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How Much Does a Drug Test Cost for Employment?

A lab-based urine drug test for a job outside DOT rules costs roughly $60 to $115 online, based on sellers' published prices. On October 13, 2026, four sellers listed a 10-panel urine test at $69 to $115 and a 5-panel at $59 to $89. The price depends on the panel, whether a doctor reviews the result, and add-ons such as an alcohol test. In most cases the employer pays. Pact's 10-panel is $40 online, and that includes the Quest collection, the lab test and medical review officer (MRO) review.

Updated October 26, 2026 · Checked against the official sources listed at the end

What sellers charge

These are prices posted on each seller's own website on October 13, 2026. We describe the sellers instead of naming them. Prices change, and each one includes different things, so read what is covered before you compare.

An online lab-test ordering site: 10-panel urine test $85, 5-panel $59. Its drug testing page says tests in that list are not sent to an MRO. Its versions with MRO review cost $115 for a 10-panel and $89 for a 5-panel. It says it does not offer DOT testing.
A national online testing seller: 10-panel urine test $93, 5-panel urine test $79, and a 10-panel plus a urine alcohol test $133.
A national drug testing company: 10-panel urine test $69, 5-panel $69, and a 10-panel with expanded opiates $89.
A walk-in lab testing franchise: prices vary by store. Its 10-panel urine test was listed at $69 at the Nashville and Houston (Willowbrook) stores we checked. It says MRO review may cost extra, and a directly observed collection may carry an added fee.
A national lab's consumer site: sells drug tests for personal use, a 6-panel at $109 and an 11-panel at $169. Its product page lists legal or forensic testing among the uses the test is not for. Ask before using a personal test for a job.

What changes the price

Panel size. More drugs usually cost more. A 10-panel adds five drug groups to a 5-panel, though some sellers charge the same for both.
Lab test or instant test. The national online testing seller above lists its lab 10-panel at $93 and an instant 10-panel cup at $129. It also says not all states allow instant testing for employment.
MRO review. A medical review officer is a licensed physician who reviews results that aren't negative. Some prices include it. Others charge extra or leave it out.
Alcohol. The national online testing seller lists a 10-panel plus urine alcohol at $133. The online lab-test ordering site lists a 10-panel with alcohol at $105, or $135 with MRO review.
Observed collection. A collection where someone watches the person give the sample can cost more. The walk-in lab franchise asks buyers to check that a store offers it before ordering.
Where the sample is collected, and how many tests are ordered. Quest's urine testing FAQ says its cost varies with volume and the number of drug panels, and is lower when the collection is at a Quest patient service center.

Who usually pays

Usually the employer. Quest's page for people taking an employer drug test says payment is not required at its patient service centers, because the employer should cover the cost.

Some states set rules on this. Minnesota's drug and alcohol testing law says an employer may not request or require an employee or job applicant to pay for testing done under that law (Minn. Stat. 181.953, subd. 4). Rules differ by state, so check yours or ask an attorney.

People also pay for their own tests. Job applicants, students and workers often order a test themselves when a program or employer accepts one from any lab. If that's you, ask first whether they will accept it, and whether they name a specific company.

What Pact charges

Anyone can order a Pact lab urine drug test online: $40 for a 5-panel or 10-panel, $50 for a drug test with alcohol, or $89 for a 5-panel with fentanyl. The price covers the urine collection at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center, the lab test with confirmation of any screen that isn't negative, and MRO review. The donor pass is emailed, usually within one business day (Monday to Friday). Nothing is paid at the collection site.

Employers that test often can open a Pact account with no monthly fee. Per-test prices are:

5-panel or 10-panel lab drug test: $40.
Drug test with alcohol (one urine test): $50.
5-panel with fentanyl: $89.
Alcohol test on its own: $69.

Before you buy

Ask which panel the employer wants. A list of drugs is more useful than a panel name.
Ask whether MRO review is required. Check that the price includes it.
Ask whether the job is covered by DOT rules. Pact's tests are non-DOT. A DOT job needs a DOT test ordered by the employer.
Read the refund policy. All Pact sales are final, with no refunds.
Testing in New York, New Jersey or Rhode Island? Call Pact at 901-666-6970 before you order.

Common questions

How much is a 10-panel drug test for a job?

Among the sellers we checked on October 13, 2026, a lab 10-panel urine test listed for $69 to $115 online. Pact's is $40, with Quest collection, lab test and MRO review included.

Does the employer pay for a pre-employment drug test?

Usually. Quest says payment isn't required at its patient service centers because the employer should cover the cost. Minnesota's testing law bars employers from making employees or applicants pay for testing under that law.

Is a 5-panel cheaper than a 10-panel?

Often, but not always. A national drug testing company listed both at $69. At Pact, employer accounts pay $40 for either.

Does Pact charge extra for MRO review?

No. Pact's $40 10-panel includes the Quest collection, the lab test and MRO review.

Can I get a refund if I don't take the test?

Not from Pact. All sales are final. Other sellers have their own policies. One online lab-test ordering site, for example, says orders aren't eligible for a refund if the donor starts the collection but doesn't give a valid specimen.

Is Pact's $40 test a DOT drug test?

No. It's a non-DOT test. If DOT rules cover the job, the employer must order a DOT test.