--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 13,550
  annual_median    : $45,650
  annual_pct10     : $33,080
  annual_pct25     : $38,240
  annual_pct75     : $60,400
  annual_pct90     : $79,540
  annual_mean      : $50,890
  hourly_median    : $21.95

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : New Jersey ($69,220)
  lowest_state     : Puerto Rico ($23,140)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.991x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (37 total) ---
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:    8,730  median: $  45,650
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    1,880  median: $  56,280
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:      540  median: $  36,590
  Wholesale Trade                          emp:      470  median: $  44,180
  Educational Services                     emp:      440  median: $  45,550
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:      270  median: $  35,890
  Manufacturing                            emp:      250  median: $  55,070
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:      180  median: $  34,390
  Retail Trade                             emp:      140  median: $  33,090
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:      100  median: $  50,600

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (12 total) ---
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:    8,730  median: $  45,650
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    1,880  median: $  56,280
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:      540  median: $  36,590
  Wholesale Trade                          emp:      470  median: $  44,180
  Educational Services                     emp:      440  median: $  45,550
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:      270  median: $  35,890
  Manufacturing                            emp:      250  median: $  55,070
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:      180  median: $  34,390
  Retail Trade                             emp:      140  median: $  33,090
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:      100  median: $  50,600

exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Transportation Worker Identification Credential
match_score        : 0.6000
wikidata_qid       : Q7835186
word_count         : 1,348
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_Worker_Identification_Credential
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T23:37:34.743869Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (or TWIC) program is a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Coast Guard initiative in the United States. The TWIC program provides a tamper-resistant biometric credential to maritime workers requiring unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, outer continental shelf facilities, certain manufacturing facilities, and vessels regulated under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, or MTSA, and all U.S. Coast Guard credentialed merchant mariners. As of May 2014, there were 2,999,058 people enrolled in the program. Those seeking unescorted access to secure areas aboard affected vessels, and all Coast Guard credentialed merchant mariners, must obtain a TWIC. The new measures were fully implemented on April 15, 2009. To obtain a TWIC, an individual must provide biographic and biometric information such as fingerprints, sit for a digital photograph and successfully pass a security threat assessment conducted by TSA.
The issued card contains a computer chip, known as an Integrated Circuit Chip (ICC), which stores the holder's information and biometric data.  The chip can be read by inserting it into a reader or holding it near a "contactless" reader. There is also a magnetic strip (similar to a credit card) and a linear barcode on the back as alternative reading methods.


== Maritime sector ==
While the TWIC may be implemented across other transportation modes in the future, the TWIC Final Rule, published in the Federal Register on January 25, 2007, sets forth regulatory requirements to implement this program in the maritime mode first.
The program's goals are:

Positively identify authorized individuals who require unescorted access to secure areas of the nation's maritime transportation system;
Determine the eligibility of an individual to be authorized unescorted access to secure areas of the maritime transportation system;
Enhance security by ensuring that unauthorized individuals are denied unescorted access to secure areas of the nation's maritime transportation system; and,
Identify individuals who fail to maintain their eligibility qualifications after being permitted unescorted access to secure areas of the nation's maritime transportation system and revoke the individual's permissions.
Workers required to obtain a TWIC include credentialed merchant mariners, port facility employees, longshoremen, truck drivers, and others requiring unescorted access to secure areas of security-regulated maritime facilities and vessels.


== Other transportation sectors ==
In addition to the maritime sector, the TWIC may be required in the future for other security-sensitive transportation sectors, such as airports, railroads, chemical plants, and refineries.  One chemical manufacturing industry representative says it's only a matter of time before the entire manufacturing industry requires workers to have TWIC cards.


== Security threat assessment ==
Each TWIC applicant undergoes a security threat assessment.  The assessment considers convictions, arrest warrants, and indictments for certain offenses and other background information.  In the case of arrests that do not indicate the disposition, the applicant will be notified by TSA, and the applicant must provide TSA with written proof that the arrest did not result in conviction for the offense.


=== Permanent disqualifying criminal offenses ===
An applicant is permanently disqualified if convicted of the following felonies: Espionage, sedition, treason, terrorism, a crime involving a transportation security incident, improper transportation of hazardous material, unlawful acts involving explosives, murder, bomb threats, serious racketeering offenses, or attempts/conspiracy to commit these acts.


=== Interim disqualifiying criminal offenses ===
An applicant is disqualified for a period of time for other convictions, if the applicant was convicted in the past seven years and/or released from incarceration resulting from conviction within the past five years, for: Unlawful acts involving firearms, extortion, fraud (does not include welfare fraud and passing bad checks), bribery, smuggling, immigration violations, drug distribution/importation, arson, kidnapping, rape, assault with intent to kill, robbery, fraudulent entry into a seaport, and lesser racketeering offenses, or attempts/conspiracy to commit these acts.


=== Other parts of the security threat assessment ===
In addition to criminal offenses, TSA will determine immigration status and look for records indicating mental incapacity.  TSA may conduct other analyses, including searching international databases, terrorist watchlists, National Crime Information Center (NCIC), other databases, and may search to see if other extensive foreign or domestic criminal convictions exist.


== Issues ==


=== Loopholes ===
Due to U.S. Coast Guard Policy, persons can still gain access to facilities and vessels without possessing a TWIC card, for up to 30 days, if their employer applies to the TSA (Online) for such a temporary exemption. The employee then carries a print out of their approval along with State issued ID such as a drivers license. There is no provision for validation of this printed document but the employee is required to have "Escorted Access" which allows entry but prohibits them from certain areas without another employee escorting them.


=== Rollout ===
The Government Accountability Office has said the TWIC program has suffered from lack of oversight and poor coordination.  Delays regarding developing and implementing card reader technology have meant that for the initial period TWIC cards will not be used in card readers.  Additionally, a number of organizations have complained at the financial impact the program will have on already highly regulated industries. As of Jan 2016 vessels and waterfront facilities were still not required to possess TWIC card readers due to delays in the rule making for the devices and therefore a person with an invalidated TWIC card may still be able to gain un-escorted access to facilities and vessels due to an inability to verify cards on site.


=== Delays to applicants ===
According to a report by the National Employment Law Project, some TWIC applicants have experienced significant delays.  Specifically, many applicants that receive initial denials based on background check returns face waits of six to eight months to complete the process to obtain a TWIC.  Over 10,000 applicants out of the 1.5 million port workers could not work for an average of 69 days because they had not obtained a TWIC by the implementation date.


=== Faulty TWIC Cards ===
In November 2011, the TSA announced that approximately 26,000 TWIC cards issued before April 5, 2011 would not work when inserted into a TWIC card reader.  Each card contains a Federal Agency Smart Credential Number (FASC-N), which uniquely identifies each card in Federal databases, encoded on its ICC. On the faulty cards, the FASC-N has not been fully encoded, causing the readers to view the card as an invalid card.
The agency has posted a list online with the serial numbers of affected cards.  They say that they will replace the faulty cards at no further cost to the affected individual.


=== Criticism ===
Critics assert that the program has cost over $420 million and has little to show for it. A 2013 GAO report found the TWIC card reader pilot program results to be unreliable and questioned "the program's premise and effectiveness in enhancing security."  Rep. John Mica (R-FL) has called them "at best no more useful than library cards.


=== Legislation ===
On July 28, 2014, the United States House of Representatives passed the Essential Transportation Worker Identification Credential Assessment Act (H.R. 3202; 113th Congress), a bill that would direct the United States Department of Homeland Security to assess the effectiveness of the TWIC program. The bill would require an i

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: United Transportation Union (similarity: 0.5333)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Transportation_Union
  QID: Q7893615
  Extract: The United Transportation Union (UTU) was a broad-based, transportation labor union that represented about 70,000 active and retired railroad, bus, mass transit, and airline workers in the United States. The UTU was headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. On August 11, 2014, it merged with the Sheet Metal

  Title: International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (similarity: 0.3964)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Association_of_Sheet_Metal%2C_Air%2C_Rail_and_Transportation_Workers
  QID: Q27814001
  Extract: The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART) is a North American labor union headquartered in Washington, DC, which was chartered by the AFL–CIO in 2013. The product of a merger between the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association (SMWIA) and the 

  Title: Sheet Metal Workers' International Association (similarity: 0.3797)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheet_Metal_Workers'_International_Association
  QID: Q7492531
  Extract: The Sheet Metal Workers' International Association (SMWIA) was a trade union of skilled sheet metal workers. Such workers perform architectural sheet metal work, fabricate and install heating and air conditioning work, shipbuilding, appliance construction, heater and boiler construction, precision a

  Title: Katie Wilson (similarity: 0.2222)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katie_Wilson
  QID: Q135927619
  Extract: Katherine Barrett Wilson is an American politician, activist, and democratic socialist who is the 58th mayor of Seattle since taking office in 2026. Wilson is the co-founder and executive director of the Transit Riders Union, a group that focuses on improving public transportation and workers' right

  Title: Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic (similarity: 0.2609)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workers_%26_Resources%3A_Soviet_Republic
  QID: Q65051080
  Extract: Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic is a 2024 city-building and construction and management simulation developed and released by the Slovak game studio 3Division.

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : medium
confidence_notes     : Limited detailed skill and task data available due to the catch-all nature of this SOC code, but job titles and industry distribution provide sufficient context for occupational characterization.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-04T03:23:39.388988+00:00
tokens_input         : 2,378
tokens_output        : 3,234
cost_usd             : $0.034108
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Transportation Worker Identification Credential
wikipedia_note       : The Wikipedia match relates to the TWIC credential program that many transportation workers require for security clearance in maritime and transportation facilities, providing context about regulatory requirements for this occupation.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Transportation Workers, All Other encompasses a diverse category of support personnel across aviation, maritime, and ground transportation who perform specialized tasks not classified in other transportation occupations. These workers include airplane refuelers, airport ramp attendants, ferry operators, and various utility and service workers who keep transportation systems functioning safely and efficiently. The role serves as a catch-all classification for essential transportation support functions that require specialized knowledge of safety protocols and transportation operations.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
A transportation worker might begin their day by conducting safety checks on equipment before handling fuel operations for aircraft or operating specialized transportation vehicles like cable ferries. They coordinate with pilots, dispatchers, and ground crews to ensure smooth operations while following strict safety protocols. Throughout their shift, they may refuel vehicles, direct traffic on airport ramps, operate elevators in transportation facilities, or provide flag signaling for aircraft movements. Documentation and communication with supervisors about operational status and any safety concerns are ongoing responsibilities.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel in this field typically have strong attention to detail and can work effectively in safety-critical environments where precision matters. They tend to be practical, hands-on workers who prefer structured environments with clear procedures and protocols. The work appeals to those who enjoy being part of a larger transportation operation without necessarily wanting management responsibilities. Physical stamina and the ability to work in various weather conditions are important, along with comfort working around large vehicles and machinery.

CAREER ENTRY:
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, with extensive on-the-job training provided for specific equipment and safety procedures. Many workers obtain specialized certifications such as the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) for maritime facilities or airport security clearances for aviation roles. Some positions may require commercial driver's licenses or equipment-specific certifications depending on the exact role and workplace requirements.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Transportation workers can advance to supervisory roles within their specific transportation sector or transition to more specialized technical positions such as aircraft mechanics, logistics coordinators, or transportation inspectors. Some workers pursue additional certifications to move into higher-paying specialized roles like crane operators or equipment technicians. The broad exposure to transportation operations provides valuable experience for career advancement within the transportation and logistics industry.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
With 13,550 workers employed nationally, this occupation shows moderate demand concentrated primarily in Transportation and Warehousing (8,730 workers) and government sectors (1,880 workers) according to BLS OEWS May 2025. The median annual wage of $45,650 varies significantly by location, from $23,140 in Puerto Rico to $69,220 in New Jersey, reflecting regional economic differences and cost of living variations. Employment opportunities are strongest in major transportation hubs, airports, seaports, and areas with significant government transportation infrastructure. The 2.99x wage differential between highest and lowest-paying regions indicates substantial geographic mobility benefits for workers.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Many transportation worker tasks involving manual labor, equipment operation, and safety monitoring face moderate automation risk as technology advances in autonomous vehicles and automated handling systems. However, roles requiring human judgment for safety decisions, coordination with multiple parties, and handling of unexpected situations remain less susceptible to automation in the near term.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [skill_overlap] Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity (53-3022) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both roles require transportation safety knowledge and vehicle operation skills in public transportation environments.
    data: shared transportation sector
    data: safety protocol requirements
  [task_similarity] Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand (53-7062) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Airport ramp attendants and baggage handlers perform similar material moving tasks in transportation contexts.
    data: baggage handling rampman job title
    data: material handling activities
  [knowledge_overlap] Air Traffic Controllers (53-2021) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Flag signalers and air traffic controllers both coordinate aircraft movement and require aviation safety knowledge.
    data: flag signaler job title
    data: aviation coordination
  [transferable_skill] Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Airport utility workers and industrial operators share equipment operation skills in transportation/logistics environments.
    data: airport utility worker title
    data: transportation equipment operation
  [wage_band] Highway Maintenance Workers (47-4051) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both occupations fall within similar wage ranges and require transportation infrastructure knowledge.
    data: median wage $45,650
    data: transportation infrastructure work

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['transportation worker', 'airport ramp', 'refueler', 'ferry operator', 'flag signaler', 'elevator operator', 'transportation support', 'utility worker']
  exclude_keywords : ['pilot', 'mechanic', 'dispatcher', 'supervisor', 'manager']
  title_patterns   : ['worker', 'attendant', 'operator', 'helper', 'signaler']
  common_variations: ['airplane refueler', 'airport ramp attendant', 'cable ferry operator', 'airport utility worker', 'flag signalman', 'fueler', 'ramp worker', 'transportation aide']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['transportation', 'twic', 'security', 'maritime', 'program', 'card', 'access', 'facilities', 'sheet', 'metal', 'cards', 'tsa', 'united', 'union', 'safety', 'credential', 'unescorted', 'secure', 'vessels', 'assessment']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
transportation             45  0.03876  wikipedia            wikipedia:51%  inference:49%
twic                       31  0.02670  wikipedia            wikipedia:94%  inference:6%
security                   19  0.01637  wikipedia            wikipedia:89%  inference:11%
maritime                   17  0.01464  wikipedia            wikipedia:82%  inference:18%
program                    15  0.01292  wikipedia            wikipedia:93%  inference:7%
card                       15  0.01292  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
access                     11  0.00948  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
facilities                 11  0.00948  wikipedia            wikipedia:73%  inference:27%
sheet                      10  0.00861  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
metal                      10  0.00861  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
cards                       9  0.00775  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
tsa                         8  0.00689  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
united                      8  0.00689  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
union                       8  0.00689  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
safety                      8  0.00689  inference            inference:100%
credential                  7  0.00603  wikipedia            wikipedia:71%  inference:29%
unescorted                  7  0.00603  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
secure                      7  0.00603  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
vessels                     7  0.00603  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
assessment                  7  0.00603  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
international               7  0.00603  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
applicant                   6  0.00517  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
offenses                    6  0.00517  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
association                 6  0.00517  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
specialized                 6  0.00517  inference            inference:100%
coast                       5  0.00431  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
guard                       5  0.00431  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
states                      5  0.00431  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
obtain                      5  0.00431  wikipedia            wikipedia:80%  inference:20%
threat                      5  0.00431  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
reader                      5  0.00431  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
involving                   5  0.00431  wikipedia            wikipedia:80%  inference:20%
smart                       5  0.00431  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
equipment                   5  0.00431  inference            inference:100%
port                        4  0.00345  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
act                         4  0.00345  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
merchant                    4  0.00345  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
individual                  4  0.00345  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
individuals                 4  0.00345  wikipedia            wikipedia:75%  inference:25%
include                     4  0.00345  wikipedia            wikipedia:75%  inference:25%