Transportation security screeners
SOC Code: 33-9093
Transportation security screeners carries a 38% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $63,360 and -6.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 50,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 38% AI exposure, Transportation security screeners sits 1 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 63% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Transportation security screeners sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Transportation security screeners has ai exposure of 38%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Transportation security screeners vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Transportation security screeners is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Transportation security screeners (SOC 33-9093) carries an AI exposure score of 38%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 50,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -6.0% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $63,360, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Transportation security screeners. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Inspect carry-on items, using x-ray viewing equipment, to determine whether items contain objects that warrant further investigation.
- 2. Search carry-on or checked baggage by hand when it is suspected to contain prohibited items such as weapons.
- 3. View images of checked bags and cargo, using remote screening equipment, and alert baggage screeners or handlers to any possible problems.
- 4. Check passengers' tickets to ensure that they are valid, and to determine whether passengers have designations that require special handling, such as providing photo identification.
- 5. Test baggage for any explosive materials, using equipment such as explosive detection machines or chemical swab systems.
- 6. Perform pat-down or hand-held wand searches of passengers who have triggered machine alarms, who are unable to pass through metal detectors, or who have been randomly identified for such searches.
- 7. Notify supervisors or other appropriate personnel when security breaches occur.
- 8. Send checked baggage through automated screening machines, and set bags aside for searching or rescreening as indicated by equipment.
- 9. Decide whether baggage that triggers alarms should be searched or should be allowed to pass through.
- 10. Locate suspicious bags pictured in printouts sent from remote monitoring areas, and set these bags aside for inspection.
Key Skills Required
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Persuasion
- Service Orientation
Knowledge Areas
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Transportation
- Psychology
- Foreign Language
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Transportation security screeners?
Transportation security screeners has an AI exposure score of 38%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Transportation security screeners?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Transportation security screeners is projected to decline by 6.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 50,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Transportation security screeners?
Key skills for Transportation security screeners include Speaking, Monitoring, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Transportation security screeners earn?
The median annual wage for Transportation security screeners is $63,360, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Transportation security screeners?
The typical entry-level education for Transportation security screeners is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Transportation security screeners?
Transportation security screeners roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).