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Drug Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aveva Drug Delivery Systems

NY · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The Lead Investigator position requires the ability to handle a variety of tasks, meet timelines ... Knowledge of Current Good Manufacturing Practices,(cGMPs), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Drug ...

Florida Digestive Health Specialists, LLP

NY · On-site

$45K - $46K/yr

Drug development process, Clinical trial management, study team management, Clinical monitoring, FDA regulations, ICH Good Clinical Practice, and Good Documentation Practice, HIPAA * Current Basic ...

Florida Digestive Health Specialists, LLP

$34K - $34K/yr

Drug development process, Clinical trial management, study team management, Clinical monitoring, FDA regulations, ICH Good Clinical Practice, and Good Documentation Practice, HIPAA * Current Basic ...

Government Jobs

Full-Time Patrol Deputy

Monroe, WI · On-site

$34.66/hr

Special assignment opportunities available in Honor Guard, SWAT, Drug Investigator, ATV Patrol, Drone Pilot, and Crisis Negotiator. Incentive pay for physical readiness. Lateral transfer: Starting ...

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Drug Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do drug investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drug investigator?

Drug investigators are law enforcement professionals who specialize in investigating crimes related to illegal drugs and controlled substances. They gather evidence, conduct surveillance, interview witnesses, and work undercover to dismantle drug trafficking organizations. Drug investigators often collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to enforce drug laws and bring offenders to justice. Their work is crucial in combating the distribution and abuse of illegal drugs in communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drug investigator?

To thrive as a Drug Investigator, you need a solid understanding of criminal justice, investigative techniques, and drug laws, typically supported by a degree in criminal justice or related field and relevant law enforcement experience. Familiarity with surveillance technology, evidence collection procedures, and investigative databases is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in building cases and working with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring thorough investigations, successful prosecutions, and public safety.

What are some common challenges faced by drug investigators during an investigation?

Drug Investigators often encounter challenges such as gathering reliable evidence while maintaining confidentiality, navigating complex legal requirements, and working with uncooperative witnesses or informants. They must also adapt to rapidly changing scenarios and coordinate closely with other law enforcement agencies, such as local police or federal authorities. Staying updated on the latest drug trafficking trends and technologies is essential to effectively disrupt illegal operations.

What is the difference between Drug Investigator vs Forensic Scientist?

AspectDrug InvestigatorForensic Scientist
Required CredentialsCriminal justice degree, law enforcement trainingScience degree (e.g., chemistry, biology), forensic certification
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, crime scenes, labsCrime labs, research facilities, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryPolice departments, federal agenciesForensic labs, government agencies, private labs
Common Search & ComparisonInvestigating drug-related crimes, evidence collectionAnalyzing drug samples, forensic analysis

While both Drug Investigators and Forensic Scientists work in crime-related environments, Drug Investigators focus on investigating drug crimes and collecting evidence, often working in law enforcement. Forensic Scientists analyze physical evidence, including drug samples, in laboratory settings. Their roles complement each other in the criminal justice process, but their credentials, work environments, and daily tasks differ significantly.

How do you become a drug investigator?

To become a drug investigator, candidates typically need a background in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field, along with experience in investigations or forensic science. Many positions require a bachelor's degree and passing relevant training or certification programs, such as those offered by law enforcement academies or specialized agencies. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of drug laws are essential for success in this role.
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What cities are hiring for Drug Investigator jobs?

Cities with the most Drug Investigator job openings:

What states have the most Drug Investigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drug Investigator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Drug Investigator jobs?

For Drug Investigator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Drug Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Investigator

Fresno, CA • On-site

California Department of Public Health
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about California Department of Public Healthexternal

$6.9K/mo

Other

PTO

Posted yesterday

New

California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by promoting health and wellness and improving state health outcomes by advancing protective measures and reducing risks.

  • Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov
  • Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
  • The salary listed in this ad may not include recent adjustments or changes from the fiscal year
  • New to State candidates will be hired at the minimum salary of the classification or alternate range, as applicable.
  • Effective July 2025, California’s Personal Leave Program (PLP 2025) reduces employees’ base pay by 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits monthly through June 2027. The posted salary range does not reflect this reduction.

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by promoting health and wellness and improving state health outcomes by advancing protective measures and reducing risks.

The Investigator is responsible for conducting thorough and complex investigations, initiating enforcement actions to safeguard public health, delivering educational outreach, collaborating within a team environment for planning, evaluation and quality improvement, maintaining technical expertise, and working cooperatively with industry partners and government agencies.

This position is designated as peace officer under California Penal Code 830.3 (f) and (h). The incumbent performs the full range of peace officer duties and responsibilities in the accomplishment of their assignments and must comply with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (CA POST). During the course of their employment, incumbents are required to carry a firearm and be proficient in its use. They must also be knowledgeable in the use of force, and demonstrate appropriate application as prescribed in department policy.

This classification consists of two alternate ranges. As incumbents advance within the ranges, their law enforcement responsibilities are expected to be more complex and require broader knowledge and application of investigative techniques and procedures. More advanced incumbents train and lead staff in the performance of field investigations and conduct the more complex criminal, civil, or administrative investigations to detect or verify suspected violations of laws.

The incumbent works under the general direction of the Supervising Food and Drug Investigator (SFDI) in the Office of Youth Tobacco Enforcement, Stop Tobacco Access to Kids Enforcement (STAKE) Unit – North, District 30 – Fresno.

This classification is authorized to receive a starting salary rate of $6,974.00 under Pay Scales Section 5.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Job Code #: JC-530003

Position #(s): 580-663-8610-002

Classification: INVESTIGATOR

$6,339.00 - $8,558.00 A

$7,306.00 - $10,609.00 B

Final Filing Date: 9/10/2026

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

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