With 10 states fully legalizing marijuana for recreational use, 33 states allowing for its medical prescription, and more soon to follow suit, the cannabis industry has undoubtedly become one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation, experiencing unprecedented growth in just a short span of time. Naturally, with industry growth comes more jobs. Last April, The New York Times reported that there were 200,000 to 300,000 available cannabis-related positions in job listing sites. Meanwhile, Glassdoor tallied a 76% jump in job openings in December 2018 compared to the same time the previous year.
Thanks to softening attitude toward the drug, and marijuana and cannabis-centric businesses growing at a rapid rate, new jobs are being created in the industry in huge numbers. Now is a great time to take advantage of cannabis job openings that offer good pay, plenty of perks, and faster-than-normal advancement opportunities. How fast, you ask? Some employees have reported jumping from entry-level to managerial positions in less than three years.
What’s it like working in the cannabis industry
The legal cannabis industry is relatively new, and with the government being careful with its rollout, the industry as a whole is heavily regulated. States where cannabis is legal, have their own set of rules and regulations that apply to growers, sellers, users, and even employees. Although requirements for applicants differ by state, some of the most basic qualifications include:
· At least 18 to 21 years of age
· Without felony conviction or any criminal record regarding the illegal possession, distribution, or use of a controlled substance.
· Received proper training
· With a permit to work in the cannabis industry
As for the qualities that employers are looking for in an applicant, you’ll be pleased to know that most of them are looking for the same kinds of talent and skill as every other business, so changing careers will be relatively easy. That said, there are hard and soft skills that you should focus on developing if you’re serious about getting hired in the marijuana industry.
Some of the hard skills can be acquired with a degree or certification, such as bud-tending, trimming, or growing. Soft skills, such as your ability to multi-task or communicate with customers, can give you an edge depending on the work you’re applying for. It also pays to learn about the laws that govern marijuana use in your state and also how cannabis businesses operate to help set you apart from other candidates and kick start your career.
Salary-wise, cannabis firms are known to pay well. According to a January survey by Glassdoor, delivery truck drivers earn an average of $22,326, while new hires with a background in the medical and legal field can earn as high as $215,384. Median salary in the industry is at $58,511 — that’s 10.7% higher than the nationwide average.
In-demand jobs in the cannabis industry
While many careers in the industry call for little to no experience, the highest paying jobs tend to require very specific skillsets. Likewise, you may need to obtain a permit from the state to be allowed to work with marijuana or its derivatives, so be sure to research your state requirements. With that in mind, here are five of the most in-demand jobs you can find.
- Master Extractor — $80K to $250K+
With the responsibility of managing entire cannabis extraction facilities, to say that a master extractor’s job is difficult is a gross understatement. That’s why they get paid the big bucks. Their job includes juggling their keen understanding of cannabis, organic chemistry, and good lab management practices to ensure that the lab not only produces accurate and effective products but also adheres to government regulations and safety standards. Master extractors generally need a PhD in biochemistry as well as some background in engineering.
- Quality Control Inspector — $50K to $100K+
The quality control inspectors in the cannabis industry are responsible for maintaining safety and quality standards of their products. Their job includes inspecting the quality of marijuana as well as checking and reviewing plant potency to make sure the product abides by cultivation and safety standards in the industry. In some cases, they may work for the government to help enforce marijuana cultivation laws and regulations. A PhD in any relevant scientific field such as agronomy, biology, chemistry, or entomology is vital to landing a marijuana quality control inspector job.
- Budtender — $21K to $40K+
Budtenders are the sales rep of the cannabis world. They are the ones who meet patients and customers face to face, selling marijuana while also providing people information about different marijuana strains and their safe use. They may also assist patients and customers in choosing the best strains for their needs. Budtenders need to have a good knowledge of the products they sell, along with some great people skills. The scientific background is rarely a requirement, although training and seminars are necessary to be adept at the job. Aside from the standard salary, budtenders also earn tips on the side.
- Courier $19K to $35K+
Many cannabis dispensaries provide delivery services, and thus the need for marijuana couriers. Workers at this job are tasked with delivering orders from licensed dispensaries to customers in a given area or zone. Customer friendliness is a must, as well as being professional, prompt, and well-informed about the company and its products. Some cannabis dispensaries pay their courier's sales commissions on top of their standard salary. Tips are also a massive bonus.
- Trimmer — $17K to $41K+
Considered as an entry-level job, this is where people looking for a career in the cannabis industry often start out. Marijuana trimming jobs involve harvesting marijuana plants and trimming off the unflattering parts to give the leaves visual appeal. Aside from harvesting and trimming, this position may also include planting, pruning, watering, feeding, etc. Cannabis trimmer jobs can be part-time or full-time, and a good fit for those who have a green thumb, if not some inclination for gardening or landscaping.
Looking to break into the cannabis industry? We can help tailor your resume for the particular job you’re interested in. Give our services a try by sending us your resume for a free evaluation.
