Transportation Security Screeners Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, transportation security screeners earn $73,860 at the median — $35.51 an hour. The range runs from $60K at the entry level to $83K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.13), so that salary is closer to $66,463 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,501/month — about 48.8% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $74K get you in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
About transportation security screeners
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Entry-level transportation security screeners (10th percentile) start around $60K. Mid-career wages sit at $74K.Top earners bring in $83K or more - a $23K spread from bottom to top.
Transportation Security Screeners pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $72K | +14% | 100 |
| New York | $70K | +11% | 3,220 |
| New Jersey | $70K | +11% | 1,440 |
| California | $70K | +10% | 5,060 |
| Maryland | $68K | +8% | 670 |
| Alaska | $68K | +7% | 430 |
| Rhode Island | $68K | +7% | 150 |
| Illinois | $67K | +6% | 1,850 |
| Hawaii | $67K | +5% | 990 |
| Michigan | $66K | +4% | 950 |
| Washington | $66K | +4% | 1,160 |
| Minnesota | $65K | +3% | 680 |
| Texas | $65K | +3% | 4,180 |
| Virginia | $65K | +2% | 1,700 |
| Massachusetts | $64K | +1% | 1,310 |
Track transportation security screeners salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do transportation security screeners make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median is $73,860 a year - that works out to about $35.51 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $60,170, and experienced transportation security screeners can clear $82,720. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $74K enough to live in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,029/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,501/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 49.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a transportation security screeners salary go in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue has a Regional Price Parity of 111.13 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median transportation security screeners salary is worth about $66,463 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do transportation security screeners get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.