Even though we haven’t received an official response from the TSA, their hiring process video states there will be a background check performed before an offer of employment is made.
Here’s what you need to know about background checks:
If you live in the following states, we’ve got good news! They won’t look at any criminal activity older than seven years:
- California
- Colorado*
- Kansas*
- Maryland*
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire*
- New York*
- Texas*
- Washington*
(* sometimes certain pay or salary bracket positions require one.)
The next eight states don’t care about any cases where you were found not guilty:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Indiana (limited check)
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
However, if you live in these next states, be prepared. They can and will see every verdict, including the not guilty ones.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- DC
- Delaware
- Florida
- Idaho
- Indiana (extensive check)
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Company Ratings
Our team took the time to research the Transportation Security Administration’s ratings. Glassdoor.com shows they have a rating of 2.8 out of 5 stars. Of the 1,040 reviews, most employees say the benefits are great, once hired on full-time. The most common negative review is that it takes too long to get hired on full-time.
What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?
Since the TSA is a government administration dealing specifically with inbound and outbound transportation, there are a few offenses that will make it difficult (or even impossible!) to get hired on with them. There is a full list on their website, but we’ll go over a few here:
Following are some of the automatic disqualifications:
- Espionage
- Treason
- Crimes of terrorism
- Murder
Next are offenses that will be considered if it has been seven years or more since conviction date or five years after being released from incarceration:
- Firearms charges
- Identity fraud
- Assault
- Immigration violations
Again, these aren’t exhaustive lists. If your infraction isn’t listed here, be sure to check out the website and see if it’s listed there.
Does the TSA drug test?
Their hiring video says they do.
Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!
Did this article help you to get a job at the TSA with a felony? Let us know. This is your chance to help others in the same situation. We’d love to hear from you!