U.S. Cannabis Employment Report 2022 – CTU Edition (UPDATED 2022)

In 2022, we saw a whirlwind of cannabis employment activity as new markets entered the scene and the pandemic waxed and waned. We've seen nothing short of exponential job growth in the cannabis industry with no signs of slowing down.

Are you interested in taking part in the fastest-growing industry in America? As a prospective cannabis employee, understanding the state of the industry and the hottest cannabis job markets can give you a better chance of finding an exciting and rewarding cannabis career. 

Here is our cannabis employment report 2022.

State of Cannabis Employment – 2022 Update

Cannabis markets are active in 24 adult-use states and territories and 37 medical-only states. Cannabis job growth has been impressive compared to job growth in established industries like finance and construction. Cannabis jobs now outnumber jobs in other essential industries like plumbing.

As of January 2022, there were 428,059 full-time equivalent jobs in the U.S. cannabis industry. Even as the country went through the second year of the pandemic, the industry saw a 33% increase in new jobs, creating more than 107,000 jobs in 2022.

That’s about 280 new jobs per day. This was the fifth year in industry job growth above 27%. These numbers include plant-touching jobs that deal directly with the plant and ancillary jobs that provide supplementary services such as accounting and security.

Cannabis Job Growth – 2017-2022

• 2017 – 122,280 jobs (added 26,500)
• 2018 – 149,300 jobs (added 61,700)
• 2019 – 211,000 jobs (added 32,700)
• 2020 – 243,700 jobs (added 77,300)
• 2021 – 321,000 jobs (added 107,059)
• 2022 – 428,059 jobs

Cannabis Jobs – Top 10 States

1. California – 83,607
2. Colorado – 38,337
3. Michigan – 31,152
4. Illinois – 28,992
5. Massachusetts – 27,120
6. Pennsylvania – 26,932
7. Florida – 25,895
8. Arizona – 23,333
9. Washington – 22,516
10. Oregon – 19,938

Cannabis Jobs in 2022- From Seed to Sale

If you have a passion for cannabis, many job opportunities match your skills and experience. Even if you don’t have any experience, there are many ways to gain credentials and skills, including volunteering with local cannabis organizations.

What were the most in-demand cannabis jobs in 2022?

• Cannabis Cultivation
• Cannabis Manufacturing
• Cannabis Retail
• Cannabis Distribution
• Cannabis Testing
• Cannabis Infrastructure Management
• Cannabis Human Resources

Cannabis job opportunities are available for entry-level to senior executive positions. Doing your research, gaining as much experience and education as you can, and networking can earn you a spot in the fastest-growing job market in the country.

Cannabis Job Salaries in 2022

Cannabis companies look for experienced and talented employees, leading to competitive job salaries and benefits packages. However, cannabis job salaries vary on many factors, including company size, location, and your skills and experience.

In 2021, cannabis job salaries increased by 4% and up to 10% for senior executives. Based on 2022 cannabis salary data, industry salaries grew slightly over last year’s salaries. 

Position	Low	High	Median
Trimmer	$31,600	$38,900	$35,250
Cultivation Technician	$25,000	$28,000	$26,500
Director of Cultivation	$94,00	$192,700	$143,350
Extraction Technician	$43,400	$73,500	$58,450
Director of Extraction	$90,500	$187,900	$139,200
Analytical Chemist	$63,389	$97,600	$80,495
Testing Laboratory Manager	$115,400	$165,000	$140,200
Dispensary Manager	$77,400	$110,400	$93,900
Packaging Manager	$47,800	$68,900	$58,350
Production Manager	$73,000	$102,300	$87,650

Where to Look for Cannabis Jobs in 2022

In 2022, emerging cannabis markets across the country were set to launch. Are you ready for the explosion in cannabis job opportunities? 

• Arizona – Adult-use sales began at the start of 2021. In 2023, you can expect Arizona to be a top state for cannabis industry jobs.
• California – This year, licensed operators will keep chipping away at the state’s largely illicit market, creating more legal cannabis jobs.
• Connecticut – Adult-use shops are expected to open in early 2023. Expect a flurry of new cannabis jobs across all sectors (cultivation, manufacturing, retail) this year.
• Florida – The state’s medical cannabis market has experienced exponential growth with no signs of slowing down. In 2024, a vote on adult-use cannabis may propel the market to greater heights.
• Illinois – Almost 200 new cannabis business licenses are being held up in a court fight. A settlement may be close.
• New Jersey – Recreational sales started in summer of 2022.
• New Mexico – Adult-use sales began in early spring of 2022.
• New York – Recreational shops are set to open in late December 2022.

How to Find a Cannabis Job in 2023

2023 is set to be a landmark year for the industry. Even as new COVID-19 variants continue popping up, the industry has remained tough against the challenges. If you're interested in joining the cannabis workforce in 2023, here are some tips to keep in mind. 

1. Know the rules – Rules and regulations for industry employees vary by state. Research age limits, training requirements, disqualifying offenses, drug testing rules, and work permit fees before applying for a job in your state. 
2. Get cannabis certified – If you have a passion for cannabis, enrolling in a cannabis training course can give you the knowledge you need to gain a competitive advantage over other applicants with similar skills and experience.
3. Create or update your resume – Cannabis industry resumes and cover letters should cover relevant work experience, education, and skills, even if they were acquired outside your employment or in a state with prohibitive cannabis laws.
4. Find a cannabis job – Search major job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. Cannabis recruitment companies like CTU can also help you find the right career based on your skills. Networking at local industry events is one of the best ways to meet key players in the industry and showcase your value.

Adult Use Cannabis States 2022

“

There are over 300,000 jobs in the cannabis industry. CTU trained me for one of them!

- Johanna Rose
Makes $24.50 @ THC +

Explore Program

• Colorado
• Washington
• Alaska
• Oregon
• California
• Maine
• Massachusetts 
• Nevada
• Vermont 
• Michigan 
• Illinois
• New Jersey
• Montana
• Arizona
• New York
• Virginia
• New Mexico
• Connecticut
• Rhode Island

Earn Your Spot in the Industry with Online Cannabis Training

Cannabis industry employment is booming across all sectors and ancillary industries. If you want to earn a cannabis career, you need the right credentials and dedication to stand out from the pack. Get your credentials at Cannabis Training University.

Start your journey toward a new and fulfilling career! Join thousands of cannabis professionals worldwide. Enroll in a CTU cannabis certification program today!