Data Reveals Cannabis Workers Are Positive About Career Despite Low Wages

It’s no secret that budtenders in the cannabis industry are paid a wage similar to other retail jobs, but it’s also no surprise that despite this, satisfaction rates in the industry are high.

According to The News Tribune, cannabis workers are optimistic about their future, despite having lower pay grades. A survey from PayScale reveals that 68 percent of those working in the cannabis industry believe that their employers have a bright future, while in other industries, only 59 percent of employees share the same belief.

The data was based on 494 different profiles of employees and their salaries. Both the medical and recreational industries were analyzed, and the data was collected between September 2015 and September 2017 across all legal states. The data revealed median annual incomes. Store managers made about $44,000 per year, budtenders made about $28,300 per year and $98 in tips per week, operations managers made $43,500 per year and medical cannabis growers made $38,000 per year.

While these are certainly not the highest numbers as far as retail and managerial earnings, those working in the industry are happier than those in other industries.

“It’s safe to say that retail growers earn similar wages to medical growers, though PayScale does not have specific data on this front,” the company said in an official statement. “The only caveat is that regulations do differ by state and, from what PayScale can tell, within a state between retail and medical, so these differing restrictions could potentially affect wages. There’s a lot of opportunity for growth because it is growing and increasing so rapidly. From accountants to developers creating online websites to brand-awareness people to help market products—all white-collar work.”

While standards in the industry and overall pay rates are still being sorted out, as cannabis unions and other organizations form, it’s refreshing to know that those who work in dispensaries are happy in their positions and feel optimistic about the road ahead.