Company Drug Test Policies
Search by company to find out if they drug test for pre-employment. We cover the biggest employers in the U.S. and update policies regularly.
Last updated:
Drug Testing Guides
- Drug test detection times
- Types of drug tests (urine, hair, saliva)
- DOT drug testing rules
- How long does THC stay in your system?
- 12-panel drug test — what does it test for?
- EtG alcohol test detection times
- How long does marijuana stay in your system?
- How long does cocaine stay in your system?
- How long does meth stay in your system?
- How long do opioids stay in your system?
- How long do benzodiazepines (Xanax) stay in your system?
- How long does Adderall/amphetamines stay in your system?
- How long does kratom stay in your system?
- How long does PCP stay in your system?
- How long does MDMA/ecstasy stay in your system?
- How long do mushrooms stay in your system?
- How long does Delta-8 THC stay in your system?
- How long does nicotine stay in your system?
Company Drug Test Policies
Showing 243 of 243 companies
Whether 7-Eleven drug tests depends on the store and the role.
ABF Freight drug tests for its driver and safety-sensitive positions.
ABM Industries' drug testing policy depends on the client site where you will work. As a facility services company, ABM follows the drug testing requirements of each client contract. Government and healthcare sites typically require testing.
Academy Sports may drug test for some positions. Firearms department and management roles are typically tested. Standard retail positions vary by location.
Whether Ace Hardware drug tests depends heavily on the location.
Depends on client company. Industrial and healthcare clients test; office clients often don't.
Advance Auto Parts drug tests for some roles but not others.
Depends on client. Many industrial and defense clients require testing.
Alaska Air Group drug tests applicants before an offer of employment.
Albertsons generally does not drug test most store employees. Pharmacy staff and distribution center workers may be tested.
ALDI generally does not drug test employees during the hiring process. Store associates, cashiers, and stockers are not subject to pre-employment drug screening at most locations.
Allied Universal drug tests most positions. As the largest security company in North America, Allied Universal requires pre-employment drug testing for the majority of its security officer and guard positions.
No pre-employment marijuana test for most roles. CDL drivers and pharmacy staff still tested.
Amedisys drug testing varies by role, state, and setting.
American Airlines drug tests applicants for most positions, especially safety-sensitive roles like pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, and ramp
Anheuser-Busch conducts pre-employment drug testing for most roles, using hair and/or urine screening.
Apple does not drug test retail or corporate employees for pre-employment.
Applebee's drug testing policy varies by franchise owner. Most franchise locations do not drug test servers or kitchen staff, but some franchisees require testing. Applebee's is heavily franchised with a mix of corporate and franchise locations.
Aramark's drug testing policy depends on the client site. Government, healthcare, and correctional facility contracts typically require testing, while corporate and university food service sites may not.
Arby's generally does not drug test employees. While Arby's is franchise-operated, the overwhelming majority of locations do not require drug testing for any crew-level position during the hiring process.
AT&T drug tests for some positions, especially field technicians and installation workers. Retail sales and corporate positions may not require pre-employment drug testing at all locations.
AutoZone generally does not drug test employees during the hiring process. Most retail store positions — including parts advisors, sales associates, and commercial drivers — are not subject to pre-employment drug screening.
Bank of America does not conduct pre-employment drug testing for typical roles such as tellers, relationship bankers, and corporate staff, and no
Bass Pro Shops may drug test for some positions. Firearms department and marine/boat associates are more likely to be tested. Other retail positions vary.
Best Buy does not drug test for most retail positions during the hiring process. Sales associates, customer service specialists, and most store-level employees are not subject to pre-employment drug screening.
Best Western hotels are franchise-owned and most do not require pre-employment drug testing for standard hotel positions. Drug testing policies are set by individual property owners.
Big Lots generally does not drug test employees during the hiring process for most store positions.
BJ's Wholesale Club has scaled back drug testing for most positions, but safety-sensitive roles are still screened.
BNSF Railway drug tests all applicants. As a Class I railroad regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and DOT, BNSF requires
Bob Evans Restaurants generally does not drug test applicants for hourly restaurant positions.
Bojangles' drug testing varies by franchise operator, state, and position.
Brookdale Senior Living generally requires a pre-employment drug screen for care and community positions.
Buffalo Wild Wings' drug testing policy varies by franchise owner.
Burger King's drug testing policy varies by franchise owner. Most franchise locations do not drug test crew members during hiring, but some franchisees require pre-employment screening. Corporate-owned locations and management positions are more likely to test.
Burlington generally does not require a pre-employment drug test for its retail store positions.
Cabela's, an outdoor and firearms retailer now owned by Bass Pro Group, commonly requires a pre-employment drug test after a conditional job offer.
Cargill drug tests production and plant workers as part of the hiring process. As a major food and agricultural processing company, Cargill maintains a drug-free workplace policy across its production facilities.
Carl's Jr. (part of CKE Restaurants) is heavily franchised, so drug-testing policy is set by the individual franchisee.
Casey's (Casey's General Stores) is a large convenience-store, fuel, and kitchen operator with a formal drug-testing policy.
Caterpillar drug tests most positions including production workers, mechanics, and office staff. The company maintains a comprehensive drug-free workplace policy across its manufacturing operations.
CEVA Logistics does drug test. Offers of employment are commonly made contingent on passing a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
JPMorgan Chase maintains a formal drug-testing policy, but whether you are tested depends on the role, location, and security level.
Chick-fil-A's drug testing policy varies by franchise operator. Some operators drug test all new hires while others do not test at all. Chick-fil-A's values-driven culture means some locations take a stricter approach than other fast-food chains.
Chili's does not drug test employees. As a Brinker International restaurant, pre-employment drug screening is not part of the hiring process.
Chipotle does not drug test most restaurant employees for pre-employment.
Choice Hotels franchise properties (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Econo Lodge) generally do not drug test for standard hotel positions. Policies are set by individual property owners.
Church's Chicken generally does not drug test employees. Most franchise locations do not require pre-employment drug screening.
Cintas drug tests many positions including drivers, production workers, and service representatives. DOT testing is required for CDL drivers, and most other operational roles are also tested.
Circle K's drug testing varies by position and location.
Clean Harbors drug tests all employees. As an environmental services and hazardous waste company, Clean Harbors maintains strict drug-free workplace policies across all positions.
Coca-Cola does drug test. Job offers across The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partners (such as Coca-Cola Consolidated and Swire Coca-Cola) are
Comcast drug tests technicians and field workers who install cable, internet, and phone services. Retail and customer service positions may not require pre-employment testing.
Compass Group's drug testing depends on the client site and subsidiary. Chartwells (education), Morrison Healthcare, and other divisions follow client-specific testing requirements. Government and healthcare sites test; many corporate and education sites do not.
Cook Out generally does not drug test during hiring.
Costco generally does not drug test for pre-employment in most positions.
Cracker Barrel may drug test for some positions. As a corporate-owned chain (not franchised), policies are consistent across locations. Some positions — particularly management and retail — may be tested, while many restaurant-level positions are not.
DOT mandatory testing for all drivers. CDL training program requires pre-enrollment testing.
CSX drug tests all applicants. As a Class I railroad regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and DOT, CSX requires a pre-employment
Culver's generally does not drug test employees. Most franchise locations do not require pre-employment drug screening for restaurant positions.
Pharmacy technicians are tested. Front store cashiers generally are not.
Dairy Queen (DQ) restaurants are almost entirely franchised — independently owned and operated — so drug testing depends on the franchise owner, the
DaVita drug tests patient-care roles and most clinical positions. As a healthcare company operating dialysis centers, DaVita maintains strict drug-free workplace policies for employees who work with patients.
Del Taco generally does not drug test employees. Most locations do not require pre-employment drug screening for restaurant positions.
Delta Air Lines drug tests applicants for essentially all positions.
Denny's generally does not drug test employees. Most locations do not require pre-employment drug screening for restaurant positions.
DHL drug tests for its logistics and delivery operations.
DICK'S Sporting Goods does not drug test most hourly retail applicants during hiring.
Dollar General does not typically drug test store associates for pre-employment.
Dollar Tree generally does not drug test employees during the hiring process. Most store-level positions — including cashiers, stockers, and sales associates — are not subject to pre-employment drug screening.
Domino's has no single company-wide drug-testing rule.
DoorDash does not drug test Dashers or corporate employees.
Dunkin's drug testing policy varies by franchise owner. Most franchise locations do not drug test crew members, but some franchisees may require pre-employment screening. Management positions are more likely to involve testing.
El Pollo Loco's practice varies by location.
Estes Express Lines drug tests all applicants before hire.
Many assignments require testing. Specializes in industrial work where testing is standard.
Family Dollar generally does not drug test employees during the hiring process. Most store-level positions — including cashiers, stockers, and sales associates — are not subject to pre-employment drug screening.
Package handlers generally not tested. Drivers and pilots require DOT testing.
Firehouse Subs generally does not drug test applicants for crew or shift-level restaurant jobs.
Whether Five Below drug tests depends on the position and location.
Five Guys generally does not drug test applicants for restaurant jobs.
Food Lion generally does not drug test employees. Most store positions are not subject to pre-employment drug screening.
Foot Locker does not require a pre-employment drug test for most retail store roles.
Ford Motor Company drug tests production workers as part of the UAW contract and company policy. Pre-employment drug testing is standard for manufacturing, skilled trades, and safety-sensitive positions.
Frito-Lay conducts pre-employment drug testing for most positions, including factory, warehouse, and driving roles.
Frontier Airlines is a zero-tolerance, drug-free workplace and drug tests applicants for safety-sensitive roles.
GameStop does not drug test most retail applicants.
GEICO drug tests as part of its standard pre-employment screening.
General Motors drug tests production workers as part of the UAW contract and company policy. Pre-employment drug testing is standard for manufacturing, skilled trades, and safety-sensitive positions.
Georgia-Pacific drug tests production workers and most plant positions. As a major paper and building products manufacturer, the company maintains a strict drug-free workplace policy across its mills and plants.
Giant Eagle's drug testing varies by position.
Golden Corral generally does not drug test employees. Most franchise locations do not require pre-employment drug screening for restaurant positions.
Goodwill generally does not require pre-employment drug testing for most positions. As a nonprofit focused on providing employment opportunities, Goodwill's hiring approach prioritizes giving people a chance to work.
Google does not drug test employees for pre-employment.
Gopuff does not drug test delivery partners. Background check only.
Grubhub does not drug test delivery partners. Background check only.
H-E-B generally does not drug test employees during the hiring process for most store positions. Cashiers, stockers, and department associates are typically not tested. Pharmacy and some specialized roles may have different requirements.
Harbor Freight Tools generally does not drug test employees. Most store positions are not subject to pre-employment drug screening.
Hardee's generally does not drug test employees. Most franchise locations do not require pre-employment drug screening for restaurant positions.
HCA Healthcare drug tests all employees across its hospital system. As the largest for-profit hospital operator in the United States, HCA maintains a strict drug-free workplace policy for all clinical and non-clinical positions.
Heartland Express drug tests all driver applicants.
Hilton generally does not require pre-employment drug testing for most hotel positions. This includes front desk, housekeeping, food service, and other standard hospitality roles.
Hobby Lobby may drug test for some positions. As a privately owned, values-driven company, some locations drug test new hires while others do not. The policy can vary by position and location.
Most store associates not tested. Equipment operators and drivers may be tested.
HomeGoods generally does not drug test applicants for retail store jobs.
Hooters generally does not require a pre-employment drug test for typical restaurant jobs.
Hy-Vee may drug test for some positions. Pharmacy employees are tested. Other store positions vary by location.
Hyatt Hotels generally does not require pre-employment drug testing for most hotel positions including front desk, housekeeping, and food service roles.
IHG Hotels & Resorts generally does not require pre-employment drug testing for most hotel positions. This includes Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and other IHG brands.
IHOP's drug testing policy varies by franchise owner. Most franchise locations do not drug test servers or kitchen staff, but some franchisees may require screening. IHOP is heavily franchised through Dine Brands.
IKEA's drug testing is inconsistent and depends heavily on the location, hiring manager, and position.
In-N-Out does not drug test employees. As a fully corporate-owned chain, this no-drug-test policy is consistent across all locations.
Instacart does not drug test shoppers. Background check only.
DOT mandatory testing for all CDL drivers across all divisions.
Whether Jack in the Box drug tests depends heavily on the franchise and location.
JBS USA does drug test. New hires at JBS beef, pork, poultry, and prepared-foods plants are drug tested post-offer as a standard condition of
JCPenney does not drug test most employees. Store positions including sales associates, cashiers, and stockroom workers are not subject to pre-employment drug screening.
Jersey Mike's franchise locations generally do not drug test crew members or sub makers during the hiring process.
JetBlue drug tests applicants for essentially every frontline role.
Jimmy John's franchise locations generally do not drug test sandwich makers or crew members during the hiring process.
John Deere (Deere & Company) drug tests production workers and most other positions. Pre-employment drug testing is standard across manufacturing facilities.
Depends on client company. Industrial clients usually require testing; office clients often don't.
KFC's drug testing policy varies by franchise owner. Most franchise locations do not drug test crew members during hiring, but some franchisees require screening. KFC is owned by Yum! Brands and is heavily franchised.
Knight Transportation does drug test. Every commercial driver takes a federally mandated (DOT) pre-employment urine test, and Knight has additionally
Kohl's does not drug test most employees. Store positions including sales associates, cashiers, and stockroom workers are not subject to pre-employment drug screening.
Most store clerks not tested. Pharmacy and distribution roles require testing.
Most assignments require drug testing. Specializes in construction and industrial labor.
Yes. Landstar is a federally regulated motor carrier, so every leased owner-operator (Landstar calls them BCOs — Business Capacity Owners) and
It depends on the location and the position.
It depends on the position and location.
Yes. Love's Travel Stops uses pre-employment drug testing for most positions.
Most store associates not tested. Drivers and equipment operators may be tested.
Lyft does not drug test drivers or corporate employees for pre-employment.
Macy's generally does not drug test employees during the hiring process. Most store-level positions — including sales associates, cashiers, and stock associates — are not subject to pre-employment drug screening.
Depends on client company. Warehouse/industrial clients require testing; office clients may not.
Marriott International generally does not require pre-employment drug testing for most hotel positions. This applies to front desk, housekeeping, food service, and other standard hotel roles.
Marshalls generally does not drug test applicants for standard retail store positions.
Policies vary by franchise. Most corporate-owned locations do not test crew members.
Meijer generally does not drug test most store employees. Pharmacy staff and distribution center workers may be tested.
Menards maintains a strict drug-free workplace and drug tests applicants before hire at most stores and distribution centers.
Meta (formerly Facebook) does not drug test job applicants.
Michaels generally does not drug test applicants for retail store positions.
Microsoft does not conduct routine pre-employment drug testing for most roles.
Motel 6 generally does not drug test employees. Most locations do not require pre-employment drug screening for standard hotel positions.
Whether NAPA drug tests depends heavily on who owns the store.
NFI Industries drug tests during the hiring process.
Nike does not drug test most retail or corporate employees for pre-employment.
Nordstrom does not conduct pre-employment drug testing for typical retail roles.
Norfolk Southern drug tests all applicants.
O'Reilly may drug test for some positions. Delivery drivers are more likely to be tested, while parts specialists and counter staff vary by location.
Office Depot (Office Depot OfficeMax) generally does not drug test applicants for retail store roles.
DOT testing for all LTL drivers. Dock workers also frequently tested.
Olive Garden generally does not drug test employees during the hiring process. Olive Garden is owned by Darden Restaurants (a corporate chain, not franchised), and does not require pre-employment drug screening for most restaurant positions.
Outback Steakhouse generally does not drug test employees. As a Bloomin' Brands restaurant, most locations do not require pre-employment drug screening.
Panda Express (Panda Restaurant Group) does not have a uniform pre-employment drug test for entry-level restaurant crew, but practice varies by
Panera Bread has no single company-wide drug-testing rule.
Papa Johns has no single company-wide rule.
DOT testing for all drivers. Technicians and logistics workers also tested.
PeopleReady is a staffing agency (a TrueBlue company), so drug testing is driven by the client and the assignment — not by a blanket agency rule.
Pep Boys has historically drug tested, and screening is part of its hiring process for many roles, but employee reports are mixed — a minority of
PepsiCo drug tests CDL drivers under DOT regulations and tests some production positions. However, policies vary by location and division, and some positions may not require pre-employment testing.
PetSmart phased out company-wide pre-employment drug testing for most retail and salon roles around 2018-2019 as a cost-saving move.
Pilgrim's Pride, one of the largest poultry processors in the world, generally requires a pre-employment drug test for plant and production jobs.
Pilot Flying J (Pilot Company) operates hundreds of travel centers and truck stops.
Pizza Hut's drug testing policy varies by franchise owner. Most locations do not test crew members, but delivery drivers may be tested due to insurance requirements. Management positions are more likely to involve testing.
Most Planet Fitness front-desk and club jobs do not require a pre-employment drug test.
Popeyes' drug testing policy varies by franchise owner. Most franchise locations do not drug test crew members during hiring, but some franchisees may require screening. Management positions are more likely to be tested.
Progressive generally does not conduct pre-employment drug testing for typical roles.
Publix drug tests for some positions but not all. Pharmacy employees are always tested. Other positions — including cashiers, stockers, and deli workers — may or may not be tested depending on the location and department.
QuikTrip's drug testing depends on your role and hours.
Raising Cane's generally does not drug test crew members during hiring.
At Checkers & Rally's, drug testing depends on the position.
Depends on client company. Industrial clients test; office and IT clients often don't.
Red Lobster's drug testing varies by position and location.
Republic Services drug tests most employees, including DOT-mandated testing for all CDL drivers. Pre-employment drug testing is standard across most positions in this waste and recycling company.
Roadie does not drug test its drivers. Roadie drivers are independent contractors (1099 gig workers) who sign up through the app — there is no
Robert Half is a staffing agency, so drug testing policies depend on the client company where you will be placed. Robert Half itself does not typically drug test internal employees for most office positions, but many client assignments require pre-placement drug screening.
Ross Stores (Ross Dress for Less) generally does not drug test employees during the hiring process. Most store-level positions — including sales associates, cashiers, and stockers — are not subject to pre-employment drug screening.
Ruby Tuesday generally does not drug test employees. Most locations do not require pre-employment drug screening for restaurant positions.
DOT mandatory testing for all drivers. Technicians and warehouse workers also tested.
Safeway generally does not drug test most store-level employees for pre-employment.
Saia LTL Freight drug tests. CDL drivers are federally required to pass a pre-employment DOT urine test and are subject to random, post-accident,
Owned by Walmart. Pharmacy and forklift operators tested; most floor associates are not.
DOT testing plus hair follicle test for all drivers. 90-day detection window.
Securitas drug tests most security officer positions. As the second-largest security company in North America, Securitas requires pre-employment drug testing for guard and officer positions.
ServiceMaster's drug-testing policy varies by brand, franchise owner, role, and location.
Sheetz's hiring process includes a post-offer drug and background screening, but reports on the panel vary widely.
Shipt does not drug test shoppers. Owned by Target but operates independently.
Smithfield Foods generally drug tests applicants for its meat-processing and packaging plants.
Sodexo's drug testing policy depends on the client site where you work. Government, healthcare, and education contracts often require testing, while corporate dining and standard food service sites may not.
Sonic Drive-In is franchise-operated, so drug testing varies by owner and location.
Southwest Airlines requires all applicants to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
SpaceX drug tests, and more than most tech companies, because it is a major NASA and Department of Defense contractor.
Spectrum's drug testing is driven by whether the job involves a company vehicle.
Spirit Airlines drug tests applicants for nearly every job.
Sprouts generally does not drug test employees. Most store positions are not subject to pre-employment drug screening.
Staples generally does not drug test retail store associates, but distribution-center warehouse roles, machinery operators, and especially
Starbucks does not drug test baristas or most store-level employees.
State Farm requires a pre-employment drug test for direct corporate hires once you accept a conditional job offer.
Steak 'n Shake generally does not drug test crew and server applicants, but management candidates are more likely to be screened, and policies vary
Stericycle (a WM company as of late 2024) drug tests during hiring for most positions.
Subway generally does not drug test employees. As the world's largest franchise chain, each location is independently owned, but the overwhelming majority of Subway franchise owners do not require drug testing for any position.
Sunrise Senior Living conditions employment on passing a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
DOT testing plus hair follicle test for all drivers. 90-day detection window.
DOT testing for all CDL drivers. Warehouse selectors and dock workers also tested.
T-Mobile's drug testing depends heavily on the role.
Taco Bell's drug testing policy varies by franchise owner. Most franchise locations do not drug test crew members, but some franchisees may require screening. Corporate-owned locations may have different standards. Management roles are more likely to involve testing.
Target does not drug test most store employees for pre-employment.
Factory and manufacturing workers may be tested. Office roles generally not tested.
Texas Roadhouse generally does not drug test employees. Most locations do not require pre-employment drug screening for restaurant positions.
TForce Logistics, a final-mile and same-day delivery carrier, requires a background check and drug test as part of hiring for driver roles.
TGI Fridays generally does not drug test employees. Most locations do not require pre-employment drug screening for restaurant positions.
The Salvation Army may drug test for some positions, particularly those involving direct client care in rehabilitation programs and driving roles. Thrift store and warehouse positions may not require testing.
The UPS Store locations are independently owned franchises, so drug testing is set by each owner and varies by store and state.
TJ Maxx generally does not drug test employees during the hiring process. Most store-level positions — including sales associates, cashiers, and merchandise coordinators — are not subject to pre-employment drug screening.
Tractor Supply may drug test for some positions. Forklift operators and drivers are more likely to be tested. Standard retail positions vary by location.
Trader Joe's generally does not drug test crew members or store staff.
Tyson Foods drug tests all production employees as part of the hiring process. Food safety regulations and workplace safety concerns in meat processing plants drive their strict drug-free workplace policy.
U-Haul may drug test for some positions, particularly mechanics and CDL drivers. Customer service representatives at rental locations may not be tested at all locations.
Uber does not drug test drivers or corporate employees for pre-employment.
Union Pacific drug tests all applicants.
United Airlines drug tests new hires. Aircraft-related and safety-sensitive roles (pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, dispatchers, ramp and
Package handlers not tested. CDL and feeder drivers require DOT drug testing.
DOT testing for CDL delivery drivers. Warehouse workers also typically tested.
USPS drug tests all new hires as a federal employer. Pre-employment urine test required.
Drug testing at Valvoline Instant Oil Change varies widely by location, franchise ownership, and position.
Verizon's drug testing policy varies by position.
Waffle House generally does not drug test employees during the hiring process. As a corporate-owned chain (not franchised), this policy is consistent across all locations. Waffle House focuses on hiring quickly and filling shifts.
Pharmacy staff tested. Most non-pharmacy store roles are not drug tested.
Most store associates not tested. Pharmacy, distribution, and auto center roles are tested.
Waste Management drug tests most employees, including all CDL drivers under DOT regulations. Pre-employment urine drug testing is standard for the majority of positions across the company.
Wawa does not require a pre-employment drug test for most store positions.
Wells Fargo does not conduct pre-employment drug testing for typical banking roles such as tellers, bankers, and corporate staff.
Wendy's drug testing policy varies by franchise owner. Most franchise locations do not drug test crew members during hiring, but some franchisees require pre-employment testing. Management positions are more likely to be tested.
DOT mandatory testing for all CDL drivers. Training program requires testing.
Whataburger generally does not drug test employees. Most locations do not require pre-employment drug screening for restaurant positions.
White Castle does not drug test employees. As a corporate-owned chain (not franchised), this policy is consistent across all locations.
Owned by Amazon; follows Amazon's no-marijuana-testing policy for most roles.
WinCo Foods requires a pre-employment drug test for successful applicants after extending a conditional job offer.
Wingstop is heavily franchised, so drug testing varies by location, franchisee, and position.
Winn-Dixie generally does not drug test most store employees. Pharmacy staff may be tested.
Wyndham franchise properties (Days Inn, Super 8, La Quinta, Ramada) generally do not drug test for standard hotel positions. Policies are set by individual property owners.
DOT testing for all drivers. Warehouse and dock workers also typically tested.
Zaxby's generally does not drug test employees. Most franchise locations do not require pre-employment drug screening for restaurant positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do most companies drug test for pre-employment?
- It depends on the industry. Many retail and food-service employers have stopped pre-employment drug testing for most entry-level roles. However, jobs regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) — such as CDL truck drivers, pilots, and heavy equipment operators — always require drug testing by federal law.
- What type of drug test do employers usually use?
- The most common employer drug test is a urine test (urinalysis) that screens for five substances: THC (marijuana), cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Some employers use oral fluid (mouth swab) tests, which are quicker but detect a shorter window of use (24–72 hours). Hair follicle tests are less common but detect use up to 90 days back.
- Can I be drug tested after being hired?
- Yes. Most companies reserve the right to test employees after a workplace accident (post-accident testing) or when a supervisor has reasonable suspicion of impairment (reasonable-suspicion testing). Some DOT-regulated positions also require random drug testing throughout employment.
- Does it matter if marijuana is legal in my state?
- It depends on the employer and your role. Many private employers can still test for marijuana even in states where it is legal, though some states have passed laws restricting pre-employment marijuana testing. Federal employers and DOT-regulated positions must follow federal drug-free workplace rules, which still classify marijuana as illegal regardless of state law.
- What happens if I fail a pre-employment drug test?
- In most cases, you will not be hired. The employer typically rescinds the conditional job offer. Some companies allow you to reapply after a waiting period (often 6–12 months). For DOT-regulated positions, failing a drug test requires you to complete a return-to-duty process with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) before you can return to safety-sensitive work.
- Are there companies that don't drug test at all?
- Yes, many companies — especially in tech, food service, and retail — do not drug test for most positions. Companies like Starbucks, DoorDash, Apple, Google, and many others have moved away from pre-employment drug testing for non-safety-sensitive roles. Use the search above to check specific companies.