What Companies Drug Test in 2025? A Comprehensive Guide
What Companies Drug Test in 2025?
As workplace policies continue to evolve, especially in light of shifting attitudes toward cannabis and other substances, many job seekers want to know: Do companies still drug test in 2025? And if so, which ones?
The short answer is yes, but not all employers test equally—or for the same reasons. Drug testing is still a common part of the hiring and employment process in many industries, but the landscape is changing rapidly.
This guide explores:
-
Which types of companies are most likely to drug test in 2025
-
Industries with strict testing policies
-
Employers that have eased or eliminated testing
-
What substances are most commonly screened
-
What job seekers need to know before applying
Do Companies Still Drug Test in 2025?
Yes—millions of employees in the U.S. are still subject to drug screening, especially in safety-sensitive industries. However, due to the legalization of cannabis in many states, a growing number of employers have modified their policies. Some are choosing not to test for THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) at all, especially for non-safety-sensitive roles.
Still, for federal jobs, transportation roles, healthcare, and certain corporations, drug testing is required either by company policy or government regulation.
Companies and Industries That Commonly Drug Test
1. Federal and Government Agencies
Nearly all federal jobs require pre-employment and random drug testing, especially if the position involves:
-
Security clearance
-
Law enforcement
-
Military service
-
Aviation
-
Transportation
-
Public safety
Examples include:
-
TSA (Transportation Security Administration)
-
FBI, DEA, CIA
-
Department of Defense
-
Postal Service (for driving positions)
-
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
2. Transportation & Logistics
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has strict drug testing mandates for safety-sensitive positions. This includes:
-
Trucking companies (e.g., Schneider, Swift, Werner)
-
Airlines (pilots, air traffic controllers)
-
Railroad workers
-
Maritime industry roles
If you drive a commercial vehicle (CDL license), you’re almost guaranteed to be tested pre-employment, post-accident, and randomly.
3. Healthcare & Medical Fields
Due to the safety and liability risks in healthcare, most hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes still drug test employees.
Companies that typically test:
-
Kaiser Permanente
-
Mayo Clinic
-
CVS Health
-
Walgreens
-
HCA Healthcare
-
UnitedHealth Group
Even administrative or non-patient-facing roles may be screened depending on state laws and company policy.
4. Defense & Aerospace
Major government contractors and defense-related companies often have strict testing policies to comply with federal regulations.
Examples include:
-
Lockheed Martin
-
Raytheon Technologies
-
Northrop Grumman
-
General Dynamics
-
Boeing (depending on role)
Security clearance and federal compliance usually require routine testing.
5. Energy & Utilities
Jobs in oil, gas, nuclear, and utilities are considered high-risk, and most employers in these industries continue to drug test.
Companies known for drug testing:
-
ExxonMobil
-
Chevron
-
Shell
-
Duke Energy
-
PG&E
-
Dominion Energy
Testing often includes pre-employment, post-incident, and random drug screens.
6. Manufacturing & Construction
Heavy machinery, safety hazards, and insurance liabilities lead many employers in this space to maintain strict testing protocols.
Common companies that test include:
-
Caterpillar
-
John Deere
-
Whirlpool
-
General Electric
-
Union construction firms
Expect both urine and oral fluid testing for labor-intensive or skilled trade positions.
Retail, Tech, and Office Jobs: Changing Trends in 2025
While drug testing is still common in regulated industries, many private-sector employers—especially in tech and retail—are relaxing their policies, particularly regarding cannabis.
1. Technology Companies
Most tech firms are prioritizing skills and experience over off-hours personal habits.
Many do NOT drug test:
-
Google
-
Apple
-
Microsoft
-
Meta (Facebook)
-
Salesforce
-
Adobe
However, exceptions may exist for on-site support, hardware roles, or government contracts.
2. Retail & Customer Service
Policies vary widely in retail. Some companies have dropped THC testing, while others continue to screen based on local laws and company image.
Companies likely to drug test in some roles:
-
Walmart
-
Target
-
Costco
-
Home Depot
-
Amazon (fulfillment centers)
Companies less likely to drug test (non-safety roles):
-
Starbucks
-
Trader Joe’s
-
Whole Foods
-
Apple Retail
-
Best Buy
What Substances Are Most Commonly Tested?
In 2025, the most common drug test panels still screen for:
-
THC (Cannabis) – but many companies now exclude this
-
Cocaine
-
Opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine)
-
Amphetamines (including Adderall, meth)
-
Phencyclidine (PCP)
-
Benzodiazepines
-
Barbiturates
The 5-Panel and 10-Panel tests remain industry standards. DOT-regulated industries still require THC testing, even in states where it’s legal.
What Types of Tests Are Used?
-
Urine tests – Most common and cost-effective
-
Saliva/oral swab – Increasing in popularity for quick turnaround
-
Hair follicle tests – Used by some companies (e.g., trucking)
-
Blood tests – Rare, usually for accidents or medical evaluation
Which Companies Have Eased Drug Testing Policies?
Many companies are updating their policies to reflect changing laws and public perception.
Companies that have reduced or eliminated THC testing in some roles:
-
Amazon (announced in 2021 that it would no longer test for THC for most positions)
-
AutoZone
-
Chipotle
-
Uber & Lyft (drivers may still be tested after incidents)
-
DoorDash / Instacart
-
Best Buy (non-driving roles)
Keep in mind: safety-sensitive jobs and federally regulated roles may still require full-panel testing, even within these companies.
Final Thoughts
The job market is evolving, but drug testing remains a reality in many fields. While industries like tech, retail, and creative services are loosening their policies—especially around cannabis—many employers in transportation, healthcare, defense, and energy maintain strict testing standards in 2025.
If you’re job hunting, always research the company’s drug testing policy before applying. And if you’re preparing for a detox, there are effective natural options to support your body’s cleansing process without harsh methods.