How to Become a Federal Air Marshal

Read about a Federal Air Marshal career below and the requirements for applicants. An important aspect to consider before becoming an Air Marshal is how an education (bachelor's degree) can waive many of the requirements, such as the three years of work experience that is required before becoming eligible for an Air Marshal position. Online schools are now offering bachelor's degree programs in criminal justice (a great degree that will prepare you for law enforcement related positions like an Air Marshal) that can be completed in as little as 15 months.

Find Degree Programs for an Air Marshall Career

The TSA and its Agencies

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now part of the United States Department of Homeland Security and directs all TSA law enforcement agencies including, the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), the TSA National Explosives Detection Canine Program and the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program.

Federal Air Marshal Service Job Description

Federal Air Marshals are responsible not only for the security of aircraft but for national security as it pertains to all aspects of transportation and the country's critical infrastructure. Federal Air Marshals are the primary law enforcement entity within the TSA. An Air Marshal's main job duties are to protect passengers and crew on international and domestic flights from crime and acts of terrorism. The job has evolved in recent years to include staffing several positions at different agencies like the National Counterterrorism Center, the National Targeting Center, and on the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces. These liaison positions are critical to coordinating and protecting against acts of terrorism. Air Marshals have the highest firearm qualification standards of all law enforcement agencies and are considered some of the best marksman in law enforcement. According to the TSA, a Federal Air Marshal flies 181 days a year, 15 days a month, spends 900 hours a year in an aircraft, and spends 5 hours a day in an aircraft.

Federal Air Marshal Requirements and Training

As with all highly trained and well paying federal government positions, applying for a Federal Air Marshal job is very competitive and anything you can do to set yourself apart from the competition is a must. One way, that by no means will guarantee you a position, is to earn a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree. Some of the requirements for applicants are waived if the applicant has an advanced education and you will have a shot at starting your career with the Federal Air Marshal Service with a higher pay grade. According to the TSA, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, 37 years of age at appointment (previous federal law enforcement experience may exempt applicants from the age restriction), must meet stringent physical, health and medical requirements and 3 years of general experience. Such experience may have been gained in administrative, professional, technical, investigative, or other progressively responsible work; or Completion of all requirements for a bachelor's degree in any field. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-G level. Examples include law enforcement experience; e.g., conducting criminal investigations; performing inspections or evaluations to determine compliance with laws and regulations affecting aviation; developing or implementing policies or procedures affecting aviation security; and providing security risk, threat, or vulnerability assessments related to aviation security; or Completion of all requirements for a doctoral degree or three full academic years of graduate education in criminal justice, public administration, police science, law, or aviation management. More information about qualifications and requirements can be found on the TSA website.

Employment begins with Air marshals being required to attend two seven-week courses at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center training site in Artesia, N.M., and at the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) academy in Atlantic City, N.J. The training includes marksmanship, physical training, and critical scenarios air marshals may encounter while on the job. Trainees also learn how to manage situations with drunk, high or mentally impaired passengers.  There are 21 national field offices nationally and a number of airport based offices, that after successful completion of training an air marshal will be assigned to.

Federal Air Marshal Salaries

The TSA is unique in comparison to other United States federal government agencies in that it does not use the same GS pay scale. Instead, the TSA utilizes an SV grading system with different pay bands designated with by a letter from A to M. The SV grading systems ranges from $15,958 to $145,400. Federal Air Marshals are hired on at the G,H or I pay level, which is a pay range of $36,764 to $84,739.

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Criminal Justice and Related Degrees

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In a Hurry? Click here to request free information from the Nation's most respected online criminal justice programs.

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starLiberty University Online: Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Online Education Database has ranked Liberty University among the top 10 online colleges in the nation for two years in a row.

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Associate's in Criminal Justice
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editorpickUniversity of Phoenix Online:

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Associates of Arts Criminal Justice
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editorpickAmerican InterContinental University Online: The BSCJ in Special Populations is an accelerated Bachelor's Degree program that will prepare you for careers in federal government, such as an Air Marshal.

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Associate's Criminal Justice Administration
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editorpickBryant & Stratton College : Bryant & Stratton College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

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Associate's in Criminal Justice
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Capella University:

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BS in Criminal Justice
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Colorado Technical University Online:

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A.S. in Criminal Justice
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Drexel University Online: Drexel University is regionally accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. There is a strong focus on criminology as well as the many other facets of criminal justice including administration, policies and procedures, law, corrections and much more. Learn more by requesting information today.

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BS in Criminal Justice Online

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Everest College Online:

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Criminal Justice Associate's Degree
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Everest University Online:

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CJ Associate's Degree
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Kaplan University:

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AAS in Criminal Justice
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Keiser University: E-Campus

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AA in Criminal Justice
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Lincoln College Online:

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BS in Criminal Justice and The Study of the Criminal Mind

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Florida Tech University Online:

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AA in Criminal Justice
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Ashford University:

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BA in Organizational Management - Criminal Justice

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Rasmussen College Online:

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Associate's - Law Enforcement
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South University Online:

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Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
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Strayer University: Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

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Virginia College:

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AA in Criminal Justice
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Walden University Online: Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
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MPA - Homeland Security and Policy Coordination, Law and Public Policy
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Westwood College:

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Bachelor's Degree - Criminal Justice