TSA Implements New Compensation Plan

Image: Travelers place items in bins at TSA security line (photo by Eric Bowman)
Image: Travelers place items in bins at TSA security line (photo by Eric Bowman)
TravelPulse Staff
by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 2:05 PM ET, Fri July 28, 2023

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented its new Transportation Security Compensation Plan, a pay equity plan for its employees.

This plan honors the commitment by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas to invest in TSA’s workforce through a modernized pay structure comparable with the federal General Schedule pay scale, regular step increases, and a clear progression for pay mobility and growth. The plan went into effect earlier this month.

“Ensuring that every TSA employee is paid fairly, at the same levels as our federal counterparts, has been my top priority,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske.

“TSA’s new compensation plan ensures this, and I want to be clear that we are not going back to the old pay system. Our ability to recruit and retain a vigilant, professional, and engaged workforce has been significantly improved by the promise of equal pay, which is now a reality. I am grateful for President Biden, Secretary Mayorkas, Congress and [American Federation of Government Employees] President Kelley for supporting this effort so that we can continue to meet our mission.”

“Fighting for fair pay of the TSA workforce has been one of my highest priorities and I am proud that we have accomplished this critical goal,” said Mayorkas. “Pay equity is an important milestone but it is not a capstone, and I look forward to continuing to support the entire DHS workforce alongside our partners in Congress and across the Administration.”

Since the announcement of the new compensation plan back in December, TSA has witnessed a marked decrease in employee attrition levels, a subsequent rise in retention rates and increased applicant interest across various TSA job categories. The attrition rate has dropped 61 percent since October 2022. Attrition rates in FY19 and FY22 were 18 percent and 19.1 percent, respectively.

TSA’s new compensation plan covers all TSA non-executive employees, including transportation security officers, vetting and intelligence analysts, inspectors, cybersecurity experts, federal air marshals, and canine handlers—as well as management and administrative professionals. 


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...