I’ve been reading the TSA Blog on and off since it’s recent inception.  Overall it’s received a positive response even though some criticize it a late and lame attempt at PR.  But at least its a discussion allowing a dialogue from travelers and those manning, (or womanning,) security.  And as far as I know on topic comments are uncensored. 

In the blog, The Evolution of Security, the TSA, through Transportation Security Officers (TSOs,) attempt to explain common complaints such as screening inconsistencies in different airports, what criteria necessitate secondary screenings, and why certain processes are set up the way they are.

One very important concern that’s been addressed by commenters is the issue of “retaliatory screening,”  in which TSOs are accused of abusing their authority by sending, or threatening to send passengers who raise questions or concerns secondary screening.  Such screenings aren’t based on ANY security risk, but rather punishes to those who are labeled troublemakers during the screening process.  To have this brought to attention is a wonderful thing.

An aspect I am curious about is the rate of pay.  In this article, “What it Takes to Become a TSO” I posted this comment:

May I ask why the general pay rate is so low?  I don’t know exactly what it is region to region but I’ve heard as low as $12 an hour. Is that true? That may be livable in Tulsa, but not in S.F. or N.Y.  I would want someone given the task of protecting the security of our borders to make a living wage, which gives them pride and a sense of worth in their job.  And as important I don’t want them to be compromised by nefarious financial gain.  Can you give a broad range of payscale - and if it starts that low are their drastic increases upon proof of employee value?

I received a few responses including one telling me that the budget is set by Congress, and another from a TSO in Phoenix who wrote:

James- like any other government agency TSA pays it employees using a pay scale. There is always opportunity for advancement. It only takes initiative and the desire to succeed. I believe USA Jobs is advertising starting TSO pay at 24,432.00 to 36,648.00 depending on qualifications. There is also locality pay and that is dependent upon where you live.

24k to START?  I’m sorry but that is officially pathetic.  And I’m not sure if that’s even above McDonald’s wages.  Actually McDonald’s store managers do quite well, and they don’t yell at the customers as much either.  After posting that I received an e-mail from a TSO in New York who agreed with my assessment of these rock bottom rates.  Going by “John Doe” he gave me some extra things to consider in regards to employment and pay.   Although I have no way of verifying whether or not John is actually a TSO, his information seems accurate and I don’t have reason to doubt his position.  He gave me permission to post his e-mail.

1. Starting hourly wage in New York is just about $14. When I started 4 years ago, it was about $13. Not too livable for a federal employee, no.

2. quote:  “I’d want someone given the task of protecting the security of our borders to make a living wage, which gives them pride and a sense or worth in their jobs.” –>

You have no idea how good that feels to hear someone from the public finally recognize that. The public has no idea how bad it is for us.

3.  Payscale?? lol, hardly. James, I started 4 years ago making about $30,000, I JUST got raised to $36,000. It’s weak for gov’t standards. Our brothers at Customs performing similar duties start the same pay, but have annual “GS Schedule” (google it) pay raises, that increase (without actual promotion) to about $60,000 after 5 years. What am I to earn in two years? …If I even stay here. Most don’t stay.

4. Drastic pay increases based upon proof of employee value? We have a Pay for Performance system called P.A.S.S.. It’s terrible. Its too subjective and its the gov’ts way of cheating us out of a fair living wage…and they don’t want us to have collective bargaining union rights, now you see why? The last two years I’ve received an “exceeds standards” rating. I’ve gotten small percentage raises and these petty bonuses that do nothing for my “retirement salary”. (Our pension is based on salary, not bonuses ;). $1000 a year more each year is pennies in comparison to the Customs service. It’s a real kick in the face.

Thank you for asking me, it means a lot to me that OUR voice gets out there because we do all have pretty much the same opinions. Many of us are too afraid, hence, “John Doe” to open our mouths about it, especially on that TSA website because I did read the stipulations in it as far as posting and they do have your IP address on file. If you are a traveler etc. You should be fine, but if you are an employee speaking out on there, I think that could be a real no-no. Not sure really.

There you go.   Of course a logical answer by many would be “If it sucks then quit.”  But that’s not my point.  My gripe is that we HAVE high profile airport security agents in a government run position.  Pay them a decent salary, have higher hiring standards, and we’ll see less turnover and the TSOs will maintain a sense of pride in their jobs.  THAT will bring better behavior - AND better interaction with the public.

John invited me to ask any futher questions, and asked to remind him to write about the about favoritism and the quality of people being hired for these positions.   Feel free to comment with questions for “John,” and we’ll have a follow up…