As any economist will tell you, the cannabis industry is booming, which means thousands of jobs are being created. Moreover, there’s something for everyone in the growing cannabis industry, from entry-level roles to scientists and chefs. So there’s no better time than now if you’re thinking about changing careers or simply searching for 420-friendly ones.

Many of the skillsets and credentials required for some cannabis careers are pretty particular, while others require no previous experience. Either way, you’ll want to check your state’s requirements regarding marijuana (or its derivatives) licensing, permits, and badges before working with marijuana or hemp products. It is also important to note that there are sometimes stricter licensing requirements for jobs involving medical marijuana (MMJ) than for jobs involving recreational cannabis.

Currently, there is no hard data on salaries and wages in the cannabis industry. For this reason, we found the best sources to be Salary.com and Glassdoor. Pay can vary considerably depending on the company, location, and experience in the field. 

#5 Bud Trimmer

One of the most common entry-level jobs in the cannabis industry is bud-trimming. Bud Trimmers work in fields or grow houses. Trimming involves removing the stems and large leaves from marijuana plants to improve their appearance and help them grow stronger. A careful approach that minimizes waste is needed for this job. The position requires speed, precision, and tenacity. When the plants mature, they are then sorted, weighed, and dried to prepare for sale in dispensaries. 
 Bud-trimmers work daylight hours if the field is outdoors, but night shifts are often available at indoor facilities.
 The average base salary for a Bud Trimmer in the United States is $34,669.

#4 Budtender

Budtenders work in recreational cannabis shops and medical dispensaries. Their job is to help customers understand a wide range of cannabis information by answering their questions and providing product recommendations. They consult with clients and may recommend a variety of strains and products based on their needs. Education is a large part of what a Budtender does, so they need to be very knowledgeable about marijuana. Furthermore, they provide customers with helpful information about the safety and enjoyment of the cannabis products they purchase and use. A good budtender needs a strong knowledge of the store or dispensary’s products. Budtending is an entry-level position.
Budtenders usually work day shifts, but some dispensaries (especially in places like Las Vegas) are open 24 hours.
The average base salary for a Budtender in the United States is $36,987.

#3 Cannabis Chef

Cannabis chefs have some of the most attractive careers in the industry. Chefs in this field are responsible for creating cannabis-infused food that tastes great. Among the products conjured up by cannabis chefs are gummies, chocolates, and savory treats. To achieve a consistent outcome with a reproducible dosage amount and a homogeneous end product, a chef must delegate kitchen staff. This makes management experience necessary as well. Culinary management and batch cooking experience, along with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, will help you get the job.
Cannabis Chefs work all hours of the day and night, depending on the employer. There is a wide range of jobs in this field, so a Cannabis Chef could work on television, in private kitchens, restaurants, or dispensaries.
The average base salary for a Medicinal Cannabis Chef in the United States is $68,994.

#2 Cannabis Dispensary Manager

A dispensary’s manager is ultimately responsible for resolving problems that hinder operations once they’re beyond the scope of lower-level employees. Dispensary managers hire and train employees, manage inventory, interact with customers, and ensure policies are implemented and enforced. As a cannabis dispensary manager, you must ensure the store is operational and that all functions, such as product receipts, warehousing, and sales, are completed on time and accurately. Experience in retail management and knowledge of marijuana is usually required for these jobs. 
Cannabis Dispensary Managers will most likely work long shifts, but the time of day will vary according to open business hours.
The average base salary for a Cannabis Dispensary Manager in the United States is $51,511.

#1 Cannabis Cultivator (Assistant Grower)

Due to their large size, many bigger grow centers will have some cultivators or assistant growers. Under the supervision of the lead grower, the assistant grower maintains a consistent and efficient growing facility. Planting and maintaining cannabis plants is their responsibility. They must be able to diagnose ailments within the plant and make adjustments to remedy them. Additionally, an assistant grower feeds and waters the cannabis plants. Hard work and willingness to get dirty are requirements for this position. A lot of mental and physical labor is involved in this position.

The average base salary for a Cannabis Cultivator in the United States is $38,385.
While these are some of the most sought-after and coveted positions in the cannabis sector, there are dozens of other careers in the field. The industry holds something for you whether you prefer hands-on labor, customer relations, office work, or scientific research. Here are some other great cannabis careers:

• Marijuana Tester or Quality-Control Inspector
• Extraction Technician
• Marijuana Courier
• Cannabis Chemist
• Cannabinoid Extractor
• Field Sample Technician
• Cannabis Extraction Technician
• Cannabis Sales Representative
• Brand Ambassador
• Tissue Culture Technician

Many jobs in the cannabis industry require certification or prior education. For more information on where to obtain such training, check out our list of the Top 5 Online Educational Opportunities for People Who Want a Career in Cannabis.