ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drug Enforcement Administration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Government Jobs

Division Security Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

Division Security Officer This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Washington Division. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Division Security Officer ...

US Government Jobs

Mission Support Specialist

Omaha, NE · On-site

Job Title This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), San Antonio Division/ McAllen District Office, Omaha Division and Minneapolis/St. Paul District Office. This position ...

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

DEA (DEA) - Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Enforcement Administration * Registered Nurse Arkansas - Arkansas State Board of Nursing * Registered Nurse Mississippi - Mississippi Board of Nursing

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

DEA (DEA) - Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Enforcement Administration * Registered Nurse Arkansas - Arkansas State Board of Nursing * Registered Nurse Mississippi - Mississippi Board of Nursing

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDrug Enforcement Administration Jobs

Drug Enforcement Administration information

See salary details

$28.5K

$60K

$94K

How much do drug enforcement administration jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug enforcement administration in the United States is $59,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I join DEA without a degree?

The Drug Enforcement Administration typically requires applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. While a degree is generally necessary, relevant experience or specialized skills may also be considered for certain positions. Candidates should review specific job requirements for the role they are interested in.

What are some common challenges faced by agents working at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)?

DEA agents often encounter challenges such as high-stress situations, unpredictable schedules, and exposure to dangerous environments during investigations. The role requires agents to work closely with local, state, and international law enforcement agencies, which can present coordination and communication hurdles. Additionally, agents must stay up to date on changing drug trends and laws, and often handle sensitive information that demands strict confidentiality and professionalism. These challenges are balanced by comprehensive training, strong team support, and opportunities for career advancement within the agency.

Is it hard to get hired by the DEA?

Getting hired by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is competitive and involves a rigorous selection process, including background checks, drug testing, physical fitness assessments, and interviews. Candidates typically need relevant education, law enforcement experience, or specialized skills, and must meet strict eligibility requirements such as U.S. citizenship and security clearance. The process can take several months due to the thorough screening involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a DEA Special Agent, you need a strong background in criminal justice or a related field, physical fitness, and eligibility for federal law enforcement, typically supported by a bachelor's degree and relevant work experience. Familiarity with investigative technologies, firearms, surveillance equipment, and completion of the DEA Training Academy are standard requirements. Exceptional integrity, critical thinking, resilience, and effective communication are vital soft skills for navigating high-pressure situations and building trust within communities. These skills and qualifications are crucial for enforcing drug laws, conducting complex investigations, and ensuring public safety.

How to become a Drug Enforcement Administration agent?

To become a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent, candidates must meet age and citizenship requirements, pass a background check, drug test, and physical fitness assessment, and complete a rigorous training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. A bachelor's degree and relevant work experience or military service can strengthen an application, and applicants should demonstrate strong communication, problem-solving, and integrity skills.

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 $60,000 annually and increasing with seniority. They also receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay. Overall, while not among the highest-paying federal jobs, DEA agents earn a solid income relative to law enforcement positions.

What is the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)?

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is a United States federal agency under the Department of Justice responsible for enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations. The DEA's primary mission is to combat drug smuggling and use within the United States, as well as to coordinate and pursue investigations with international partners. DEA agents investigate major drug crimes, oversee the regulation of legal pharmaceuticals, and work to dismantle drug trafficking organizations. The agency also offers support and training to other law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels.

What is the difference between Drug Enforcement Administration vs Customs and Border Protection Officer?

AspectDrug Enforcement Administration (DEA)Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO)
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; DEA Special Agent requires additional training and background checksHigh school diploma or GED; training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)
Work EnvironmentFederal agency focused on drug trafficking investigations, labs, and enforcementBorder crossings, ports, and airports, focusing on customs violations and border security
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Justice, law enforcement, drug enforcementU.S. Customs and Border Protection, border security, immigration, and customs

The DEA and CBPO roles both involve federal law enforcement but differ in focus and environment. DEA agents primarily investigate drug crimes within the U.S., while CBPO officers focus on border security and customs enforcement at ports of entry. Both require federal training and serve in law enforcement agencies, but their daily duties and operational settings vary significantly.

More about Drug Enforcement Administration jobs
What cities are hiring for Drug Enforcement Administration jobs? Cities with the most Drug Enforcement Administration job openings:
What states have the most Drug Enforcement Administration jobs? States with the most job openings for Drug Enforcement Administration jobs include:
Drug Enforcement Administration jobs near you
Inventory Management Specialist

Inventory Management Specialist

Drug Enforcement Administration

Quantico, VA • On-site, Remote

$70K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Summary
This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Office of Training, Academy Operations Section, Logistics and Acquisitions Support Unit (OTAL).
This position(s) primary purpose is to provide inventory management control of accountable and non-accountable property (supplies, materials) and to manage the Official Government Vehicle (OGV) Fleet Program.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
As a your typical work assignments may include:
  • Serves and provides technical support and consultation in the areas of supply operations, property management control, receiving and shipping of property and materials, planning, stocking, coordinating and distributing, to include disposal of a wide variety of training materials and equipment.
  • Prepares a variety of internal and external reports in accordance with the DEA Administrative Manual relating to property management.
  • Schedules and directs annual inventories of expendable items, accountable and non-accountable property, and capitalized property.
  • Identifies and resolves delinquencies and/or availability of key supply items/materials; and Non-Supervisory Template (February 2026) analyzes planned or scheduled material requirements and forecasts to determine categories and quantities of items, to include funds required.
  • Obtains and issues gasoline credit cards, performs quarterly inspections, and monthly reconciliation of expenses in the automated Fleet Inventory and Reconciliation Module (FIRM).
  • Monitors/oversees vehicle maintenance and repairs to ensure quality performance.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation. Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  • Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
  • Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
  • Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license while employed in the position and will be required to operate the motor vehicle in accordance with applicable OPM regulations and related requirements of DOJ/DEA.

Qualifications
For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility
Applicants must meet the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of the announcement. If you are qualifying based on education or if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcripts with your application.
Applicants applying for the GS-09 must meet one of the following requirements:
A. Have at least one full year of specialized experience that is at least equivalent to work performed at the GS-07 grade level. Specialized 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.
Qualifying experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Assisting with maintaining inventory records for property, equipment and supplies; 2) Conducting routine vehicle inspections and reporting discrepancies; 3) Using automated systems to enter, update and track inventory information; 4) Assisting with processing property transfers, disposals and acceptance of new property; and 5) Receiving, storing, issuing and tracking supplies and equipment.
OR
B. Education: Have a Master's or equivalent graduate degree -or- two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related.
OR
C. Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Applicants applying for the GS-11 must meet one of the following requirements:
A. Have at least one full year of specialized experience that is at least equivalent to work performed at the GS-09 grade level. Specialized 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.
Qualifying experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Processing property transfers, disposals and acceptance actions in accordance with agency polices 2) Using automated inventory systems to track acquisitions, transfers, disposal and inventory adjustments; 3) Analyzing routine supply requirements and assisting with forecasting future needs 4) Coordinating shipping and receiving activities in accordance with established regulations and procedures. 5) Ensuring supply rooms and inventory areas are maintained in an orderly and secure manner; and 6) Monitoring fleet operations and reviewing vehicle usage and maintenance records.
B.
Education: Have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree -or- three (3) full academic years of graduate level education leading to such a degree; or LL.M., if related.
OR
C. Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
See the qualification section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members.php.
If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.
Additional information
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire CompetencyBased Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If an applicant is currently, or has been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, applicants must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office listed in this announcement.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to similar positions in any Division/Office listed in this announcement. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.
Relocation Incentives maybe considered and approved under conditions specified provided the agency has determined that the position is likely to be difficult to fill in the absence of an incentive and funding for such an incentive is available.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Apply