How much does TSA pay an hour in LAX?

As of Nov 7, 2023, the average hourly pay for the Tsa jobs category in Los Angeles is $29.59 an hour.



As of February 2026, the starting pay for a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) typically ranges from $24.00 to $28.00 per hour. This rate includes the "locality pay" adjustment for the high cost of living in the Los Angeles area. New hires are often brought in at the "D Band" pay level. In addition to the base hourly wage, TSA employees receive a comprehensive federal benefits package, including health insurance, the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401k) with 5% matching, and a "sign-on bonus" that can range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on current recruitment needs. Overtime is frequently available at 1.5x the base rate, and there are "night differential" and "Sunday premium" pays that can boost the effective hourly rate. By their second year, many TSOs at busy hubs like LAX can earn an average annual salary of $55,000 to $65,000, with opportunities to promote into Lead or Supervisory roles which pay significantly more.

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Yes, a tax-sheltered annuity (TSA) can have a pension. Pension payments from a TSA are typically based on the amount of money contributed to the plan and any employer contributions or other benefits provided.

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Airport screeners and other Transportation Security Administration employees have received a major pay increase to bring their salaries on par with the rest of the federal civilian workforce.

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How much does a Tsa make? As of Aug 3, 2023, the average hourly pay for the Tsa jobs category in the United States is $26.06 an hour.

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Can you negotiate your TSA salary if you're making more than the starting salary at your current job? No, pay is not negotiable. How often do you get paid at TSA (Transportation Security Administration)? Twice a week.

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10 high-paying aviation jobs
  • Airport manager.
  • Paramedic.
  • Terminal operator.
  • Freight coordinator.
  • Aviation manager.
  • Airman.
  • Aircraft structural repairer.
  • Aircraft maintenance technician.


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Do TSA Agents Get Flight or Travel Benefits? The answer is no. In contrast to flight attendants and other airline workers, TSA agents do not receive benefits like free flights and free food. Moreover, accepting gifts could get you fired.

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Under FERS, an employee who meets one of the following age and service requirements is entitled to an immediate retirement benefit: age 62 with five years of service, 60 with 20, minimum retirement age (MRA) with 30 or MRA with 10 (but with reduced benefits).

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TSA was created in the aftermath of 9/11 to oversee security in all modes of transportation and completed federalization of security operations by the end of 2002. TSA became part of the Department of Homeland Security in March 2003, making up a quarter of the DHS workforce.

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What Is the Difference Between a TSO and the TSA? TSA is the Transportation Security Administration; it is the federal agency in charge of airport and aircraft security. A TSO is a Transportation Security Officer; this is the position of airport security screening officers. TSOs are agents of the TSA.

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Can I bring my spouse through the TSA PreCheck lane? Technically your spouse can't go through the TSA PreCheck lane without their own account. In some instances, however, security may allow them through when it's clear that their boarding passes match yours as the primary account holder.

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