TSA Jobs in
Houston, TX

TSA & Airport Security Jobs in Houston

Houston International Airport is the fourth-busiest airport in the world by operations — generating one of the largest airport security employment bases in the United States. Houston International alone employs hundreds of TSA officers across its five terminals, plus a substantial contracted security workforce covering access control, cargo, airfield patrol, and terminal security. Houston Love Field, the second Houston-area airport, adds additional TSA and contracted security employment for Southwest Airlines and other carriers.

Airport security comes in two distinct employment structures. TSA Transportation Security Officers are federal employees on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale — typically GS-5 or GS-6 — with federal benefits including FEHB health insurance, FERS retirement, and TSP (Thrift Savings Plan). Contracted airport security officers are employed by guard firms like Allied Universal and Securitas under airport contracts; they earn competitive market rates but on guard firm employment terms rather than federal employment.

Airport Security Role Types at Houston

• TSA Transportation Security Officer — federal position covering passenger and baggage screening at Houston International and Love Field checkpoints; GS pay scale with federal benefits
• Contracted terminal security — uniformed security at airline terminals, gates, and public areas under guard firm contracts; SIDA badge required
• Cargo security — securing air cargo facilities and ensuring chain-of-custody documentation for freight moving through Houston's cargo complex
• Airfield access control — managing vehicle and personnel access to secured airfield areas; requires FAA Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) clearance
• Airport perimeter patrol — vehicle patrol of airport perimeter fencing and access points; overnight positions available

What You Need to Get Hired

• US Citizenship required for TSA positions — federal employment requirement; contracted positions may require permanent resident status
• Valid Texas Level 2 Security License — required for contracted airport security roles
• FAA SIDA clearance eligibility — thorough background investigation required for all airport employment; criminal history is strictly screened
• Drug-free — airport security positions conduct pre-employment and random drug testing without exception
• Physical fitness — TSA positions require ability to stand for extended periods, lift baggage, and operate screening equipment across long shifts
• Shift flexibility — Houston International operates 24/7; all three shifts available with overnight differential for qualified candidates

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