How to become a Security Screening Officer

Conducts screening of persons, items and cargo entering high security facilities to identify and remove dangerous or prohibited items, and ensure the security of the premises.

Main tasks

• Controls access to, and conducts screening at, security checkpoints within high security facilities such as airports, ports and law courts
• Uses X-ray equipment, body scanners, metal detectors, explosive trace detectors, and frisk or physical searches to screen visitors, parcels, staff, passengers, hand luggage and checked baggage for weapons, explosives and suspicious or prohibited items
• Maintains security and order within and around high security zones and facilities, including by watching for irregularities, inspecting vehicles and responding to disturbances
• Responds to security incidents, maintains detailed records and reports incidents to appropriate authorities
• Complies with security and safety procedures and regulatory requirements
• May monitor and maintain security within court rooms, and escort high risk persons within secure areas

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate II in Transport Security Protection (AVI20118); Certificate III in Close Protection Operations (CPP31418); Certificate III in Security Operations (CPP31318); Certificate III in Technical Security (CPP30519); Certificate IV in Government Security (PSP40316); Certificate II in Security Operations (CPP20218); Certificate II in Technical Security (CPP20319)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $94,536 a year
• About 65,300 people work in this job group now, and about 72,200 are projected by 2035. (+10.6%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor
• Cash In Transit Officer
• Crowd Controller
• Private Investigator
• Protective Services Officer
• Retail Loss Prevention Officer

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Security Screening Officer?

Ways in include: Certificate II in Transport Security Protection; Certificate III in Close Protection Operations.

How much does a Security Screening Officer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $94,536 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Security Screening Officer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 65,300 to about 72,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Security Screening Officer?

Usually not. Only 20% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate II in Transport Security Protection; Certificate III in Close Protection Operations.

Will AI change the work of a Security Screening Officer?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04