Sachin Walls
There are a variety of federal employees working at airports. These include federal aviation employees, such as air traffic controllers and electronic technicians, as well as those working for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), like Transportation Security Officers (TSOs). Additionally, some airports employ federal workers in roles such as baggage handlers, customer service representatives, and airline wheelchair assistants. It is important to distinguish between employees who work at the airport and those who work for the airport, as many individuals, such as baggage handlers, are employed by companies that operate out of the airport rather than the airport itself.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of federal aviation jobs outside the Department of Defense | 47,000 |
| Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees | 47,000 |
| Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) role | Administration and enforcement of federal air regulations |
| Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) benefits | FEHB, FEDVIP, FEGLI, TSP, Flexible Spending, Long-term Care, Retirement |
| Transportation Security Administration (TSA) role | Protecting the traveling public |
| Transportation Security Administration (TSA) benefits | Paid leave, health care plans, tuition assistance, federal retirement annuity |
| Transportation Security Officer (TSO) salary | $60,905 to $75 |
| Federal Air Marshal salary | $63,163 to $82,108 |
| Air Traffic Controller salary | $20.66 per hour |
| Airline Customer Service Representative salary | $21.79 with health benefits, $24.14 without |
| Baggage Handler salary | $17.58 per hour or approximately $36,688 annually |
| Airline Wheelchair Assistant salary | N/A |
| Airport Police | Usually city police, but can be airport employees |
| Airport K9s | Airport employees |
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What You'll Learn
Baggage handlers
In addition to handling baggage, they may also be responsible for pushing aircraft from the terminal gate to position them for engine start and taxiing, as well as towing aircraft to and from another gate or a remote parking area. This involves coordination with a mechanic in the flight deck and communication with air traffic control ground control.
The job can be physically demanding, requiring manual lifting and handling of heavy bags, which can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kg) or even more. As a result, baggage handlers are at risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), especially when working in restricted cargo compartments under time pressure.
The role often offers above-average pay and benefits, including union representation, and can provide interesting insights into the inner workings of airports and aviation.
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Traffic controllers
Air traffic controllers are responsible for coordinating the movement of aircraft to maintain safe distances between them. They work in control towers, approach control facilities, or en route centres, and their work involves guiding pilots during takeoff and landing, and monitoring aircraft as they travel through the skies. Air traffic controllers also help manage the flow of aircraft on runways.
Being an air traffic controller is considered one of the most critical and rewarding jobs in the aviation industry. It is also one of the most stressful, as it requires maximum concentration at all times. Controllers typically work night, weekend, and rotating shifts.
To become an air traffic controller, candidates must be U.S. citizens and meet strict medical and background check requirements. They must also pass the FAA air traffic pre-employment tests, including the Air Traffic Controller Specialists Skills Assessment Battery (ATSA). This test is free and can be taken at any PearsonVUE testing centre. Candidates must also have one year of progressively responsible work experience or a Bachelor's degree, or a combination of post-secondary education and work experience totalling one year.
Air traffic controllers receive a robust benefits package, including a variety of insurance, retirement, leave, and flexible spending options. They also have access to unique benefits like an early retirement age and a special retirement annuity calculation. The median annual wage for this position was $144,580 in May 2024, and employment is projected to grow by 3% from 2023 to 2033.
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Security officers
Transportation Security Officers (TSOs), often referred to as TSA officers, are responsible for conducting screening procedures for passengers, baggage, and cargo. They work to prevent prohibited items and potential threats from entering the aircraft. This includes searching luggage, performing pat-down searches if necessary, and utilising body scanners and X-ray machines to detect prohibited items. While most TSA officers are not commissioned law enforcement officers and do not have the authority to make arrests, they play a vital role in identifying suspicious activities and can escalate concerns to other law enforcement officers, such as airport police, who are also present at airports.
TSA officers are federal employees, and their work extends beyond security screening. They are responsible for providing courteous and professional services to travellers, assisting with inquiries, and ensuring a safe environment for all. The starting salary for a TSO is approximately $35,000 annually, which can increase depending on location and experience.
In addition to TSA officers, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents also play a crucial role in airport security. CBP officers are typically encountered at the border, where they determine the admissibility of individuals entering the country and inspect belongings for contraband. HSI agents, on the other hand, are part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and work to enforce immigration and customs laws.
The work of security officers in airports is demanding and often underappreciated. They face challenges such as long working hours, understaffing, and low morale due to inconsistent treatment and pay. However, their dedication to serving their country and ensuring the safety of travellers is commendable.
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Airline customer service representatives
Their duties include greeting passengers at check-in counters, assisting with check-in processes, ticketing, and baggage handling. They also guide passengers to the appropriate terminals, gates, and facilities within the airport. They address issues related to lost baggage, flight changes, missed connections, and other travel-related problems. They verify passenger documents, issue boarding passes, and assist passengers with boarding, including those with special needs or requests.
In addition, airline customer service representatives complete and file the paperwork associated with each task. They may also be required to enforce safety and security measures, protect sensitive zones, and facilitate the passenger boarding process. They implement standard procedures during overbooked, irregular flights, and denied boarding situations. This may involve soliciting volunteers to free up seats, re-accommodating passengers by booking alternative flights, and providing travel vouchers.
Previous customer service experience is preferred, and additional language skills are advantageous.
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Airport police
- Patrol
- Investigation
- Traffic flow management
- Response to emergencies
- Control of airport emergencies
In some countries, airport police are branches of larger general-purpose agencies. For example, in Ireland, the Airport Police Service is a small private police force that provides local policing and aviation security duties at Dublin, Cork, and Shannon airports. Similarly, in Italy, the State Police provide law enforcement and security for airports, and in Norway, the Norwegian Police Service fulfills these roles.
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Frequently asked questions
Federal employees who work at airports include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has approximately 47,000 employees, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The FAA enforces federal air regulations and provides pilots with flight information and air traffic control services. The TSA is responsible for security and the protection of travellers.
The FAA employs thousands of electronic technicians who install and maintain electronic equipment required for aerial navigation communications and control of aircraft movements. The TSA employs Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) who provide security and protection for travellers.
Federal Air Marshals, air traffic controllers, and airport police are other federal jobs available at airports.
