Budtender Salary Guide (2025): What to Expect Across the U.S.

If you're curious about how much a budtender makes in 2025, you're not alone. Whether you're thinking of applying to your first dispensary job or just want to know if you're being paid fairly, this guide will break it down for you. We'll cover average salaries, where you can earn the most, and what actually affects how much you take home.

You’ll also learn how the role is evolving, what benefits to expect, and how to position yourself for promotions within the cannabis space.

What's the Average Budtender Salary?

Across the United States, the average hourly wage for a budtender ranges from $15 to $22 per hour. That works out to roughly $31,000 to $45,000 per year for a full-time position.

Some data sources, like ZipRecruiter, report higher numbers sometimes showing averages over $50/hour but these figures can be inflated due to including higher-paying roles like dispensary managers, shift leads, or regional sales reps. So while it’s not impossible, a typical entry-level budtender likely won’t hit six figures.

In general, new hires start closer to $15/hour. With experience, that can move toward $18–$22/hour. Those working at high-end dispensaries or in leadership roles sometimes earn more.

Highest Paying States for Budtenders

Location plays a big role in how much you'll earn. Here are some examples of average hourly wages:

• California: $18.75/hr

• Massachusetts: $19.50/hr

• Colorado: $17.25/hr

• New York: $20.10/hr

• Nevada: $16.90/hr

• Illinois: $18.00/hr

• Oregon: $17.60/hr

• Arizona: $16.80/hr

Some local job postings also advertise wages as high as $24–$26/hour, especially in fast-paced urban dispensaries or tourist-heavy areas. In states with newer markets, wages may start lower but can grow quickly as demand increases.

Factors That Influence Budtender Pay

Budtender salaries can vary a lot even within the same city. Here’s what makes the difference:

• Experience Level: First-time hires usually start at the lower end. With 1–2 years of experience and solid product knowledge, you can start earning closer to $20/hr or more.

• City vs. Rural: Dispensaries in big metro areas like Los Angeles, Boston, or NYC tend to pay more, but cost of living is also higher.

• Type of Dispensary: Large retail chains or vertically integrated companies (that grow and sell their own flower) often offer better wages, benefits, or tips.

• Additional Responsibilities: If your job includes inventory, opening/closing the shop, or training other staff, you can ask for higher pay.

• Tips: Not every dispensary allows tipping, but when they do, it can add an extra $2–$5 per hour on average. High-traffic locations may pull in $100+ per day in tips.

• Certifications or Training: Some states require budtenders to be certified or licensed. Having your credentials in place can make you more competitive and boost your pay potential.

• Reputation & Soft Skills: Budtenders who build a regular customer base and consistently get good reviews may be rewarded with raises or promotions.

Do Budtenders Get Benefits?

This varies by employer. Many full-time budtenders are eligible for:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)

• Paid time off

• Sick days

• Employee discounts (sometimes up to 50% off)

• Wellness stipends

• 401(k) plans (less common, but growing)

Some dispensaries even offer:

• Free product samples

• Reimbursement for education or certification

• Bonuses based on sales or store performance

If you’re working part-time, you're less likely to get benefits. But some companies especially multi-state operators (MSOs) are starting to offer better packages to part-time employees as the industry matures.

Career Growth: What Comes After Budtending?

Many people use budtending as a launchpad into other cannabis industry roles. Here’s where you can go next:

• Shift Lead or Key Holder: Mid-level role, usually pays $1–$3 more per hour. Responsibilities include opening and closing the store, overseeing registers, and coaching newer budtenders.

• Assistant Manager or General Manager: Salaries range from $45K to $75K+, depending on location and store size. Managers also receive bonuses tied to store sales or operational benchmarks.

• Brand Ambassador or Sales Rep: These roles allow you to represent a specific cannabis brand across multiple dispensaries. Many include travel and commission, and can pay $60K–$90K+.

• Inventory Specialist or Compliance Officer: Back-of-house roles that focus on accurate product tracking, METRC compliance, and managing delivery manifests. Salaries start around $50K and grow with experience.

• Educator or Product Specialist: If you love explaining terpenes, cannabinoids, and effects to customers, you could pivot to product education—either for a dispensary or a brand.

Real Talk: Is Being a Budtender Worth It?

Here are a few pros and cons to help you decide if this path is right for you:

Pros:

• Cannabis knowledge becomes part of your career

• Fun, social work environment

• Employee discounts and free samples

• Opportunity to move up quickly in a fast-growing industry

• Flexible hours

Cons:

• Physically demanding (long hours standing)

• Pay may start low, especially in newer states

• Some customers can be difficult

• Not every dispensary offers benefits

But if you’re passionate about cannabis, enjoy helping people, and want to grow with the industry, it’s a great place to start.

Tips for Getting Hired as a Budtender

• Learn the basics: Know your cannabinoids, strains, terpenes, and delivery methods.

• Get certified if your state requires it.

• Practice customer service skills retail or food service experience helps.

• Show up with a positive, teachable attitude.

• Customize your resume and be ready to explain why you care about cannabis.

Final Thoughts

The budtender role can be a solid entry point into the cannabis industry. While it might not make you rich overnight, it gives you hands-on experience, industry connections, and the chance to move up.

With legalization continuing to spread and dispensaries expanding nationwide, demand for well-trained, trustworthy budtenders is only growing.

Whether you’re just starting or thinking of switching dispensaries, knowing your worth and how to level up is key to building a long-term cannabis career.

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