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 2023.

Cannabis job growth in the U.S. has been incredible over the past five years, reaching over 27% 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 of the country’s largest cannabis markets. In 2022 it led the cannabis tax collection. 21,613 cannabis jobs were added, reaching 83,607 total jobs. The Golden State brought in 774 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 2022, the state brought in $353 million in tax revenue and supported 38,000 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 2022, Michigan made $163 million in tax revenue, an 81% sales growth, and supported 31,152 cannabis jobs. It added 13,074 cannabis jobs from the previous year. Michigan cannabis jobs are abundant and keep on growing.

4. Illinois

In 2022, Illinois brought in $466 million in cannabis tax revenue and supported 30,992 legal cannabis jobs, adding 12,155 jobs in 2022. In 2022, sales increased by 73% 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 2022, Massachusetts brought in $156 million in tax revenue, an 81% sales growth, and supported 27,212 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 2023, 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 2022, The Sunshine State added 8,895 cannabis jobs to a total of 25,895 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 1.5 billion in sales in 2022. 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 2023, Washington state had 26,516 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 2022, Oregon made $170 million in tax revenue, a 7% growth, and supported 21,938 cannabis jobs. It added 1,957 cannabis jobs from the previous year. Oregon cannabis jobs are a great place to start yor cannabis career.

Other Cannabis States With Lots of 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.

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.

Check out our cannabis industry jobs report for more information. Even with all these cannabis jobs, the legal pot market employment declined slightly in 2022 but is seeing some gains in many areas and numerous new cannabis states as of late.

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 $25,000 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. Responsibilities include this process.

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 $100,000, 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 college courses provide a cannabis resume template, a cannabis cover letter example, and a sample cannabis business plan!

Enroll today at the best cannabis college!