots of downtime. Great supervisors. Opportunities for advancement are available, as well as transferring to other airports.

Is TSA a fun job?

Average Pay and Work

The job is repetitive and there is not much to really be happy about. It is easy and not too difficult to get through the day. Just get use to dealing with a lot of travelers asking you questions.

How many hours does a TSO work?

Those shifts are: • Full-time: 40 hrs. per week • Part-time: 25 hrs. per week consisting five (5) workdays per week with five (5) hour shifts per day.

TSA Careers: On the Job with a Transportation Security Officer

Do TSO carry guns?

Most TSA employees are TSO's who do not have arrest powers and do not carry weapons of any kind, including guns. However, there are some individuals under the TSA such as Federal Air Marshals who do have law enforcement powers and are allowed to carry guns through the airport and even on planes.

How long is TSO training?

Transportation Security Officer Education and Training

When you are initially hired you must complete 56 to 72 hours of classroom training, 112 to 118 hours of on the job training, certification testing, and may be required to travel for up to two weeks.

How hard is it to get a job at TSA?

While you can apply to the TSA with only the basic requirements, it can be a very competitive process. Most TSA agents have additional education beyond a high school diploma and many also have great experience to place on their resume as well.

Do TSA agents get free flights?

Unlike flight attendants and other airline employees, TSA agents don't receive perks like free space-available air travel or the occasional free meal. In fact, accepting any sort of gift could be grounds for termination — unless the agent has a friend or family member who is an airline employee.

Is TSO a federal job?

Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) are the face of the agency, the people on the front lines and the most important role at TSA. For many people, working as a TSO has led to a long, fulfilling career with the federal government.

Does TSA have good benefits?

TSA believes our greatest asset is our people, which is why we designed a comprehensive benefits package that provides our employees with the best possible options. Learn more about our health, vision and dental packages, retirement, paid sick leave and other unique benefits that go beyond medical coverage.

How good is TSA security?

TSA Officers screened 585.3 million travelers in 2021, averaging about 1.6 million passengers per day. On average, 97.6% of passengers waited less than 20 minutes at airport security checkpoints, while 96.2% of passengers in TSA PreCheck® lanes waited less than 5 minutes.

Does TSO do overtime?

Not Flexible when it comes to hours, overtime is limited. Not Flexible when it comes to hours, overtime is limited. Hostile work environment, often from peers and management. No control over decisions, despite being in a leadership position.

How hard is it to get TSA PreCheck?

The online application only took five minutes, and the in-person interview took less than 10. I found out I was eligible a day later and TSA PreCheck has already made traveling way easier. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Does TSA pay for college?

“The TSA Associates Program was a great experience for me and I will continue my education with the Government Reimbursement for Academic Degree (GRAD) program.” GRAD, a tuition program that invests in TSA employees, reimburses up to $5,000 of tuition expenses on eligible coursework within a calendar year depending on ...

Does TSA get paid biweekly?

Paid bi-weekly.

Why do I always get stopped by TSA?

Solution: Enroll in Homeland Security's Redress Program

If you find yourself getting stopped with “SSSS” on your pass very frequently, it may be because your namesake is on a watchlist. A watchlist is a list of people of interest to the government, through agencies such as the TSA, CIA, NSA, FBI, or DHS.

What is the TSA training like?

At TSA Academy, they learn the protocols and procedures for customer service and keeping everyone safe. The academy's fully functional mock-checkpoint training has everything from walk-through metal detectors and body scanners to X-ray machines and even the queue signage that you'd see at an airport.

How do I pass the TSA interview?

You need to get a minimum of a three on each of the competencies in order to Pass. A failing score on the Standardized Interview is if you get less than a "3" on any of the competencies and/or you get a Fail on the Integrity/Honesty competency.

What does the TSA interview consist of?

During the in-person interview, you will also be asked to answer a few basic personal questions and are expected to provide your current U.S. passport or a driver's license and birth certificate. TSA will collect your fingerprints at the enrollment center during your interview.

Does TSA do hair test?

The Transportation Security Administration will test for drugs using a five panel urine test. These tests are cheaper to conduct in bulk. That being said, they do conduct occasional hair follicle drug tests and breathalyzer tests.

How long do you stay in the ready pool for TSA?

Those with the best scores in the “ready pool” will be chosen to start working first and will be invited to the TSA Orientation. It takes place at the TSA training facility in Georgia and lasts for 2 weeks.

What do TSA agents wear?

TSA Officers shall wear a standardized uniform as a readily identifiable symbol of the security mission and role of the TSA Officer. B. The standardized uniform must be worn with a metal badge. Badges will only be worn in an official capacity on the TSO uniform as described in this directive.

Is TSA part of FBI?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that has authority over the security of transportation systems within, and connecting to the United States.

Do TSA have badges?

At the TSA, badges are carried by 1,200 inspectors who check that airlines, airports and others comply with security rules. The Environmental Protection Agency gives badges to its 250 workers charged with overseeing cleanups of oil spills and other hazardous releases, EPA spokeswoman Roxanne Smith said.