Why Cannabis Jobs Are Growing Faster Than Headcount
While the cannabis industry’s revenue grew 4.5% in 2024, reaching $30.1 billion, something surprising happened—the number of jobs actually shrank.
You might think more sales means more workers, but that’s not what happened here. The industry lost about 15,443 jobs last year.
The cannabis industry lost 15,443 jobs in 2024 despite revenue growth, defying expectations that sales increases would drive hiring.
Why? Companies got smarter about how they work. They’re focusing on doing more with fewer people instead of just hiring everyone they can. Emerging markets like New York, Mississippi, and Ohio are leading job creation while mature markets face workforce reductions. As legalization spreads to the 18 additional states expected over the next decade, new employment opportunities will emerge in regions currently without legal cannabis frameworks. Professional networking platforms like Elevated Enterprise are helping cannabis companies find specialized talent more efficiently during this transition.
This shift shows the cannabis business is maturing. You’re seeing teams work harder, cross-train on different tasks, and use technology to enhance efficiency. The increasing demand for ancillary roles like accountants, lawyers, and compliance specialists reflects how the industry is professionalizing its workforce.
It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about operating like established industries do. The industry still supports 425,002 jobs, proving cannabis remains a major employer despite the changes. Flexible staffing models are becoming standard practice as companies adjust to market realities.
Regulatory Compliance Specialists: The Legal Gatekeepers
As the cannabis industry matures, regulatory compliance specialists have become essential players in keeping companies operating legally. You’ll find these professionals managing product tracking, interpreting regulations, and coordinating with state agencies. They’re the gatekeepers ensuring everything stays above board.
| Role Level | Salary Range | Job Count |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $55,000–$60,000 | 407 positions |
| Mid-Level | $61,000–$100,000 | 1,244 positions |
| Senior | $150,000–$207,000 | 60 positions |
| State Agencies | $53,000–$154,000 | Multiple |
You’ll need four or more years of compliance experience in regulated industries. Knowledge of banking laws and money laundering regulations matters too. Private companies, state agencies, and distribution operations all need these specialists. The job market’s hot right now with 5,689 available positions nationwide.
Cultivation Technicians and Grow Operations Managers
The backbone of cannabis operations relies on cultivation technicians who nurture plants from seedling to harvest.
You’ll find these roles pay an average of $41,610 annually, with hourly wages ranging from $20 to $21 per hour. Entry-level positions start around $36,500, while experienced technicians earn up to $50,000.
Your earning potential grows with experience. Early-career professionals with 1-4 years earn roughly $18.16 per hour. Geographic location matters too. Many employers offer common health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage to attract and retain talent.
California leads the way, with positions in Soledad offering $67,148 annually. Colorado and Washington State also offer competitive rates above the national average.
You’re looking at a field that’s 19% above the national average wage. It’s a role where demand continues climbing across the United States.
Cannabis Data Analysts and Business Intelligence Roles
Beyond the greenhouse floor, cannabis companies are building out entire departments focused on data. You’ll find explosive growth in analytics positions right now.
Here’s what’s happening:
- Over 130 cannabis analytics jobs are open in California alone
- Lead Analytics Engineer roles pay $110K-$145K annually
- Machine Learning Engineer positions reach $182K-$201K for mid-level candidates
You’re seeing demand for skilled analysts who know Python, SQL, and Tableau. Companies need you to turn raw data into business decisions.
You’ll manage inventory systems, track cultivation operations, and build data pipelines using tools like Snowflake and dbt. Major cannabis companies like Curaleaf and Weedmaps are actively hiring data professionals to support their expanding operations across multiple states. The industry supports 425,002 full-time equivalent jobs across all sectors and continues to expand rapidly.
The cannabis industry’s explosive growth means data roles are becoming vital. If you’ve got strong analytical skills and programming knowledge, you’re entering a field with real opportunity and competitive salaries.
Supply Chain and Logistics Professionals Scaling Distribution
While cannabis companies grow their operations, they’re also building out supply chain and logistics teams to move products from warehouses to customers.
You’ll find 88 cannabis supply chain jobs available in California alone, with 564 positions nationwide. These roles include Distribution Associates, Inventory Specialists, and Fulfillment Warehouse Associates earning $18–$28 per hour.
Los Angeles has 26 supply chain positions paying $20–$103 hourly. Companies like Nabis are scaling up, shipping over $1 billion in products yearly across multiple states.
They’re hiring Operations Managers, Supply Chain Planners, and Dispatchers who comprehend cannabis regulations. You’ll need experience with warehouse logistics, inventory systems, and state compliance laws.
The industry’s rapid expansion means steady hiring for distribution professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Percentage of Cannabis Businesses Are Currently Owned by Black Americans?
Did you know you’re looking at ownership that’s basically frozen in place? You’ll find that Black Americans own between 1.2% and 1.7% of cannabis businesses nationally—a stark reality that hasn’t shifted much despite growth.
How Much Job Growth Could Full US Legalization Potentially Generate Nationwide?
You’re looking at potential job creation that could dwarf current figures considerably. Full legalization could release explosive growth—we’re talking hundreds of thousands of new positions across cultivation, retail, manufacturing, and ancillary services you haven’t imagined yet.
Which States Have Experienced the Highest Percentage Increases in Cannabis Employment?
You’ve seen Illinois shed jobs while New York’s cannabis sector exploded—that’s the stark contrast you’re witnessing. New York’s leading with a stunning 209% increase, Mississippi’s doubled employment at 103%, and Ohio’s climbed 34%. These aren’t your mature markets’ numbers.
What Is the Expected Average Pay Increase for Cannabis Workers in 2023?
You’re looking at pay increases that varied considerably in 2023. High-value employees saw top-end salaries rise 4.7%, outpacing the 4.1% non-cannabis average. You’d find cannabis roles grew faster overall.
How Many Cannabis Jobs Have Been Created Since Legalization Began?
You’ve seen over 340,000 cannabis jobs created since legalization started, with more than 243,000 added nationwide as states welcomed legal cannabis. It’s genuinely changing employment opportunities.
