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$35K

$65.6K

$104.5K

How much do dea special agent jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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 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.

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.

Does the DEA have DEA Special Agents?

Yes, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) employs Special Agents who investigate drug-related crimes, enforce federal drug laws, and work in various field offices across the country. These agents typically require specialized training, a background check, and relevant qualifications such as a degree or law enforcement experience.

How do you become a DEA special agent?

To become a DEA special agent, candidates must meet age, education, and background requirements, pass a written exam and physical fitness test, and successfully complete a rigorous training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Relevant skills include law enforcement experience, strong communication, and integrity, with a background check and drug testing part of the process.
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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, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% 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.

Criminal Investigator

Careers | Office of Inspector General

Jersey City, NJ

$106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

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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