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The legal cannabis market in the US employs almost quarter a million people on a full-time basis.

Before marijuana, in whatever form, reaches the dispensary shelf it passes through various hands. Bud trimmers show up in the early part of the process. Their work is essential as it guarantees the quality of the finished marijuana product.

Bud trimmers ensure that the cannabis buds placed in dispensary jars meet high-quality standards. Bud trimming is a tedious job, but it is also very rewarding.

Requirements & Qualifications of a Cannabis Trimmer

Bud trimming is an entry level position in the marijuana industry. To get a bud trimmer job you will need to be at least 21 years old. You will also be required to pass a criminal record check.

Next you will be required to have a state issued ID for the state that you want to work in.

Here are other conditions that most employees look for:

  • Familiarity with warehouse procedures
  • Productivity
  • Experience working in a complex, fast-paced environment
  • Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
  • Ability to operate a weighing scale accurately
  • Punctuality
  • Good communication skills
  • Strong organizational and follow-through skills
  • Accountability, and initiative
  • Detail oriented
  • Ability to stand or sit for long periods
  • Team oriented and self-motivated

When it comes to academic qualifications, a high school education or GED is the bare minimum. However, a college level education is preferred. Prior experience in the industry is definitely a plus.

Marijuana Bud Trimmer Job Description

gloved hands trimming weed, weed trimming jobs

The primary job of a marijuana bud trimmer is to trim marijuana buds. But aside from that this role is very extensive.

Here are some of the common roles performed by bud trimmers:

  • Trim and de-fan plants
  • Weigh and record wet trim weight
  • Ensure cleanliness and tidiness of the warehouse
  • Package products according to the packaging standards
  • Communicate with other staff
  • Perform any other assigned duty

Bud trimmer jobs peak in early October to mid-November. This is the time when the buds are ready for harvest.

Tip: Don’t wait until the “rush hour” to start sending in your resume; everyone will be doing this at this time and potential employers are likely to be very busy at this time.

Bud Trimmer's Average Pay

Skimming through different marijuana job sites you will find that the starting rate for bud trimmers is between $15- $25 per hour. This translates to $28,000- $48,000 per year.

Other benefits that may be offered by the employer include:

In terms of popular trimming cities, keep your eye out for trimming job positions in metropolitan locations such as Denver, CO, Los Angeles, CA, Chicago, IL, and Medford, OR.

  • Dental Insurance
  • Health Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Vision Insurance

Common benefits include health insurance, employee discounts, 401(k), paid time off, vision insurance, and dental insurance.

Where to Find Cannabis Trimmer Jobs

gloved hands trimming a cannabis bud, working as a cannabis trimmer

You can find cannabis trimmer jobs in any state with medical or recreational marijuana laws. Marijuana trimmer jobs are usually concentrated in big cities or their surrounding towns.

States with many entry-level employment opportunities in cultivation sites include Colorado, Oregon, Washington, California, Massachusetts, Illinois, and many more states with fast-growing markets.

Back in the day, you would find work trimming cannabis through word of mouth or making the journey toward in the fall to hubs that grow marijuana. Nowadays, finding a cannabis trimming job is as easy as searching “weed trimming jobs near me” or “bud trimmer jobs near me.”

  • Online job boards: Popular job boards such as Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, Simply Hired, and Craigslist are great resources for finding work in cannabis cultivation. Just make sure to check daily or set an alert to get your resume in early.
  • Cannabis-specific job boards: With the rise of legalization, there has been an increase in job boards dedicated to the cannabis industry.
  • Recruiting agencies: Recruiting and placement agencies such as Viridian Staffing, Ms. Mary Staffing, and The Marijuana Job Board can line up job seekers with compatible weed jobs in cultivation, retail, or manufacturing segments.
  • Social media: Cannabis companies often post their job opportunities through social media networks such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat. If they're not currently hiring, you can directly message them and engage with their posts.
  • Email: Send an email to the cannabis cultivation company you want to apply to. With a snappy subject line, you can reach out and let them know you're looking for a job. Make sure to include your skills and experience along with your resume in the brief message.
  • Networking: Attend local industry events to get to know local business owners who may be hiring. If the company is vertically integrated, you can network at their dispensary and inquire if they have marijuana industry jobs available in their cultivation facility.

How to Apply for Weed Trimming Jobs

Once you narrow down the company you want to apply to or the job ad you want to respond to, it's time to get your trimming application ready. Knowing how to create a solid resume and cover letter can land you the interview where you can impress the interviewer in person.

Resume

A resume showcases your best attributes, work experience, and skills that can help you succeed as a bud trimmer.

Here are a few tips to make your resume stand out:

  • Keep your resume under one page
  • Proofread your resume for grammatical or spelling errors
  • Save your resume as a Word document and PDF since each company may have a different preference
  • Add your name and contact information at the top of the page

For more information, check out our blog post on how to create a resume for the cannabis industry.

Cover Letter

A cover letter should be brief and cover your relevant work history and skills that will make you the best for the position. Make sure to scan the job ad and use language directly from it to show you have the necessary skills.

A cover letter should include a heading with your contact information and a body where you describe why you are the best for the trimming job. Most people will not send in a cover letter, so if you do, you will be one step ahead of the competition.

Check out our blog post on how to create a cover letter for the cannabis industry for more information.

Interview

If your cover letter and resume impressed the hiring manager, you will be called in for an interview. Here are a few tips to consider to get the job:

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  • Arrive at least 10 minutes early
  • While you will be working in a cultivation facility, dress nicer than the position requires during the interview
  • Prepare a few questions to ask the employer
  • Have ready a few concrete examples of your skills that will help you while trimming

Get Cannabis Training at CTU

Cannabis Training University (CTU( provides students from around the world with a comprehensive cannabis training program on the fundamentals of the industry, from the plant’s medicinal value to getting hired in a wide range of entry-level and management positions.

Whether you want to work as an entry-level cannabis trimmer or budtender or a dispensary manager or head grower, CTU can prepare you to work in any segment of the industry.

CTU’s complete cannabis education teaches you how to grow weed at home and land a job and career in this fast-growing industry.

Sign up for CTU’s online marijuana classes to learn more about this incredible plant and get your career started with a solid educational foundation to propel you toward success.

Jeffrey (Jeff) Zorn-CEO Cannabis Training University picture
Jeff Zorn

Jeff Zorn, a collegiate basketball player, discovered the transformative power of medical cannabis after a significant injury. He founded Cannabis Training University (CTU), a groundbreaking institution dedicated to disseminating comprehensive information about the cannabis industry. With a team of skilled educators and faculty members, CTU has reached thousands of students worldwide. As an esteemed cannabis business expert, Jeff regularly contributes thought-provoking articles online, providing invaluable guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs. CTU has grown from a single student in 2009 to a global phenomenon with over 80,000 students.

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