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Airport Security Screeners

Protective Servicemediumaugment
Projected change (est.): ~+2%
Median Wage (est.): ~$47,440
Employment (est.): ~53K

Overall Exposure

38+13

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

57

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

22

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

33

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

3854
+16

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

5773
+16

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

2238
+16

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

3346
+13

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Task Breakdown

Operate X-ray and advanced imaging equipment to scan baggage
55%β 1
Conduct physical pat-down searches when required
5%β 0
Identify prohibited items and security threats on imaging screens
60%β 1
Verify passenger identification and boarding documents
68%β 1

About This Occupation

If you work as an Airport Security Screener, AI is transforming your profession through advanced imaging and detection systems. With an automation risk of 33/100 and overall exposure at 38%, this role faces medium transformation. The highest-impact area is verify passenger identification and boarding documents at 68% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role. BLS projects +2% growth through 2034. AI-enhanced scanning and biometric verification are augmenting screeners, but physical searches and human judgment for threat assessment remain irreplaceable.

ISCO-08 classification

Unit group 5414ILO official

Security Guards

Definition

ILO original text (English)

Security guards patrol or monitor premises to guard property against theft and vandalism. They control access to establishments and maintain order and enforce regulations at public events and within establishments.

Definition & vocabulary source

Source: International Labour Organization (ILO) — ISCO-08 Structure

License: ILO CC BY 4.0

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Official occupational information

  • ONET33-1099.00

    First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other

    All protective service supervisors not listed separately above.

    View original
  • ONET33-9031.00

    Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators

    Observe gambling operation for irregular activities such as cheating or theft by either employees or patrons. Investigate potential threats to gambling assets such as money, chips, and gambling equipment. Act as oversight and security agent for management and customers.

    View original
  • ONET33-9032.00

    Security Guards

    Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

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  • ONET33-9093.00

    Transportation Security Screeners

    Conduct screening of passengers, baggage, or cargo to ensure compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. May operate basic security equipment such as x-ray machines and hand wands at screening checkpoints.

    View original

Source: O*NET 30.2, U.S. DOL/ETA

License: CC BY 4.0

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Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 33%, Airport Security Screeners has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

Our estimated AI automation risk score for Airport Security Screeners is 33% for 2025. Estimated overall AI exposure is 38%, with 57% theoretical exposure and 22% observed exposure. The estimated risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +11 points. All of these are model-generated estimates, not measurements.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Airport Security Screeners are: Verify passenger identification and boarding documents (68%), Identify prohibited items and security threats on imaging screens (60%), Operate X-ray and advanced imaging equipment to scan baggage (55%). These rates are our own estimates of how much of each task current AI systems can handle. They are not measurements and are not taken from any external dataset.

We estimate a +2% employment change for Airport Security Screeners between 2024 and 2034. This is our own estimate, not a figure published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Combined with an estimated overall AI exposure of 38%, this occupation faces both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Airport Security Screeners should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.