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Narcotics Agent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

From homicide investigations to illegal narcotics, criminal records, cybercrime, human trafficking ... state agent is expected to handle. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * The position requires ...

$48K - $78K/yr

... narcotics, arson, election laws, misuse of state property, environmental crimes, human trafficking ... Description of Work The SBI Agent Associate is a professional investigative position in the SBI ...

$61K - $104K/yr

... narcotics, arson, election laws, misuse of state property, environmental crimes, human trafficking ... Description of Work The SBI Agent is a professional investigative position in the SBI using the ...

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Narcotics Agent information

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$19.5K

$59.5K

$107.5K

How much do narcotics agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for narcotics agent in the United States is $59,518.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,000.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a narcotics agent?

Narcotics agents are specialized law enforcement officers who investigate and combat illegal drug activities. They work to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals or organizations involved in the production, distribution, and sale of controlled substances. Their duties often involve undercover operations, surveillance, gathering intelligence, and collaborating with other agencies. Narcotics agents play a crucial role in reducing drug-related crime and protecting communities from the dangers associated with illegal drugs.

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

To thrive as a Narcotics Agent, you need a background in criminal justice or law enforcement, investigative skills, and often completion of police academy training. Familiarity with surveillance technology, evidence collection procedures, and databases like NCIC is typically required, along with certifications in law enforcement or narcotics investigation. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and resilience under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for effectively investigating drug-related crimes, ensuring accurate case documentation, and working safely in high-risk environments.

What are some common challenges faced by narcotics agents in the field?

Narcotics Agents often encounter challenges such as working in high-risk environments, dealing with rapidly changing situations, and maintaining personal safety during undercover operations. They must also navigate complex legal and ethical considerations when gathering evidence and making arrests. Additionally, the role can involve long hours and significant stress, but strong support from experienced teams and ongoing training help agents manage these demands effectively.

What is the difference between Narcotics Agent vs Drug Enforcement Officer?

AspectNarcotics Agent
CertificationsLaw enforcement credentials, specialized narcotics training
Work EnvironmentField operations, undercover work, investigations
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, federal or state agencies
Common Search IntentComparing roles in drug enforcement, career options

Both Narcotics Agents and Drug Enforcement Officers are law enforcement professionals focused on combating drug crimes. Narcotics Agents typically work undercover, conducting investigations related to drug trafficking, while Drug Enforcement Officers may have broader responsibilities but often overlap in narcotics-related tasks. The roles share similar credentials, work environments, and industry usage, making them closely related career paths in drug enforcement agencies.

Is it hard to become a narcotics agent?

Becoming a narcotics agent typically requires meeting specific qualifications such as a minimum age, a clean background check, and relevant education or experience. Candidates often need to complete police academy training and pass physical and written exams, making the process competitive and demanding.
More about Narcotics Agent jobs

What states have the most Narcotics Agent jobs?

States with the most job openings for Narcotics Agent jobs include:

Infographic showing various Narcotics Agent job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,518 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Narcotics Agent Trainee/I/II

Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General

Harrisburg, PA โ€ข On-site

$51K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Position Information Section: Bureau of Narcotics Investigation & Drug Control/Criminal Law Division Class: Narcotics Agent Trainee/I/II Location: Philadelphia Telework: Limited ad-hoc telework opportunities available with supervisor approval and based on business need. Position Type: Full-time, Non-civil service, Union Work Hours: 8:30 - 5:00 Salary Range: Narcotics Agent Trainee: Starting salary of $60,506 Narcotics Agent I: Starting salary of $68,455 Narcotics Agent II: Starting salary of $77,447 Basic Function This is criminal investigative work of a highly confidential nature involving the detection and investigation of violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act; and other applicable Commonwealth laws and statutes. An employee in this position conducts or provides assistance with the conduct of criminal investigations which vary in the degree of difficulty and significance by employing all aspects of investigative processes and procedures.

A Narcotics Agent I conducts investigations of cases of limited scope and complexity under the direction and guidance of an experienced agent and/or supervisor. A Narcotics Agent II may conduct an investigation independently or as a case agent coordinating the efforts of a team or as a team member and may provide direction and guidance to a less experienced agent. Assignments increase in the degree of difficulty as the employee gains greater knowledge and skill through training and exposure to the entire spectrum of the investigative processes and procedures.

Work is reviewed in progress and upon completion for technical accuracy, thoroughness, and the application of sound judgment. Narcotics Agents work in an undercover capacity in various situations and in high crime areas throughout the Commonwealth. Assignments may require that the employee work irregular hours and/or an irregular work week, and may include extended stays away from the headquartered location.

Examples Of Duties A Narcotics Agent Trainee/I could perform the below duties under the direction and guidance of an experienced agent and/or supervisor. A Narcotics Agent II could perform the below duties independently. Participates in formal classroom and on-the-job training to acquire the necessary knowledge and skill for the competent conduct of criminal investigations Conducts criminal investigations pursuant to the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act (an Act of April 16, 1972, P.L

233, No. 64) Collects, evaluates, develops, and prepares evidence for presentation for prosecution or provides assistance with this task Conducts surveillance of individuals or locations Seeks out, contacts, and develops informants to procure information or receives training and instruction in the principles of seeking out, contacting, and developing informants to procure information relating to violations of the Controlled Substance Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act and other applicable Commonwealth laws and statutes Conducts interviews of witnesses and interrogation of subjects to ascertain information, evidence, and confessions Prepares criminal complaints and search warrants Makes arrests and executes searches pursuant to court-authorized warrants Upon the receipt of Class A certification, conducts both consensual electronic and court-authorized surveillance Examines financial records and legal documents to detect and/or confirm illegal activity Inspects licensed individuals and establishments involved in legitimate drug distribution Prepares and executes administrative warrants and assists in the conduct of audits on licensed practitioners Participates in raids and undercover assignments Prepares written summary reports of investigative activities and detailed reports of investigations setting forth allegations and evidence Conducts seizures of vehicles and other conveyances and prepares all documents necessary for forfeiture proceedings Collects, prepares, and submits evidence for laboratory analysis Appears in court, before a district justice, a statewide investigating grand jury, and all levels of the judicial process to present testimony and evidence as a prosecution witness Is required to qualify with a Bureau approved firearm at predetermined intervals Maybe required to use a firearm in self-defense, the defense of fellow agents, the public, or to prevent the commission of felonious crimes Other duties as required Minimum Experience and Training Qualification for Narcotics Agent Trainee: Applicants that do not have Act 120 certification, or a certification from an equivalent training program as determined by the Office of Attorney General, but that meet the minimum experience and training for a Narcotics Agent I or Narcotics Agent II as outlined below, will be hired as Narcotics Agent Trainees. Agent Trainees must participate in and successfully complete the Commonwealth Investigators Training Program (CITP) and must participate in the Office of Attorney General Agent Field Training Program.

Upon successful completion of the CITP, Narcotics Agent Trainees will be reclassified to Narcotics Agent I or Narcotics Agent II based on their education and investigative experience. Qualifications for Narcotics Agent I and Narcotics Agent II: In addition to the below qualifications, applicants must have Act 120 certification, certification from an Act 120 equivalent training program as determined by the Office of Attorney General, or have successfully completed the Commonwealth Investigators Training Program. Narcotics Agent I: Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate's degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science, Police Administration, or a related major specific to the criminal investigative field, or a technical or specialized major related to a specific position, and two years of relevant law enforcement or investigative experience, or experience in a technical or specialized field related to a specific position OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science, Police Administration, or a related major specific to the criminal investigative field, or a technical or specialized major related to a specific position OR Four years of relevant law enforcement or investigative experience, or experience in a technical or specialized field related to a specific position OR Four years of active duty military experience with honorable discharge OR Any equivalent combination of relevant education, experience, and training Narcotics Agent II: Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate's degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science, Police Administration, or a related major specific to the criminal investigative field, or a technical or specialized major related to a specific position, and four years of relevant law enforcement or investigative experience, or experience in a technical or specialized field related to a specific position OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science, Police Administration, or a related major specific to the criminal investigative field, or a technical or specialized major related to a specific position, and two years of relevant law enforcement or investigative experience, or experience in a technical or specialized field related to a specific position OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science, Police Administration, or a related major specific to the criminal investigative field, or a technical or specialized major related to a specific position, and one year of relevant law enforcement or investigative experience, or experience in a technical or specialized field related to a specific position OR Six years of relevant law enforcement or investigative experience, or experience in a technical or specialized field related to a specific position OR Four years of active duty military experience with honorable discharge, and two years of relevant law enforcement or investigative experience, or experience in a technical or specialized field related to a specific position OR Six years of active duty military experience with honorable discharge including two years as a Military Police Officer with the Criminal Investigations Division or a relevant Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) OR Any equivalent combination of relevant education, experience, and training.