Find the Latest Airport Security Officer Jobs in Chicago

Browse TSA and aviation security openings at Chicago O'Hare and Midway Airport. Updated continuously. Built for Chicago officers.

2Airports

ChicagoMetro Focus

FreeJob Alerts

Overview

Chicago Airport Security: O'Hare and Midway, Federal Pay, Year-Round Hiring

Chicago runs two major commercial airports: O'Hare International (ORD), one of the busiest airports in the world and a United and American hub, and Midway International (MDW), a Southwest hub. TSA staffs a large Transportation Security Officer workforce at both, hiring year-round.

The federal benefits package, including FEHB health coverage, FERS retirement, TSP, paid leave, and locality pay, makes TSA Officer roles at ORD and MDW among the best-compensated security positions in the metro. Band D pay starts around 22 to 25 dollars an hour with full federal benefits, and the three to six month process rewards candidates who want long-term stability.

Overview & Duties

Role Overview

What Airport Security Officers Do in Chicago

TSA Transportation Security Officers at O'Hare and Midway run passenger and baggage screening lanes, operate imaging technology, process carry-ons through X-ray, and manage checkpoint flow. O'Hare's hub volume makes it one of the highest-throughput checkpoint environments in the country.

Private screeners and airline security cover the contracted layer alongside TSA, including terminal security, airside access control, and cargo facility work. SIDA credentialing for airside access sets airport roles apart from standard contracted security.

Duties

Common Duties & Responsibilities

TSA Transportation Security Officer: passenger and baggage screening and checkpoint management
O'Hare (ORD) checkpoints: United and American hub, high-throughput terminals
Midway (MDW) checkpoints: Southwest hub concourses
Private aviation screener: contractor screener roles at ORD and MDW
Airline and terminal security, airside access management
SIDA airside ramp and cargo access control
Airport incident response, coordinating with Chicago Police and CBP

Compensation

What This Role Pays in Chicago

Chicago airport security: TSA Officer Band D entry 22 to 25 dollars an hour plus full federal benefits. Band E 26 to 33 dollars an hour. TSA Lead Band F 33 to 46 dollars an hour. Private screener and contractor roles 16 to 20 dollars an hour.

Private Screener

$16-20/hr

~$33k-42k/yr

TSA Officer Band D

$22-25/hr

~$46k + federal benefits

TSA Lead / Band F

$33-46/hr

~$69k-96k + benefits

Requirements & Getting Started

Requirements

What You Need

US citizenship, required for all TSA Officer positions
Minimum age 18; high school diploma or GED
TSA medical evaluation, including vision, hearing, and color vision standards
10-year background investigation covering employment, criminal, and financial history
SIDA badge eligibility for airside positions
Illinois PERC card for contracted private screener and terminal security roles

Getting Started

How To Get Started

Apply at USAJobs.gov: search Transportation Security Officer and filter for Chicago
Complete the Computer Based Test at an authorized testing center
Structured interview, medical evaluation, background investigation, and drug test
TSA hiring typically runs three to six months from application to start
TSA operates 24/7, including early morning and overnight shifts, with seniority-based shift bidding

FAQ

Security Job FAQs

Common questions from security officer job seekers in Chicago.

How do I apply for a TSA officer job at O'Hare or Midway?

▼

Apply at USAJobs.gov, search for Transportation Security Officer, and filter for Chicago. The process includes a computer based test, a structured interview, a medical evaluation, a background investigation, and a drug test.

What does TSA pay at Chicago airports?

▼

TSA Officer Band D starts around 22 to 25 dollars an hour with full federal benefits. Band E runs 26 to 33 dollars an hour, and TSA Lead Band F reaches 33 to 46 dollars an hour. Contract screener roles pay 16 to 20 dollars an hour.

What is the difference between TSA and contract airport security?

▼

TSA officers are federal employees who screen passengers and baggage. Contract screeners and airline security handle terminal, airside, and cargo work for private employers, and those roles require an Illinois PERC card rather than federal hiring.

Do I need a PERC card for airport security in Chicago?

▼

For contracted private screener and terminal security roles, yes. TSA Officer positions are federal and follow the TSA hiring process instead, which requires US citizenship.

How long does TSA hiring take at O'Hare?

▼

Typically three to six months from application to start date. TSA operates around the clock, so expect all shifts, including early morning and overnight, assigned through a seniority-based bid system.

Don't See The Right Job? We'll Find It.

New security openings posted regularly across Chicago. Be first.

📍

📱

✉️

See More Jobs →

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

By submitting I agree to receive SMS and email updates from BlackBarJobs. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.