Can an employer require a drug test and tell you the employee to pay for the first test?
Generally, yes. I assume you mean the employer wants you to pay for the first test as a condition of being evaluated and hired. Note: Laws vary by state, and it would not surprise me if some states specifically mandate that an employer pay for such a test. Although I know of no specific law that requires as such. But generally, this is no different from an employer requiring an official transcript or other documentation that requires a fee to obtain. The employer is simply requiring, as part of the application process, a current drug test. Once you are hired the analysis is different. Many states require that an employer pay for work related costs. Thus, in most states an employer would have to pay for drug tests after being hired.
