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Security Screening Officer salary in Australia
The median full-time salary for a security screening officer is $65,000 per annum, before tax, up $13,500 since 2018.
Pay depends heavily on who holds the contract, because airport screening sits under enterprise agreements while court and port work often follows a state award. Shift patterns move the figure more than experience does, with early starts, nights, weekends and public holidays attracting penalty rates. Additional duties such as supervisor, instructor or dangerous goods roles are usually paid at a higher classification.
Roles that pay more than security screening officer
The largest typical pay rise is $26,000 a year, moving into Sheriff's Officer.
- Sheriff's Officer+$26,000/yr
- Detector Dog Handler+$20,800/yr
- Security Consultant+$20,800/yr
How to negotiate a higher security screening officer salary
- Know the market rate before you ask. The median full-time security screening officer salary is $65,000; use that, not a guess, as your anchor, and adjust for your experience and employer.
- Lead with what's scarce, not just tenure. Skills like Security operations and Emergency response tend to command a premium over general security screening officer experience, name them specifically when you ask.
- Bring a real alternative to the table. Sheriff's Officer pays a typical $26,000 a year more and draws on similar skills, even mentioning you're weighing it up is a legitimate data point in a pay conversation.
- Time it deliberately. Reviews, the end of a project you delivered, or taking on responsibility beyond your job description are stronger moments to ask than an arbitrary date on the calendar.
- Ask for a number, not a raise. "Based on the market rate and [specific contribution], I'd like to move to X" gets a clearer answer than "I think I deserve more."
Security Screening Officer salary questions
How much do security screening officers earn in Australia?
The median full-time salary for a security screening officer is $65,000 a year before tax. Seniority, specialisation, sector and the award or agreement you're employed under all move it.
Is security screening officer pay rising or falling?
The median security screening officer salary is up $13,500 since 2018. Figures from 2025 onward on this page are a projection, not a measured result.
What pays more than security screening officer?
Sheriff's Officer pays a typical $26,000 a year more and draws on similar skills to security screening officer.