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) (783) , Transportation Security Officer (294) , Tso (247) , TSA OFFICER (111) , Security Officer (102) , Lead Transportation Security Officer (78) , TSO Officer (62) , LTSO (52) , Officer (44) , Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (44) , Supervisor (30) , Screener (23) , Administrative Assistant (21) , Program Analyst (14) , Lead Officer (13)

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 476 reviews)); "If you have no life and are willing to work constantly then I would say the pay is good." ((in 310 reviews)); "There are some great people that work there and the experiences you get from the federal government." ((in 80 reviews)); "Some good coworkers as long as you are friendly and communicate with others" ((in 62 reviews)); "TSA offered great job security" ((in 46 reviews))

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

"Poor management and work hours" ((in 342 reviews)); "Too much favoritism, if you are not liked managers will try to get rid of you." ((in 71 reviews)); "Many supervisors have power trips and think they are military." ((in 63 reviews)); "They wonder why the morale is low and people are leaving." ((in 62 reviews)); "Poor management and leadership." ((in 59 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.

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) reviews

3.4

56% would recommend to a friend

(2,919 total reviews)

David P. Pekoske

64% approve of CEO

45% positive business outlook

Company ratings over time

Ratings trend for the last 6 months (2,919 reviews)

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has an employee rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars, based on 2,919 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 Gobierno y Administración Pública industry (3.6 stars).

Reviews by job title

3K reviews

2.0

Oct 18, 2016

An Honorable But Thankless Job

Transportation security officer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

This is an important job that pays okay. Wearing a uniform is great because you don't have to buy clothes or dress up. Meeting every kind of person imaginable, including celebrities, is fun and interesting. You get two days off in a row unlike retail. Benefits are okay. You don't need a college degree, but many TSA Officers actually have degrees or are former military. You are serving the public.

Cons

Many people (not all) ridicule you and don't appreciate the important work that you do. The application process and training is rigorous. There is constant pressure to perform and not make a mistake. Testing is ongoing. The pay is not on the GS Scale as ALL other federal agencies are. You are not paid what you should be for protecting lives and risking your life each day. Poor management and favoritism is widespread. The job is very hard on your body both physically and emotionally.

3.0

Oct 7, 2016

Good for part time

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Good pay for part time while finishing a four year degree. Would like to have stayed on at a part time basis, but that was not offered.

Cons

I was the only part time employee that was either seeking or in possession of a four year degree. The TSO's are the "face" of the organization and they best and brightest should be out front.

1.0

Aug 22, 2016

Applier beware

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Yes you get benefits right away, BUT they are the worst benefits within the federal government. You are tested on a daily basis within your screening functions. Tested yearly in 3 areas of your duties only have 2 chances, and if you fail you can be removed regardless of your employee status or history. The upper management are bullies who throw their weight on a daily basis. Along with being hired in you must pass a background check , so you need A LOT of refferences. When hired the pay check will take a month to process, and you are mandated to take a 2 week training course thats out of state, of which you pay for your trip and bag, then you get reimbursed.

Cons

So many testing, leaders constantly just sit there and observe others, delegation seems like what they do best, and will back stab you when possible to save themselves.

Viewing 145 - 147 of 2,919 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