EXCLUSIVE: US Cannabis Jobs To Reach 800K By 2029 Despite 8% Salary Drop

The cannabis job market has seen a turbulent year, with industry-wide salary reductions of 3% to 8% in 2024, according to CannabizTeam’s 2025 Cannabis Industry Salary Guide. Despite economic headwinds, the report highlights the sector's resilience, noting that cannabis wages still outpace those of more established industries.

“People employed in the cannabis industry in 2024 faced significant challenges, such as layoffs and wage decreases, resulting in many employees leaving the industry,” said Liesl Bernard, CEO of CannabizTeam. “These shifts were driven by companies battling falling cannabis prices, market oversaturation, and burdensome taxes and other regulatory costs.”

Cannabis Industry Struggles Amid Economic Shifts

The cannabis sector has been navigating regulatory fragmentation, declining wholesale prices and capital market struggles. The fallout has been particularly evident in executive leadership salaries, with notable declines across cultivation, extraction, retail and manufacturing roles. The report details that high-level positions such as vice presidents and directors saw some of the sharpest wage contractions.

Despite these challenges, the industry remains hopeful for a rebound, spurred by anticipated federal rescheduling and legislative reforms. “With federal rescheduling and reform efforts on the horizon, we anticipate a very quick return to increased salaries and significant job growth in the industry,” Bernard added.

Where The Cannabis Jobs Are: 2025 Projections

CannabizTeam estimates that U.S. cannabis employment could reach nearly 800,000 jobs by 2029, even as companies reevaluate hiring strategies amid economic uncertainty. New license issuances also indicate steady industry growth, with roughly 6,200 licenses granted across cultivation, extraction, manufacturing and retail operations in 2024.

Some key market trends identified in the report include:

• Minnesota and Washington D.C. are expected to issue hundreds of new cannabis licenses in 2025.
• Rhode Island is expanding its retail market despite ongoing regulatory debates.
• Nebraska is set to launch its medical cannabis program, with a licensing process kicking off in late 2025.

The Evolving Cannabis Workplace: Hiring And Benefits Trends

Recruiting strategies are shifting as companies prioritize culture fit, leadership adaptability and strategic decision-making. Strong leadership is critical to navigating evolving market conditions, with the report emphasizing that “prioritizing hiring for culture fit builds resilient teams that embrace values, adapt to challenges and drive success.”

Beyond salaries, companies are introducing innovative benefits to attract and retain employees. These include 401(k) pooled employer plans, alternative funding strategies for benefits and even consumption-friendly workplace environments in select regions.

Methodology And Contributors

The salary guide is based on proprietary salary data, surveys and independent research conducted through Q4 2024. Regional cost-of-living adjustments have been factored in, with locations like San Francisco (+64%) and Honolulu (+65.7%) ranking among the most expensive markets for cannabis professionals.

VERDANT Strategies, Cannabiz Media and Green Leaf Payroll & Business Solutions Inc. contributed to the report. These partners provided essential data and insights that shaped the findings.

Contributors:

• Rachel Wright, CEO of VERDANT Strategies and 420 CPA, brings expertise in accounting, tax planning and financial sustainability for cannabis businesses.
• Ed Keating, co-founder and chief data officer at Cannabiz Media, oversees data research and compliance tracking within the cannabis industry.
• Marc Rodriguez, CEO and co-founder of Green Leaf Payroll & Business Solutions Inc., specializes in payroll and HR solutions tailored for cannabis operators.
• Tyler Priest, CRO of Green Leaf Payroll & Business Solutions, leads revenue growth initiatives and develops strategic HR solutions for high-risk industries.

Looking Ahead: Cautious Optimism For 2025

While the cannabis industry faces an uphill battle, industry experts remain bullish on long-term job growth and wage recovery. Companies that prioritize strategic leadership, adaptive hiring and innovative benefits are expected to fare better in 2025. The shifting regulatory landscape will likely be the biggest determinant of whether the industry can bounce back from recent setbacks.

To access the full 2025 Cannabis Industry Salary Guide, visit CannabizTeam.com.

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