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Star Glam Gazette

Is it hard to become a DEA agent?

Author

Andrew Mckinney

Updated on July 24, 2026

The work of a DEA agent is challenging and dangerous but also rewarding. Entrance requirements for acceptance into the DEA agent training program are numerous and rigorous. The application process encompasses several phases, is very competitive and can take up to 1 year to complete.

How long does it take to become a DEA?

How long does it take to become a DEA agent? Obtaining a criminal justice bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience takes at least four years, and the hiring process for DEA agents usually takes about 12 months.

Do DEA agents make good money?

DEA agent salaries include Criminal Investigator base pay plus a locality payment, depending on where you work. Starting salaries are approximately $40,634 to $68,983. After four years of service, DEA Special Agents are eligible to progress to the GS-13 level and can earn approximately $92,592 or more per year.

What are the requirements to become a DEA?

Employment Requirements

  • U.S. Citizenship.
  • Successfully passing a DEA-administered drug test for illegal drugs.
  • Completion of a DEA Drug Questionnaire and Drug Use Statement to show compliance with the Drug Use Policy *
  • Successfully passing a background investigation**

What disqualifies you from being a DEA agent?

ILLEGAL DRUG USE: Applicants who are found, through investigation or personal admission, to have experimented with or used narcotics or dangerous drugs, except those medically prescribed, may be disqualified for employment on a DEA contract.

Is DEA a dangerous job?

It’s a dangerous job. They made the ultimate sacrifice in places as diverse as the streets of Wichita, on reconnaissance missions in Peru, and in the mountains of Afghanistan. Five members of the DEA were killed when Timothy McVeigh blew up the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

Who is higher DEA or FBI?

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) scored higher in 8 areas: Overall Rating, Career Opportunities, Work-life balance, Senior Management, Culture & Values, CEO Approval, % Recommend to a friend and Positive Business Outlook. DEA scored higher in 1 area: Compensation & Benefits.

How many hours a week do DEA agents work?

Most civilian and administrative employees have 8-hour workdays. Special Agents are expected to work 10-hour days under…

How competitive is the DEA?

Being hired as a DEA agent can be a competitive challenge. The DEA has some strict hiring standards. A rigorous background investigation includes a polygraph exam and psychological screening. Candidates must also undergo a physical abilities test to ensure that they’re physically capable of performing the job.

Do DEA agents have to travel a lot?

In addition to relocation, as a DEA Special Agent you may be required to travel frequently with little advance notice.

Is CIA better than FBI?

If you’re more inclined to law enforcement and want to help put criminals behind bars, serving as an FBI agent makes more sense. On the other hand, if interested in collecting intelligence on foreign threats to the United States, you should consider service as a CIA officer.

What is the most powerful law enforcement agency?

Last but not least – the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Known for being on the cutting-edge of forensic technology, and innovative investigative techniques, the FBI is America’s principal law enforcement agency.

How much does the ATF get paid?

ATF Special Agent Salary and Job Outlook According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ current Occupational Employment Statistics, which classifies ATF Agents under Police and Detectives, the average annual salary is $67,600.

Who gets paid more FBI or CIA?

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has 613 more total submitted salaries than CIA.

Who is higher up FBI or US Marshal?

The FBI is the highest investigating agency in the US. The US Marshals take custody of all prisoners arrested by a Federal agency including the FBI.

Does the ATF have a SWAT team?

ATF’s Special Response Teams (SRTs) are elite tactical groups that rapidly respond to high-risk law enforcement operations and conduct criminal investigations that lead to the arrests of the most violent criminals in the United States. They also teach operational and defensive countermeasures training to ATF agents.

Can ATF agents make arrests?

As sworn law enforcement officers, special agents are authorized to carry weapons and make arrests for federal offenses against the United States. As of December 2019, ATF has 1,714 special agents stationed across 25 field divisions, hundreds of field and satellite offices, and overseas posts.

How much do CIA agents get paid?

The average salary for a CIA agent is $81,207 per year. Salaries range from $25,000 to $169,000 per year. Your actual salary will depend upon your skills, experience and which branch of the CIA you enter and the position you hold.

What guns do US marshals carry?

The primary handgun for marshals are Glock pistols in . 40 S&W caliber (22, 23, 27), and each deputy may carry a backup handgun of their choice if it meets certain requirements.

DEA agent salaries include Criminal Investigator base pay plus a locality payment, depending on where you work. After four years of service, DEA Special Agents are eligible to progress to the GS-13 level and can earn approximately $92,592 or more per year.

Basic Requirements to Become a DEA Agent

  • Must be 21 years old, and no older than 36 years old at the time of appointment.
  • Must be a United States citizen.
  • Have a valid U.S. driver’s license.
  • Able to obtain (and retain) a Top Secret security clearance.
  • Willing to re-locate anywhere in the country, as needed.

Who is higher FBI or DEA?

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) scored higher in 7 areas: Overall Rating, Career Opportunities, Senior Management, Culture & Values, CEO Approval, % Recommend to a friend and Positive Business Outlook. DEA scored higher in 1 area: Compensation & Benefits. Both tied in 1 area: Work-life balance.

How long is DEA training?

18-week
The DEA Basic Agent Training Program is an 18-week entry-level training program designed to prepare DEA Special Agents for field assignments nationwide.

How long is the DEA Academy?

Can you join the DEA without a degree?

The DEA favors applicants with criminal justice-related degrees. GS-7 applicants with demonstrated professional skills and experience in criminal justice-related investigations, research, reporting, and testimony may qualify without an academic degree.

How old do you have to be to become a DEA agent?

Minimum Requirements and Preferred Degrees for DEA Special Agents. In order to become a special agent with the DEA, candidates should meet the following minimum requirements: Bachelor’s degree or higher (may be waived for candidates with extensive and closely related law enforcement experience) At least 21 years of age and younger than 37

What do I need to apply for the DEA?

Have your social security number, state license information, and credit card handy. The online DEA application has six sections to complete. These sections require information regarding your personal and practice information, business activity and prescribing schedules, state license, background, and payment.

How long does it take to get your DEA number?

The waiting period to receive your DEA number is about four to six weeks. For DEA number renewals, the waiting period is about four weeks. For most nurse practitioners, acquiring a DEA number will be essential to your practice.

How to apply for a DEA number in Georgia?

So, an NP in Georgia applying for a DEA number should indicate he/she plans to prescribe only schedule III, IV, and V medications on the DEA number application. How much does a DEA number cost? The Drug Enforcement Administration has recently raised the price of obtaining a DEA number.