What Is the Average Salary of a Budtender in 2024?
If you're thinking about becoming a budtender, you're probably wondering: Can I actually make a living doing this? The answer is YES! Your earning potential depends on where you work, how much experience you bring, and how well you understand cannabis products.
Let’s take a look at the average budtender salary by state and by role—so you can see what to expect and how to map out your career in the cannabis industry.
What Is the Average Salary of a Budtender by State?
In 2024, the national average salary for a budtender is around $36,000 per year, or $17–$19 per hour, according to multiple job boards and cannabis industry reports.
That said, location matters. Here’s a quick look at how averages can vary:
📊 Source: Aggregated from Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor as of Q2 2024.
As you can see from this chart—location matters. States like California, Colorado, and Washington offer the highest average budtender wages, reflecting more mature cannabis markets and higher demand for knowledgeable staff.
As you can see from this chart—location matters. States like California, Colorado, and Washington offer the highest average budtender wages, reflecting more mature cannabis markets and higher demand for knowledgeable staff.
But keep in mind: higher salaries often come with a higher cost of living. That said, working in these larger markets can also bring more opportunities for advancement, better tips, and long-term career growth in the industry.
Factors That Affect the Average Salary of a Budtender
Several key factors influence how much you can make as a budtender:
🟢 Location: Cost of living and competition drive regional pay differences
🟢 Experience: First-year budtenders often earn less than those with 2+ years
🟢 Education: Budtenders with formal cannabis training or certifications often earn more
🟢 Product Knowledge: Knowing what you're selling leads to bigger orders—and more tips
🟢 Dispensary Type: High-end or high-traffic shops typically pay more than smaller locations
🟢 Tips: Some budtenders earn an extra $50–$200 per week in tips, depending on customer volume
Enroll in our FREE Medical Cannabis Class and start training today!
How to Increase Your Budtender Salary
If you're wondering how to grow your earnings in this role, here’s the key: The more you know, the more you sell.
Customers trust knowledgeable budtenders—and so do dispensary owners. When you can recommend the right product, explain how it works, and confidently answer questions, your average ticket size increases—and so do your tips.
Customers trust knowledgeable budtenders—and so do dispensary owners. When you can recommend the right product, explain how it works, and confidently answer questions, your average ticket size increases—and so do your tips.
Here’s how to move up:
✅ Get certified – Budtender certification shows you’re serious and ready
✅ Track your sales – Many dispensaries reward top sellers
✅ Ask for feedback – Managers notice budtenders who want to grow
✅ Learn product categories – Edibles, concentrates, topicals, and more
✅ Understand terpenes and cannabinoids – It sets you apart from the rest
📘 Our Master Budtender Certification Program teaches all of this and more—including the 4 Ps of Budtending: Purpose, Preference, Product, and Proof—so you can recommend with confidence and close the sale. Start for FREE in the Medical Cannabis Class!
Budtender Salary vs. Other Cannabis Jobs
The cannabis industry offers a clear pathway for career advancement. Starting as a budtender, individuals can progress to higher roles with increased responsibilities and compensation. Here's an overview of salary potential in a strong market:
📊 Source: CannabizTeam - 2024 Cannabis Industry Salary Guide
Advancement in the cannabis retail sector often correlates with experience, education, and performance. Budtenders who invest in their education, stay updated with industry trends, and consistently deliver exceptional customer service position themselves for promotions and higher-paying roles.
Dispensary managers often promote from within—and they look for team members who understand compliance, customer service, and product science.
Our FREE Medical Cannabis Class is a great place to start learning more about these subjects and more!
Dispensary managers often promote from within—and they look for team members who understand compliance, customer service, and product science.
Our FREE Medical Cannabis Class is a great place to start learning more about these subjects and more!
Can You Make a Living as a Budtender?
Yes—especially if you’re in a strong market, work at a busy dispensary, or invest in your training. While some treat it as a side hustle or temporary gig, others build full-time cannabis careers.
If you're passionate about cannabis, curious about product science, and love helping people—this can absolutely be a livable, growth-friendly role.
Get Started With a Free Budtender Class
Start with our FREE Medical Cannabis Class—online, self-paced, and packed with valuable info on cannabinoids, product types, and real-world skills.
When you’re ready, upgrade to our full Master Budtender Certification Program, which includes:
✅ 8 bite-sized classes
✅ Downloadable resources
✅ A framed certificate + Bud Master pin mailed to you
✅ The proven 4 Ps of Budtending framework to help you sell more products and build customer trust
👉 Start learning now – and get certified from anywhere, even with zero experience.
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