Air Marshal Career, Salary, and Training Info
Federal Air Marshals are armed Federal law enforcement officers who are deployed on passenger flights internationally to protect passengers and crew against criminal and terrorist acts. They are under the direction of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and may also work with the FBI Counterterrorism Task-Force and other Federal anti-terrorism initiatives.
The Federal Aviation Administration began a Sky Marshal program in 1968. Eventually, the program became the Federal Air Marshal Service as the increase in commercial passenger flights dictated a greater need for in-flight security personnel. Air Marshal careers are much different from typical law enforcement jobs, as are the Air Marshal requirements, educational standards, and salary & benefit packages.
Air Marshal Requirements
Candidates must complete an application process that includes a preliminary screening and suitability assessment, mental health and psychological suitability screening, a panel interview, drug test, background investigation, medical and fitness evaluation.
Applicants must be under 37 years of age though there are exceptions made for veterans or those with significant past experience in a related field. You must be a U.S. citizen and resident of the U.S.
Air Marshal Education and Training
The Air Marshal training is a two-phase fifteen-week program. Phase One is the FLETC basic Police Training Program. In Phase Two, students are instructed in international law, arrest procedures, communications, aircraft safety procedures, defensive measures, aviation first-aid and advanced firearm tactics.
Air marshal’s must achieve and maintain the highest pistol qualification score among all enforcement agencies.
Following successful completion of training, new air marshals may be assigned to any of 21 field offices located in the U.S. where intensive training continues.
Air Marshal Salary
The salary for Air Marshals begins at approximately $40,000 per year. The salaries were raised after 9/11 when the TSA increased the number of Air Marshals to cover more domestic commercial flights. Air Marshals are entitled to the Federal employee benefit program.
TSA, unlike other government agencies, does not use the GS system as a pay scale but uses a band system instead. Proposals have been made that would convert all TSA positions to the GS salary system but the cost of the changeover may be too high.
Air Marshal Career Opportunities
Air Marshals have an expanding role in homeland security as the primary law enforcement arm within the Transportation Security Administration.
As a Federal Air Marshal you must operate without backup and blend in with passengers. This is a unique position in law enforcement. Air Marshals may pose as airline passengers on flights for hours each day and up to 50 hours per week and yet must be capable of taking immediate action to protect the flight and passengers at a moment’s notice.
Federal Air Marshals usually travel in pairs. The majority of work hours are spent in flight without incident but Air Marshals rely on investigative techniques, terrorist behavior recognition, close quarters self defense skills and handgun accuracy to ensure the safety of airline passengers and the public.
Promotional opportunities are available that include transfers into intelligence, administrative mission support and technology.
Take a look at other great Criminal Justice Careers.
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
With the increase of possible hostile climate in the airline industry, is there a chance the age of 37yrs. for a air marshals be lifted for those that may be qualified at an older mature age?
Chances are very slim that such an age lift would occur, unless U.S. was in dire need of staffing most of the flights with air marshals.
I’m interested in becoming a Federal Sky Marshall. How do i apply, or who should i contact if I’m interested? I’m prior service (Army) and would meet all physical/mental requirements.
Visit: http://www.tsa.gov for more info.
How much does the training of a previously untrained individual cost?
I’m not sure about that one. You’ll probably have to speak with TSA about their training costs for Air Marshals.
Are there restrictions on the number of flight hours worked per month? I know flight attendants and plots are limited in their flight hours due to increased exposure to radiation. Would this also apply to Air Marshals?
Good question. I’ve heard that air marshals fly 800 to 1,000 hours per year. I don’t know what the exact cap is, but I’m sure there is one with health risks associated with radiation exposure and constant air pressure changes.
I was trying to get some information on the Air Marshals, I’m currently in the US ARMY as an ARMY SCOUT I’m in a combat MOS I’m about to complete my last Deployment, at the end of my contract coming up soon i will end at my 7 year mark, my rank is SGT(E-5) I was wondering seeing how I’ve been in combat for years and have experience in various skills (RECON, DETAINEES,TACTICAL ROOM CLEARING, MULTIPLE WEAPONS QUALIFIED,HAND TO HAND COMBAT, ETC.), will that be enough to qualify me for the job As AIR MARSHAL, i do not have my degree as of now but i do have 31 credits. If you could, would you let me know if my experience and current college credit be sufficient to apply and possibly be accepted for the training and job.
You certainly seem to have the experience and tactical training that can help you get your foot in the door. The Air Marshal Career falls under the purview of the TSA and that’s where I would start looking for the most recent requirements and job openings.
hey i am a sophomore right now and i am about to go to the career center for criminal justice and have looked a lot into being an air marshal. how many years do i need of criminal justice so i know what college to be picking and do you have any suggestions of what i can do now to get ready to be an air marshal.
My recommendation is to always have a minimum of a Bachelor degree. However, there are many positions within the Federal Government that don’t require a 4-year degree. So, for example, you might be able to get by with an Associate’s degree and some work experience. Checkout TSA’s website for current requirements.
Hello, I am interested in becoming a FAM, I have already gone through FLETC and worked as a federal police officer for 3yrs still holding a security clearance atm. TS/SCI. Also have a strong security background and prior military. Now I am processing for TSO position through TSA but I would like to see if possible to switch to process as a FAMS-FLD-05-0002 but this position can not be found on USAjob.gov does this mean they are not recruiting for it or its an unlisted position. I am very interested and feel this job would be perfect for me. Please help I am seeking answers but can’t seem to find them.
From what I’m hearing now, this position is unlisted because there’s no recruitment initiatives at the moment. And yes, some positions never get listed as they get filled with “pre-selected” transfers and promotions. I don’t think you’ll find too much about the current status on the Internet. Perhaps speaking with someone at the TSA that deals with FAM recruitment may help. Your qualifications seem very good, but be warned that you must have superior firearms proficiency to make it, along with high-stress coping skills, etc, etc. Good luck, Sean.
I have a friend that says he’s an air marshall when he’s on a flight….is it possible to be a part-time Air Marshall? Also do Air Marshall’s pay for flights? It seems that would be included in the service they’re providing…. Thanks
At this time, I don’t think it is possible to be a part-time Air Marshal. Full-time positions are desired most.
Air Marshals do not pay for flights out of their pockets. The airlines and the Federal Government fork the bill.
I am a current senior in college, I am in fit condition from prior sports activities in my college. My major is in Family Youth Communities Sciences (FYCS), but I have a strong interest in becoming a FAM. Is there a special degree that is required to become a FAM or is all degrees accepted in this field. what would be the proper way in helping my situation that I’m in.
There’s really no special degree that the TSA is looking for in relation to the Air Marshal position. The best way to help you out with any FAM related questions would be to address them directly with the TSA. Clearly, FAM career track is not mentioned often as certain level of secrecy surrounding the job duties must exist, but I can imagine a person with nerves of steal and superior firearms use / close combat capabilities is considered a good candidate. That said, some agencies prefer people that don’t have any firearm experience, as they may have a tougher time “teaching an old dog new tricks.”
I am very interested in becoming an air marshal would you happen to know when will they have an opening for the entry level position. I am currently a Federal Firefighter an just looking for a career change
Air Marshal positions are most often shown on the TSA website or UsaJobs.gov. However, I haven’t seen any Air Marshal positions become available in a while, but then I could have just missed it.
I have been searching through the net for as much information as I can about the Federal Air Marshal (FAM) program, but have found the most on this blog so far, so thanks Mr. Gadek for providing info. I am about to retire from the military after serving 20 years, but puts my age at 38. I currently hold a TS/SCI clearance and an Associate’s Degree and currently pursuing my Bachelor’s. I have been to Iraq and qualified with the M9 and M16, receiving a grade of Expert in shooting both. I have worked 2 years as military police. I have been wanting to get into the FAMs program, but it looks so hard to find the front door. I was looking at staying in the Orlando area in their office. Is there a specific office that I can call because the Help Desk number is not useful? I am about to deploy one last time with the Navy for anti-piracy ops, but really want to transition into the program directly from military retirement. All the help is appreciated.
Thanks for the praise, but it’s the people who leave comments and ask questions who help the most. FAM information is illusive, even for me. I know that it’s a highly demanding program looking for very qualified individuals. Sorry I can’t help more, but to alleviate some frustration, these positions are often decided internally and may not be available to general public all the time.
Radek,
I am on step 7 out of 12 in the air marshal process. I have my panel interview scheduled for next week with the possibility of doing my PT training then also. What should I expect or do you have any tips for me on going through this phase? I am assuming this is the most important step and will more than likely make or break it.
Chad,
I personally haven’t gone through the Air Marshal process, but I can confirm that the panel interview is one of the most important steps. I don’t know if it’s timed or not – it probably is – but take just enough time to answer each question in a manner that’s succinct enough but delivers a clear message from you. I also don’t know if you will be given the questions / points to address now or right before the panel interview, or if it’s a completely different thing altogether. However, I do know that if it’s timed you have to split your time exactly, so if you have 20 minutes to address three topics, then dedicate about 6.5 minutes per question. Take that to heart in your preparation. Also, be honest with your answers, as any deviation can make you look, exactly that, devious.
Depending on how the panel interview is structured (which I hope you can tell me more about – based on what you know so far), expect one person or a few people running the panel, asking the questions, or just saying “so, Chad tell us about…”. Expect all their faces looking down and writing things down constantly (very normal, but weird – you might want to pick a fixed point at that time and “talk to it” so it doesn’t knock your rhythm out). If someone addresses you looking at you and they stay in that position, answer looking back at the person and occasionally turning to the other panel members. Expect very little emotion, criticism, or praise form the panel (although that is a factor you can’t always control). Expect questions that may be uncomfortable. Don’t be surprised that they tell you to leave when your time is up, even in the midst of your compelling presentation.
As for PT part, you know if it’s easy or tough by now. I hope you’re ready : )
Hope to hear back from you soon.
- Radek
Hi, I’m 29 years old and i have a gun license and an armed security license. I don’t have a college diploma. I’m very interested in becoming an air marshal. Am I qualified for the job based on the basic info that I’ve given you? And with these licenses I’ve attained, do you know of any jobs or avenues I should take to lead me to a good career in law enforcement, besides becoming a police officer? Thanks in advance.
Your experience may give you an upper hand in law enforcement positions, but your license doesn’t truly matter that much, unless you have training in special weapons. One other aspect of your license that is important is to make sure that there are no weapons infractions for the duration of you holding the licenses. Please read the qualifications above to see if you’re qualified. Some of the comments from other readers may also help. Good luck Bob.
Chad,
I had a friend just go all the way through the process and get a final offer. From what he tells me, the panel interview is a bit nerve wrecking, but go in with a strong sense of confidence and you will be fine. He said some of the questions were asking about your integrity, leadership skills, experience, etc. I am actually on the same step as you and am waiting for my appointment time for the interview. Best of luck to you and who knows, maybe I will see you at school!
Melissa
Melissa, thank you for sharing your experience.
I finished the panel interview and the PT test. You only take the PT test and have the interview with the SAC (special agent in charge) if you pass the panel interview. The one that I attended not very many people made it through the panel interview because the SAC told his people to only recommend people that they could see themselves working with. Obviously I can’t say what the questions were but just have a lot of real life situational stories to relate things to.
I am awaiting the contingent offer which takes around a month they said. The only things that are left are the drug test and medical test. Does anyone have any insight on what those consist of and how often they have a new class go through the academy?
I thought I had responded o on here but I guess it didn’t go through. I passed the panel interview then had the physical test and the interview with the SAC. They are tested quarterly on their fitness and are all in great shape. They said i should get a contingent offer within a month and then just have to complete the drug/medical test and the background check. Does anyone know anything about the last two steps before the final offer? You have to pass the panel interview, which they said most people do not, in order to do the other two portions. The fitness guys said that most people do not get to take the fitness test.
Chad, thanks for both comments. They are very insightful. The reason you didn’t see your first one is because the comments have to be moderated by me to avoid spam. I don’t know the exact process, or the next two steps, but I hope you’ll find them to be fairly easy. The drug test and the medical test are truly a no-brainer (vision, blood pressure, possibly a psychological assessment), but the background check can make or break the process – in reality both can. Let us know what happens next. Good luck!
hello I posted on here, before about being a federal police officer and wanting to get into the air marshals program just a heads up TSA Expo this Saturday Dc hotel for those interested.
Sean.