🟢 Status: OPEN — TSA Posts Continuously at Multiple Airports | Various Airport Locations Nationwide | Source: USAJOBS.gov
TSA Lead Transportation Security Officer Jobs 2026 — SV-F | $62K–$80K/yr | Airports Nationwide | Apply USAJOBS
The Lead Transportation Security Officer (LTSO) is the supervisory step above the standard Transportation Security Officer (TSO) role at the Transportation Security Administration. LTSOs earn SV-F pay — $61,722 to $80,243 per year including locality pay — and are responsible for leading a team of at least three TSOs during screening operations at commercial airports. If you are already a TSO and ready to advance into a leadership position with higher pay and greater responsibility, the LTSO role is the direct next step in the TSA career ladder.
TSA posts Lead TSO positions on a rolling basis across airports nationwide. Some postings include a relocation incentive of up to $20,000 for hard-to-fill locations. The most recent announcements have been at airports including Telluride Regional (TEX), Merced Regional (MCE), and various others across the country. Check USAJOBS.gov regularly for the latest open positions near you.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Lead Transportation Security Officer (LTSO) |
| Agency | Transportation Security Administration (TSA) |
| Department | Department of Homeland Security (DHS) |
| Job Series | SV-1802 Compliance Inspection and Support |
| Location | Multiple Locations — United States (Airports Nationwide, including TX, CA, CO, NY, VA, and more) |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time; rotating shifts including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays |
| Appointment Type | Permanent — Excepted Service (TSA pay system) |
| Pay Scale & Grade | SV-F (equivalent to GS-9/10) |
| Salary Range | $61,722 – $80,243 per year (includes locality pay, varies by airport) |
| Relocation Incentive | Up to $20,000 at select hard-to-fill airport locations |
| Who May Apply | Current TSA employees (TSO or above) — internal merit promotion |
| Drug Test | Required |
| Security Clearance | Secret (must obtain and maintain) |
| Physical Requirements | Must lift up to 70 lbs; stand for extended periods; color vision required |
| Apply Now | Search Current LTSO Openings on USAJOBS |
About the Role
A Lead Transportation Security Officer occupies the critical middle ground between frontline screening staff and airport supervisors. LTSOs directly lead a team of TSOs during checkpoint operations — assigning duties, coaching performance in real time, and making judgment calls on screening procedures as situations evolve. They are the first point of escalation when a TSO encounters an ambiguous situation, a disruptive passenger, or a potential threat.
While LTSOs still perform hands-on screening duties alongside their team, their primary distinction is leadership. They monitor checkpoint performance, ensure compliance with TSA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), train new officers, and serve as acting supervisors when the Transportation Security Manager (TSM) is unavailable. At smaller regional airports, LTSOs often carry even greater operational responsibility due to leaner staffing.
In 2026, TSA continues to prioritize leadership development within its workforce, making the LTSO role a high-value internal promotion for qualified TSOs who are ready to take on more responsibility and earn higher pay.
“Lead Transportation Security Officers are responsible for leading at least three full-performance level Transportation Security Officers and ensuring the checkpoint operates efficiently, safely, and in compliance with TSA policy.” — Transportation Security Administration
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise a team of at least three Transportation Security Officers during checkpoint operations
- Assign screening lanes, positions, and duties based on passenger volume and staffing availability
- Coach, mentor, and provide real-time performance feedback to TSO team members
- Ensure checkpoint compliance with TSA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and security directives
- Serve as first-level escalation for screening anomalies, passenger disputes, and threat assessments
- Conduct and document on-the-job training for new and developing TSOs
- Perform all standard screening functions including X-ray, advanced imaging technology (AIT), and physical pat-downs
- Prepare and submit operational reports and shift summaries to TSA management
- Act as Transportation Security Manager when the TSM is absent
- Participate in TSA training exercises, recertifications, and covert testing programs
Qualifications & Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Status | Must be a current TSA employee at TSO (SV-D or SV-E) level or above |
| Experience | 1 year specialized experience at SV-E or GS-8 equivalent: screening operations, compliance inspection, or related security work |
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen |
| English Proficiency | Must read, write, and speak English fluently |
| Security Clearance | Must obtain and maintain Secret clearance |
| Drug Test | Required pre-appointment and randomly |
| Physical Requirements | Lift up to 70 lbs, stand for extended periods, color vision and visual acuity standards required |
| Selective Service | Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered |
TSA Career Ladder & Salary Progression
| Pay Band | Title | GS Equivalent | Salary Range (with locality) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SV-D | Transportation Security Officer (Entry) | GS-5/6 | $39,576 – $56,282/yr |
| SV-E | Transportation Security Officer (Full Performance) | GS-7/8 | $48,703 – $69,719/yr |
| SV-F | Lead Transportation Security Officer | GS-9/10 | $61,722 – $80,243/yr |
| SV-G | Transportation Security Manager / Supervisory TSO | GS-11/12 | $75,000 – $107,000+/yr |
💡 Note: TSA uses the SV pay system — not the standard GS scale. Your exact salary within the SV-F band depends on your airport’s locality pay rate. Airports in high cost-of-living areas (New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, San Francisco) pay significantly more than the base rate. Some hard-to-fill LTSO positions also offer a relocation incentive of up to $20,000.
Salary & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $61,722 – $80,243/yr (SV-F, includes locality pay) |
| Relocation Incentive | Up to $20,000 at select locations |
| Annual Leave | 26 days vacation + 13 sick days/year |
| Federal Holidays | 11 paid federal holidays |
| Health Insurance | FEHB — government covers ~70% of premiums |
| Dental & Vision | FEDVIP |
| Retirement | FERS pension plan |
| TSP (401k) | 5% government match |
| Paid Parental Leave | 12 weeks |
| Life Insurance | FEGLI |
| Uniform Allowance | Annual uniform and equipment allowance |
| Training | Paid TSA leadership and screening recertification training |
How to Apply
- Confirm you are a current TSA employee at the SV-D or SV-E (TSO) level
- Log in to USAJOBS.gov using your existing account
- Search for “Lead Transportation Security Officer” and filter by your preferred airport or region
- Read the full job announcement carefully — pay attention to the specific airport location, experience requirements, and required documents
- Update your federal resume to highlight: screening experience, compliance with SOPs, any informal leadership or training roles, and performance ratings
- Upload all required documents: resume, most recent TSA performance appraisal, and any other documents listed in the announcement
- Complete and submit the online assessment questionnaire before the closing date
- If selected, expect a structured interview focused on TSA leadership competencies, SOP knowledge, and situational judgment
⚠️ Important: LTSO positions are internal TSA merit promotions — you must already be a TSA employee to apply. Not yet with TSA? Start with the entry-level Transportation Security Officer position, build your experience, and then apply for LTSO when you reach the SV-E level. Apply directly at USAJOBS.gov.
Veterans’ Preference
Veterans may claim 5-point or 10-point preference when applying for LTSO positions. Military experience in security, law enforcement, logistics, or operations management is directly relevant to the leadership responsibilities of this role. If you are a veteran and not yet in the TSA workforce, begin with the TSO position where veterans’ preference applies to open competitive announcements. For more information on veterans’ preference in federal hiring, visit OPM.gov.
About the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
TSA was established in 2001 following the September 11 attacks and today employs approximately 65,000 people across more than 440 airports in the United States. TSA’s mission is to protect the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. The Lead TSO role is one of the most important frontline leadership positions in the agency — the person who keeps the checkpoint running smoothly, safely, and in compliance with federal security protocols every single day.
FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job notification website. This listing is sourced from USAJOBS.gov for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest details and apply directly at USAJOBS.gov. We are not affiliated with TSA, DHS, or any US government agency.
Sources
- USAJOBS — Lead Transportation Security Officer Search
- TSA Careers — Careers at TSA
- TSA Pay Scale 2026 Guide
- OPM — Veterans’ Services
Other TSA Jobs
TSA Transportation Security Officer Jobs 2026 — SV-D to SV-F | $39K–$82K | Multiple Airports
TSA Federal Air Marshal Jobs 2026 — SV-G to SV-I | $63K–$130K+ | Nationwide