TSA recruiting security screening officers to work at Portland International Airport

After two years on the job, officers see a jump of $20,000 in annual salary
Local Press Release
Wednesday, March 8, 2023

PORTLAND, Oregon - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is hiring women and men to work at the Portland International Airport (PDX) in preparation for the busy spring and summer travel seasons.

There are currently openings for both full- and part-time TSA officers in Portland with a starting salary of $39,501 annually ($18.93 per hour). That salary does not include the retention incentive, which is currently 15% on top of that salary.

Due to recently passed federal legislation, the TSA pay structure is set to change on July 2, 2023, and the annual salary in Portland will increase to $40,440 ($19.38 per hour). After a TSA Officer has been working in Portland for one year from July 2, 2023, the annual salary increases again to $50,094 ($24.00 per hour), and after a TSA Officer has been working in Portland for two years after July 2, 2023, it increases again to $61,275 ($29.36 per hour), representing a more than $20,000 increase in pay.

Portland TSA will be hosting a hiring event at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel on Thursday, March 9th and Friday, March 10th. This event allows candidates to complete several steps of the hiring process in one day - steps that would typically take several weeks to complete.

Applicants do not need previous experience working in security or law enforcement fields. New hires will receive extensive training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and they are paid while undergoing training.

TSA Officers screen thousands of airline travelers daily, ensuring they arrive at their destinations safely. TSA expects to screen a greater volume of travelers regularly this summer and needs additional Officers to support its security mission.

Benefits of working at TSA as either a part-time or full-time Officer, include paid training, paid annual and sick leave, contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan, contributions to retirement, strong health care plans and the satisfaction of knowing they are contributing to our national security. TSA is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and encourages individuals of all backgrounds to apply, including military veterans and persons with disabilities.

“The TSA is an agency that protects our national security and it is staffed by well-trained and professional officers who ensure the millions of passengers who transit through the airport arrive at their destinations safely. It is also a personally rewarding federal job that offers significant benefits and annual promotional opportunities including healthy salary increases,” said TSA Federal Security Director in Oregon Kathleen McDonald. “Opportunities for professional growth are endless, and new hires will be performing a vital role in the protection of our nation’s transportation system.

For more information on the duties of a TSA Officer and to learn a little more about TSA’s mission, a video titled “Day in the Life of a TSO” is available. To view and apply for open positions for TSA Officer positions around the country, visit https://jobs.tsa.gov/transport-security-officer

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