⭐FederalOccasional Hiring
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
📍 Washington (nationwide offices), DC
Salary Range
$69,107–$115,000 (GS-7 to GS-12 entry)
Entry Exam
DEA Special Agent Selection System
Timeline
18–30 months
Hiring Status
Occasional Hiring
💪 Physical Standards
DEA Special Agent PT test. Must maintain fitness standards annually.
📋 Background Requirements
- ✓U.S. citizen
- ✓Age 21–36 at appointment
- ✓Bachelor's degree required
- ✓Valid driver's license
- ✓Pass polygraph
- ✓Pass Top Secret clearance
- ✓Pass medical/psychological exam
⏱️ Hiring Timeline
18–30 months
📌 Notes & Context
DEA focuses on narcotics enforcement. Prior LE or military experience highly competitive. Language skills (especially Spanish) advantageous. 20-year LE retirement.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Compare with other agencies →Starting Salary
$69,107
5-Year Salary
$92,000
10-Year Salary
$115,000
Pension
Defined Benefit (pension)
Vests at 5 years
Health Insurance
full
Dental & Vision
✓ Included
Vacation Days/yr
13 days
Sick Days/yr
13 days
Uniform Allowance
N/A (plainclothes)
Estimated Take-Home Pay
~$4,300/mo (starting, after deductions)
⚠️ Estimate — verify with DEA HR. FERS pension with LE provisions. Language bonus available for Spanish speakers.
Ready to prepare for DEA Special Agent Selection System?
BadgePrep has study materials, practice tests, and drills built for this exam.
Comparing agencies?
See starting salary, pension type, benefits, and more side-by-side.