The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plays a vital role in protecting the nation’s transportation systems. TSA Security Officers are on the front lines, ensuring that passengers and cargo move safely through airports, railways, and other transit points. In 2025, TSA Security Officer pay reflects both the importance of their work and the evolving dynamics of federal wages.
If you are considering becoming a TSA Security Officer or simply curious about how much they earn, this guide provides a full, detailed, and easy-to-understand overview of TSA Security Officer hourly pay in the USA, including base rates, overtime pay, factors affecting earnings, benefits, career progression, and more.
Overview of TSA Security Officer Pay in 2025
TSA Security Officers are typically paid under the Federal Wage System (FWS). Hourly rates vary based on location, pay grade (WG-2 to WG-10), and locality adjustments. Overtime and shift differentials are key to overall compensation.
Summary Table: TSA Security Officer Hourly Pay & Overtime (2025)
| Pay Grade | Base Hourly Rate | Locality Adjusted Rate | Overtime Rate (1.5× Base) | Typical Shift Differential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WG-2 | $15.00 – $17.00 | $17.50 – $20.50 | $25.50 – $30.75 | $0.50 – $2.00 per hour |
| WG-3 | $17.00 – $19.00 | $19.50 – $22.50 | $29.25 – $33.75 | $0.75 – $2.50 per hour |
| WG-4 | $19.00 – $21.50 | $22.00 – $25.50 | $33.00 – $38.25 | $1.00 – $3.00 per hour |
| WG-5 | $21.50 – $24.00 | $24.50 – $28.00 | $36.75 – $42.00 | $1.25 – $3.50 per hour |
| WG-6 | $24.00 – $26.50 | $27.50 – $31.00 | $41.25 – $47.25 | $1.50 – $4.00 per hour |
| WG-7 | $26.50 – $29.00 | $30.00 – $34.00 | $45.00 – $51.00 | $2.00 – $4.50 per hour |
| WG-8 | $29.00 – $31.50 | $33.00 – $36.50 | $48.75 – $54.75 | $2.25 – $5.00 per hour |
| WG-9 | $31.50 – $34.00 | $35.00 – $38.50 | $52.50 – $57.75 | $2.50 – $5.50 per hour |
| WG-10 | $34.00 – $37.00 | $38.00 – $42.50 | $57.00 – $63.75 | $3.00 – $6.00 per hour |
Numbers shown are approximate hourly ranges; actual pay depends on airport location, staffing needs, and shift patterns.
How TSA Hourly Pay Works in 2025
Understanding TSA pay requires knowing how the Federal Wage System (FWS) works, how locality adjustments operate, and how overtime and shift incentives are applied.
1. Federal Wage System (FWS) and WG Grades
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TSA Security Officers are classified from WG-2 to WG-10.
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Higher WG levels correspond to greater job responsibilities, experience, and specialized duties.
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Each WG grade has a base pay range defined by the federal FWS.
2. Locality Adjustments
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Pay rates are adjusted based on the cost of living in different regions, such as above-normal pay for high-cost cities like San Francisco and New York.
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Locality-adjusted rates often exceed base pay by 10–25%.
3. Overtime Pay (1.5× Base Hourly Rate)
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Any hours worked over 40 per week are eligible for overtime.
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For example, at a base rate of $20/hour, overtime pays $30/hour.
4. Shift Differentials
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Extra pay for working undesirable shifts such as evenings, nights, or holidays.
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Rates range from $0.50 to $6.00 per hour depending on WG level and location.
5. Training and Detail Pay
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Temporary assignments or special operations—like canine enforcement or federal building screening—may offer additional pay.
Detailed Breakdown by Pay Grade and Pay Elements
WG-2 Security Officer
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Base Pay: $15–$17/hour
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Locality Pay: $17.50–$20.50
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Overtime: $26.25–$30.75/hour
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Shift Differential: $0.50–$2.00/hour
Typical duties include basic screening processes like luggage checks, pat-downs, and electronic scanning. WG-2 often includes trainees or new officers.
WG-3 to WG-5 Security Officer
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WG-3 Base Pay: $17–$19/hour
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WG-4 Base Pay: $19–$21.50/hour
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WG-5 Base Pay: $21.50–$24/hour
With locality pay, these became $19.50–$22.50, $22–$25.50, and $24.50–$28.00 respectively. Overtime rates range from $29.25–$42.00/hour, plus $0.75–$3.50 shift differential.
Mid-range WGs typically include officers with more experience or specialized role, such as managing busy lanes or mentoring new hires.
WG-6 to WG-8 Security Officer
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WG-6 Base Pay: $24–$26.50/hour
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WG-7 Base Pay: $26.50–$29/hour
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WG-8 Base Pay: $29–$31.50/hour
Locality bumps these up to $27.50–$31.00, $30.00–$34.00, and $33.00–$36.50 respectively. Overtime ranges from $41.25 to $54.75/hour. Shift differentials may range from $1.50 to $5.00.
Officers at these grades often supervise screening teams, handle leadership roles, or work high-volume terminals.
WG-9 and WG-10 Security Officer
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WG-9 Base Pay: $31.50–$34/hour
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WG-10 Base Pay: $34–$37/hour
With locality adjustments: $35.00–$38.50 and $38.00–$42.50. Overtime: $52.50–$57.75 and $57.00–$63.75/hour. Shift differentials: $2.50–$5.50 or $3.00–$6.00.
These roles involve complex duties like managing operations staff, handling special screening technologies, or supporting VIP/law enforcement coordination.
Factors That Affect TSA Hourly Pay and Overtime
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Location
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Higher pay in cities with costly living expenses.
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Grade & Experience
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More senior officers earn more.
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Shift Type
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Nights, weekends, and holidays mean higher pay.
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Overtime Availability
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Workload spikes lead to substantial overtime opportunities.
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Mission-Critical Assignments
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Extra pay for programs like canine units, aviation screening updates, or special events.
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Benefits Beyond Hourly Pay
TSA Security Officers also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:
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Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
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Life Insurance: Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
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Retirement Plans: FERS with pension and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) including matching.
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Paid Leave: 13–26 annual leave days; 13 sick days per year.
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Flexible Spending Accounts: For medical or childcare expenses.
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Training and Advancement: Paid training, certification programs, and promotions.
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Uniform and Equipment: Provided at no direct cost.
These benefits add substantial value to overall compensation.
Career Path and Advancement
Entry-Level to Supervisory Path
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WG-2 / WG-3: New officers or trainees.
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WG-4 / WG-5: Experienced staff, may lead small teams.
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WG-6 to WG-8: Supervisors or special detail coordinators.
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WG-9 to WG-10: Assistant Supervisors, Trainers, or Section Leaders.
Additional Roles
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TSO Lead: Supervisory pay indirectly through higher WG grade.
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Program Specialist: Detail coordination for special programs.
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Local or Regional Trainer: Training new TSOs in emerging protocols.
Advancement means higher base pay, increased opportunities for overtime, and potentially locality-based pay perks.
Related Pay Topics Readers Often Search
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TSA TSO salary comparison with other federal jobs
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How much do TSOs earn per hour in high-cost cities?
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Overtime eligibility and caps for TSA officers
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TSA officer pay vs private airport security pay
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Pay impacts of working holidays or weekends
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Retirement benefits vs. comparable federal positions
We cover all those within this article to serve related search intent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the starting hourly rate for TSA Security Officers in 2025?
As WG-2, base pay ranges roughly $15–$17/hour; locality adjusted up to $20.50.
2. How much do TSA officers earn per hour with overtime?
Overtime rate is 1.5× base. In high-grade scenarios, it can reach $63.75/hour.
3. Do TSA officers receive extra pay for night shifts?
Yes. Shift differentials range from $0.50 to $6.00 per hour depending on WG grade and time of shift.
4. Does TSA hourly pay vary by airport location?
Yes. High-cost cities like New York or San Francisco receive locality adjustments that increase pay significantly.
5. What benefits do TSA officers get besides hourly pay?
Health, dental, vision insurance, FEGLI life insurance, retirement (FERS), TSP, paid leave, training, uniform and gear.
6. Can TSA officers earn more at busy airports?
Yes. Larger airports often offer more overtime opportunities and higher locality pay.
7. Is overtime guaranteed for TSA officers?
No. Overtime is offered based on workload, staffing levels, and airport activity.
8. Can TSA officers become supervisors and earn more?
Yes. Advancement to WG-6 and above includes supervisory roles and increased pay.
9. Do TSA officers get hazard pay?
Typically no, unless posted for special missions or unique high-risk assignments.
10. How often do TSA officers get raises?
Step increases may come annually or biannually, plus promotional raises when moving between WG grades.
Conclusion
TSA Security Officers play a crucial role in maintaining transportation safety. In 2025, their hourly pay is defined by the Federal Wage System (WG-2 to WG-10), with location-based adjustments, overtime, and shift differentials contributing significantly to take-home earnings. Benefits—such as health insurance, retirement plans, training, and paid leave—enhance the overall compensation package.
For those seeking stable government roles with upward mobility and meaningful impact, a career as a TSA Security Officer offers both financial reward and professional fulfillment.