ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Dea Special Agent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drug Enforcement Administration

Program Analyst

Newark, NJ · On-site +1

$148K - $192K/yr

Summary This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New Jersey Field Division. The purpose of this position is to serve as an expert advisor to the Special Agent in Charge ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsDea Special Agent Jobs

Dea Special Agent information

See salary details

$35K

$65.6K

$104.5K

How much do dea special agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for dea special agent in the United States is $65,642.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a DEA Special Agent?

To thrive as a DEA Special Agent, you must possess a strong background in law enforcement or criminal justice, excellent analytical skills, and meet rigorous physical and background requirements. Familiarity with investigative tools and techniques, such as surveillance technology, evidence collection, and firearms certification, is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability under pressure, and clear written and verbal communication set outstanding agents apart. These abilities are vital for conducting effective investigations, ensuring team safety, and building successful cases against drug-related criminal organizations.

What types of assignments and environments can DEA Special Agents expect?

DEA Special Agents experience a wide range of assignments including undercover operations, surveillance, conducting searches, and participating in joint task forces with other law enforcement agencies. Work environments can vary from office settings and courtrooms to field investigations in diverse and sometimes high-risk locations. Agents frequently collaborate in teams and must remain flexible as priorities can shift quickly depending on evolving investigations. Over time, successful agents may have opportunities for advancement into supervisory roles or to specialize in areas such as intelligence, training, or international operations. This dynamic structure offers both professional growth and the chance to make a significant impact in combating drug-related crime.

What is a DEA Special Agent?

A DEA Special Agent is a federal law enforcement officer responsible for investigating and enforcing U.S. drug laws. They work to dismantle drug trafficking organizations, conduct undercover operations, and collaborate with domestic and international agencies. Agents may also arrest offenders, gather intelligence, and testify in court. The job requires rigorous training, physical fitness, and a strong commitment to public safety.

How do I become a DEA special agent?

To become a DEA special agent, candidates must be U.S. citizens, between 21 and 36 years old, and pass a background check, physical fitness test, and drug test. Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree and relevant work experience or specialized skills, and must complete a rigorous training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).
More about Dea Special Agent jobs
What cities are hiring for Dea Special Agent jobs? Cities with the most Dea Special Agent job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Dea Special Agent jobs? The most popular types of Dea Special Agent jobs are:
What states have the most Dea Special Agent jobs? States with the most job openings for Dea Special Agent jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Dea Special Agent jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Dea Special Agent jobs are:
Dea Special Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dea Special Agent job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,642 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Director)

Careers | Office of Inspector General

Washington, DC • On-site

$147K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

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-15 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 grade level performing the following:
  1. Directing and managing criminal, civil, and administrative investigative programs through subordinate managers, supervisors, and administrative personnel, providing executive leadership, strategic oversight, and operational direction to ensure effective execution of complex investigative operations.
  2. Advising senior executives on investigative policies, procedures, and operational strategies while developing and implementing long-range strategic plans, annual operational goals, and resource priorities to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, agency priorities, and professional investigative standards.
  3. Exercising executive supervisory responsibility by leading workforce and resource management, establishing organizational priorities, evaluating employee performance, resolving complex operational issues, and directing high-profile, sensitive, and complex investigations in accordance with legal requirements, agency policies, and established investigative standards.

AdditionalRequirements:
  • Training Requirement: This position requires that you have completed the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) or one of the following equivalents: (FBI Basic Special Agent Academy, DEA Basic Special Agent Academy, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Basic Inspector Training Program, U.S. Army , CID Agent Course, or the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Special Investigators Course). (Copy of certificate or transcript verifying completion required upon selection) (Please ensure to list 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 will 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. 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 closing date 08/03/2026of 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 closing date 08/03/2026 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

Apply