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Dea Agent Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dea Agent information

See Virginia salary details

$19.5K

$74.7K

$153.2K

How much do dea agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for dea agent in Virginia is $74,686.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,387.00 and $97,253.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a DEA agent?

A DEA Agent is a law enforcement officer who works for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to combat illegal drug trafficking and distribution. Their duties include investigating drug-related crimes, conducting surveillance, arresting offenders, and working with other agencies to dismantle drug operations. They may also go undercover, testify in court, and participate in international drug enforcement efforts. The job can be dangerous and requires extensive training in firearms, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DEA agent?

To thrive as a DEA Agent, you need a strong background in law enforcement or criminal justice, physical fitness, and a bachelor's degree, often accompanied by successful completion of DEA Basic Agent Training. Familiarity with forensic analysis tools, surveillance technology, evidence collection procedures, and firearms certification is essential. Outstanding attention to detail, critical thinking, discretion, and excellent interpersonal communication distinguish high performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively investigating complex drug-related crimes, ensuring public safety, and collaborating with law enforcement partners.

What are some typical challenges faced by DEA agents in their daily work?

DEA Agents often encounter complex investigations that require persistence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, as cases can involve high-risk situations and rapidly changing information. Agents may work irregular hours, travel extensively, and sometimes face dangerous environments when executing warrants or conducting undercover operations. Collaboration with other agencies and clear documentation are essential to ensure the integrity of investigations and prosecutions. While the work is demanding, it offers the reward of making a significant impact on the fight against illegal drug activities and public safety.

Do DEA agents make a lot of money?

DEA agents typically earn a competitive salary that varies based on experience, location, and rank, with starting salaries often around $50,000 to $70,000 annually. With experience and promotions, salaries can increase significantly, and agents may also receive benefits such as overtime pay, hazard pay, and retirement options. Overall, DEA agents are well-compensated compared to many other law enforcement roles.

How do you become a DEA agent?

To become a DEA agent, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and must pass a series of tests including background checks, physical fitness assessments, and drug and polygraph exams. Applicants also need to complete specialized training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) and meet age and citizenship requirements.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Dea Agent jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Dea Agent job openings:

Infographic showing various Dea Agent job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 42% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,686 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

$106K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

101st of 294 rated public sector bodies


Job description

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office whose mission is to promote excellence, integrity, and accountability throughout the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In our dynamic environment, the OIG conducts investigations, audits, evaluations, and inspections to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency and to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and mismanagement in DHS programs and operations.Qualifications:You will qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level performing the following:
1. Presenting evidence that reconstructs events, sequences, and time element to establish relationships, responsibilities, legal liabilities, and conflict.
2. Utilizing techniques, methods, and equipment in conducting a full life cycle criminal investigation to include drafting and preparing concise, logical reports of investigations and summaries.
3. Collaborating with other law enforcement agencies for purpose of obtaining their cooperation in furnishing information concerning illegal activities involving violations of criminal law.
AdditionalRequirements:
  • Training Requirement: This position requires that you have completed the basic criminal investigator course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA or its equivalent (FBI Basic Special Agent Academy; DEA Basic Special Agent Academy; U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Basic Inspector Training Program; U.S. Army Military Police School; CID Special Agent Course; and U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Special Investigators Course). (Copy of certificate or transcript verifying completion required upon selection. Please ensure it is listed on your resume.)
  • FirearmRequirement: This position requires you to be authorized to carry a firearm and maintain firearm proficiency. Therefore, it is subject to the Lautenberg Amendment, 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g) (9) and you will be required to verify that you have not been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
  • Age Requirement: This position is covered by the law enforcement officer retirement provisions, 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) or 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d),and as such is covered by a mandatory age requirement. There is a maximum entry age of the day before your 37th birthday for original appointment into law enforcement officer positions as defined in 5 U.S.C. 8331(21) or 5 U.S.C. 8401(17). This age restriction does not apply to those who have prior Federal service in a covered primary law enforcement position, or to qualified Veterans' preference eligible regardless of whether they meet the maximum age requirements identified at 5 U.S.C. 3307.
  • MedicalRequirement:This position requires you to maintain physical fitness standards set by the agency. The duties of Criminal Investigators require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels. Additionally, the duties of this position involve activities under trying conditions, as such, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. This position may require the completion of a Medical Examination that will include testing of your vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and mobility of extremities by an authorized Government physician. If a medical examination is required, you must be cleared by the authorized Government physician in order to be determined physically fit to perform the arduous physical exertion required of this position.
This position has been identified as a Testing Designated Position (TDP); therefore, you are subject to drug testing under OIG's Drug-Free Workplace policy. Refusal to be randomly tested may result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the cutoff date or 09/28/2026of this announcement. Current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade level or equivalent grade band in the federal service. The time-in-grade requirement must be met by the cutoff or closing date 09/28/2026 of this announcement.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003