Transportation Security Screeners vs. Security Guards: Who Earns More?
Transportation Security Screeners out-earn Security Guards by $29K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Transportation Security Screeners land at $66,770 and Security Guards at $38,020. The education gap is real: transportation security screener programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while security guard programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Transportation Security Screeners is New Hampshire ($76,130); for Security Guards it's District of Columbia ($64,210).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Transportation Security Screeners median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Transportation Security Screeners or Security Guards?
Transportation Security Screeners earn more nationally. The median is $66,770 for Transportation Security Screeners versus $38,020 for Security Guards, a difference of $29K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Transportation Security Screeners or Security Guards?
Security Guards has the better 10-year outlook at 0.4% projected growth, compared to -6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Transportation Security Screeners or Security Guards?
Transportation Security Screeners typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Security Guards requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Transportation Security Screeners get paid the most?
New Hampshire is the top-paying state for Transportation Security Screeners at $76,130/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Transportation Security Screeners vs. Security Guards pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Hampshire, Transportation Security Screeners earn $76,130 vs. $45,200 for Security Guards. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.