Does TSA (Transportation Security Administration) pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, TSA (Transportation Security Administration) employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.7 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at TSA (Transportation Security Administration). This rating has decreased by 3% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at TSA (Transportation Security Administration)?

56% of TSA (Transportation Security Administration) employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated TSA (Transportation Security Administration) 2.8 out of 5 for work life balance, 2.9 for culture and values and 3.4 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at TSA (Transportation Security Administration)?

TSO (Transportation Security Officer) (784) , Transportation Security Officer (294) , Tso (247) , TSA OFFICER (111) , Security Officer (102) , Lead Transportation Security Officer (78) , TSO Officer (62) , LTSO (52) , Officer (45) , Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (44) , Supervisor (30) , Screener (23) , Administrative Assistant (21) , Lead Officer (14) , Program Analyst (14)

What are the pros of working at TSA (Transportation Security Administration) according to real employee reviews?

"Good benefits and good for stepping up into gov work" ((in 477 reviews)); "If you have no life and are willing to work constantly then I would say the pay is good." ((in 293 reviews)); "There are some great people that work there and the experiences you get from the federal government." ((in 79 reviews)); "Some good coworkers as long as you are friendly and communicate with others" ((in 68 reviews)); "A lot of training and good experiences" ((in 40 reviews))

What are the cons of working at TSA (Transportation Security Administration) according to real employee reviews?

"Poor management and work hours" ((in 343 reviews)); "Favoritism and mismanagement are rampant." ((in 73 reviews)); "They wonder why the morale is low and people are leaving." ((in 65 reviews)); "Poor management and leadership." ((in 61 reviews)); "Many supervisors have power trips and think they are military." ((in 60 reviews))

What are employees saying about TSA (Transportation Security Administration) layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about TSA (Transportation Security Administration) layoffs and their outlook for job security at TSA (Transportation Security Administration) in 2026.

What are the top reviewed TSA (Transportation Security Administration) locations?

New York , Los Angeles , Boston , Chicago , Atlanta , Newark , Dallas , Arlington , Houston , Denver , Miami , Orlando , Phoenix , Philadelphia , Washington , Las Vegas , Fort Lauderdale , San Diego , Minneapolis , Salt Lake City , Charlotte , Seattle , Springfield , Dulles , Tampa , SeaTac , Detroit , Austin , San Antonio , Columbus

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) reviews

3.4

56% would recommend to a friend

(2,922 total reviews)

David P. Pekoske

64% approve of CEO

44% positive business outlook

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

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Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has an employee rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars, based on 2,922 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Government & Public Administration industry (3.6 stars).

Reviews by job title

3K reviews

2.0

Jul 10, 2013

The Worst

Transportation security officer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

It's a federal job... that's about it.

Cons

The work environment is horrible and stressful. You have to work terrible shifts/hours, which completely ruin your normal life, eating and sleep patterns. You have to deal with rude passengers who feel privileged, and want things done their way and immediately. You have to conduct bag searches and pat downs, which are demeaning. Aside from the very few passengers who thank you for doing your job, you basically feel berated by all other passengers because you are seen as a bad person for taking items that are prohibited. Furthermore, it is frustrating when rules, regulations, and procedures are continually changing, and/or are handled/enforced differently among leads, supervisors, and managers.

4.0

Jul 8, 2013

Paid fairly

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Flexible hours and good benefits

Cons

Public does not respect the people that work for TSA.

2.0

Jun 30, 2013

Where do I even begin...

Transportation security officer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

They pay if your single and don't have anyone to support but yourself. Pay is not enough for the non-stop complains from passengers. They hire some very incompetent people so most but not all of your coworkers will have no clue how to courteous or how to communicate politely with passengers. They promote only the people that cannot think for themselves, therefore they have a bunch of incompetent idiots running the show. They do not like people that question there procedures and who think for themselves. You cannot take a sick day without receiving a letter of reprimand or being suspended. They make decisions about something and if there decision has concequences you will be the ones who suffer... It's an all around smoke and mirrors magic show that is not worth the stress they place on there TSOs shoulders.

Cons

Lack of morale. Lack of structure. Leads and supervisors don't have any decision making capabilities. Fast to hand out suspensions and disciplinary paperwork for mistakes upper management makes. Coworkers (most not all) are unintelligent and very rude. If you have an opinion or better way for things to be run they will do everything in there power to fire you. You cannot take your sick or annual leave.

Viewing 2836 - 2838 of 2,922 Reviews

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Jobs at TSA (Transportation Security Administration)

Transportation Security Officer

Transportation Security Officer

Transportation Security Officer

Transportation Security Officer

Transportation Security Officer