10 States With The Most Cannabis Jobs

Cannabis jobs are on the rise across the world. In the U.S., the total number of full-time cannabis jobs reached 418,059 as of early 2024.

Cannabis job growth in the U.S. has been incredible over the past five years, reaching over 2.7% year after year. The cannabis job market is expected to reach over 100 billion by 2030.

If you’re interested in joining the cannabis workforce, here are the states with the most cannabis jobs.

1. California

California continues to top the list as one of the country’s largest cannabis markets. In 2023 it led in cannabis tax collection. 21,613 cannabis jobs were added, reaching 85,593 total jobs. 

The Golden State brought in $775 million in tax revenue. California cannabis jobs are growing and numerous.

2. Colorado

After years of cannabis sales, Colorado stands out as one of the strongest markets in the nation. In 2023, the state brought in $274 million in tax revenue and supported 27,856 jobs.

However, the job growth rate was 1.5%, a slow growth rate compared to newer markets. Colorado cannabis jobs continue to be available and booming.

3. Michigan

Michigan has no cap on retail licenses, allowing the state to meet the demand for cannabis. In 2023, the cannabis market in Michigan topped $3 billion, and supported 35,405 cannabis jobs.

It added 11,000 cannabis jobs from the previous year. Michigan cannabis jobs are abundant and keep on growing.

4. Illinois

In 2023, Illinois brought in $420.9 million in cannabis tax revenue and supported 30,992 legal cannabis jobs, adding 12,155 jobs in 2023. In 2023, dispensary sales hit 1.58 billion, an increase from 1.5 billion in 2022 despite having a limited recreational and medical market.

However, more retail licenses are on the way. Illinois cannabis careers are a fast growing sector.

5. Massachusetts

Massachusetts has done an excellent job of issuing retail licenses to meet demand. In 2023, Massachusetts brought in $156 million in tax revenue, an 81% sales growth.

It supported 28,370 cannabis jobs, adding 11,112 since the previous year. Massachusetts weed jobs are on the rise.

6. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a medical-only cannabis market and one of the largest in the country. As of January 2024, Pennsylvania had 26,932 legal, full-time cannabis jobs.

The secret to their success is the relatively high number of dispensaries per capita (14 per 1 million residents). Pennsylvania cannabis jobs are on fire!

7. Florida

Although Florida only allows medical cannabis, it’s become one of the biggest markets in the nation. In 2023, The Sunshine State added 8,895 cannabis jobs to a total of 29,011 full-time cannabis jobs.

The state had a 22% sales growth with $1.5 billion in revenue. The Florida cannabis job market is booming. Enroll at the Florida cannabis college for a new cannabis career.

8. Arizona

Arizona legalized recreational cannabis through the Safe and Smart Act in November 2020. Since then, The Grand Canyon State has added 4,600 jobs, reaching 26,333 cannabis jobs in Arizona.

Arizona pulled in over 1.4 billion in sales in 2023. Cannabis legalization and the rise in recreational jobs increased total sales by 31%.

9. Washington

Washington is another state with a mature cannabis market that has experienced slow and steady growth. At the start of 2024, Washington state had 22,516 cannabis jobs.

Washington has a slower job growth rate at just 3% compared to newer markets. Washington cannabis jobs are numerous.

10. Oregon

Oregon is one of the country’s most mature cannabis markets, with gradual and stable growth over the years. In 2023, Oregon made 4.5 million in tax revenue, about the same as 2022, and supported 19,938 cannabis jobs. It added 1,957 cannabis jobs from the previous year.

Oregon cannabis jobs are a great place to start your cannabis career.

Other Cannabis States With Plentiful Cannabis Jobs

In addition to the above states with the most cannabis jobs, the following states also have many cannabis job opportunities:

Missouri, Oklahoma, New York, and Ohio.

How to Find Cannabis Jobs

Over the next few years, more states are expected to legalize cannabis. There’s also some hope for federal legalization. If you want to have the best chance at finding cannabis work, here are some tips to make your job search successful.

• Research cannabis employment laws: Each state has different rules and regulations for cannabis businesses and employees. Find out if you are qualified to apply for a cannabis job. You may need to get a background check and work permit before starting a job.
• Earn industry credentials: Get a comprehensive cannabis education from Cannabis Training University, the most renowned cannabis training institute in the country. Getting CTU cannabis certifications can give you the edge you need to beat the competition.
• Create a resume and cover letter: A cannabis resume and cover letter include your job experience and education. Most people don’t have a cannabis cover letter, which can give you a competitive advantage.
• Search for a cannabis job: Look for cannabis jobs on traditional and cannabis-specific job boards. Networking at local industry events allows you to meet business leaders and start a relationship that can lead to a job when a position is open.

Cannabis Jobs and Salaries

Cannabis job categories, along with the wages earned and duties assigned to each:

The annual salary range for a budtender is $30,000 to $35,000. Responsibilities include assisting customers in dispensaries, recommending products, and educating clients on cannabis strains and their appropriate applications.

The salary range for a cultivation technician is between $30,000 and $40,000. Plant care, beginning with the germination process and continuing through harvest. This entails checking the plant's health as well as watering and pruning the plant.

The annual salary range for an extraction technician is $40,000 to $50,000. THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids must be extracted from cannabis plants in order to manufacture oils, tinctures, and other goods.

The salary for the dispensary manager ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 per year. Responsibilities include managing employees, overseeing inventory, assuring compliance with state rules, and managing the dispensary's day-to-day operations.

The annual salary for a grow master can be anywhere from $80,000 to more than $200,000, depending on the magnitude of the company. Responsibilities include managing large-scale cultivation operations, supervising staff, and ensuring that plants are healthy and producing at their highest potential output.

Start Your Cannabis Career with CTU

Cannabis Training University (CTU) is the leading training institute for cannabis job seekers and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level gig or want to apply for a business license, our Master of Cannabis Certification Program can help. Our online cannabis program provides a cannabis resume template, a cannabis cover letter example, and a sample cannabis business plan!

Fred Hernandez

Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred's expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it's delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred's wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.