US Cannabis Salary Guide 2022
A word from Meta Talent Group
MTG provides executive search and recruitment services for growing companies and purpose-driven individuals seeking to improve the world socially and environmentally in cannabis, hemp, and psychedelics.
National Review
Legalized States in 2020:
- Arizona (recreational)
- Montana (recreational)
- New Jersey (recreational)
- South Dakota (med + rec)
- Vermont (recreational)
- Virginia (medical)
Legalized States in 2021:
- Alabama (medical)
- Connecticut (recreational)
- New Mexico (recreational)
- New York (recreational)
States Without Med/Rec Legalization:
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Variance by State
Salaries vary from state to state. Below is a national Cost of Living Index, which measures the difference in the price of goods and services. This can assist with calculating the adjusted average salary in each state. One may do so by multiplying the average base salary for the position that needs to be filled by the variance for that particular state.
For example, a Director of Finance has an average base salary of $120,000. If the position is based in Arizona, the below map designates a Cost of Living Index of 107.0. This indicates that AZ is 7.0% above the national average. See calculation below:
$120,000 x 1.07 = $128,400
The average base salary for a Director of Finance in Arizona is $128,400.
Salary Guide Review
The salaries presented in this guide are based on 25,000+ data points compiled from 2021 sources including:
- Company-specific job boards
- Meta Talent Group’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
- Public job boards (LinkedIn & US Indeed)
- Salary information extracted from candidate interviews
- Placements with our partners
Base Salaries
LOW: 10% of the national workforce are paid below this figure
AVERAGE: this represents the national average
HIGH: 10% of the national workforce are paid above this figure
Salaries may be affected by other factors including, but not limited to:
- Benefits
- Bonuses
- Company Size
- Education & Certifications
- Equity or Profit Sharing
- Location
- Specialized Skill-Sets
Accounting / finance & it
Admin / HR & Legal
Cultivation & Laboratory
Executive Officers
Marketing & Sales
Operations & SCL
Brief Job Descriptions
Administrative Assistant
Supports an organization or department by performing administrative services. Requires a high school diploma with 1-2 years of experience preferred.
Director of Talent
Develops, implements and manages a recruiting strategy aimed at attracting the top talent across the globe. Requires a bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience.
Executive Assistant
Aids executive in staff capacity by handling a wide variety of situations involving the admin functions of the office that cannot be brought to the attention of the executive. Gatekeeper to the C-Suite team. Requires an associate’s degree or its equivalent with 3+ years of experience.
Human Resources Generalist
Analyzes HR data and carries out responsibilities in staffing, employee relations, training compensation, employment, labor relations, safety, affirmative action, employment equity programs, etc. Requires a bachelor’s degree and 1-2 years of experience.
Marketing Manager
Manages the promotion and direction of the marketing or service activities, improvement of company’s product image, market data and information. Requires a bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of experience.
Project Manager
Manages, plans and organizes activities of projects to ensure that goals or objectives of projects are accomplished within prescribed time frame and funding parameters. Requires a bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of experience.
Receptionist
Greets and receives callers or visitors at establishment and determines nature of business. Acts as a junior gatekeeper to the entire company. Requires 1-2 years of experience preferred.
Recruiter
Recruits, interviews, checks references, makes offers and conducts orientation for new employees. Requires a bachelor’s degree in area of specialty and 1-3 years of experience.
Sales Director
Directs and oversees an organization’s sales policies, objectives and initiatives to drive revenues. Create presentations and proposals. Requires a bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience.
Supply Chain Director
Directs an organization’s overall global supply chain operations, including purchasing and inventory, selection of vendors and distribution of finished goods. Requires 5+ years of experience.
Vice President of Finance
Develop and implement strategies, plans and processes to improve profitability and cost efficiencies. Requires a bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of experience.
Wholesale Manager
Lead all parts of the sales process including targeting appropriate accounts, lead selling, education and brand recognition. Drive brand success by actively supporting the selling efforts of sales reps and key account specialists. Requires 3+ years of experience.
META TALENT IN REVIEW
MTIP
META TALENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
A national internship program for the nascent industries of cannabis, hemp & psychedelics.
WHY?
The program was launched in 2020 to help bridge the entry-level employment gap that currently exists.
WHAT?
The program is designed to connect students from accredited universities with forward-thinking companies that place a high value on their employees and retention rates.
WHO?
The candidate has an opportunity to work in a nascent, alternative industry to help determine if the fast-paced environment is right for them.
The company receives access to pre-screened internship candidates and has the opportunity to “try before you buy” in terms of working with the candidate before hiring them full-time, increasing overall retention rates.
MTG builds a pool of internship and entry-level candidates with industry experience.
Diversity of hires made by Meta Talent Group in 2021:
- Over 70% Female
- Over 20% BIPOC
MTG’s Retention Program:
Retention bonuses are paid by MTG to placed candidates after 1 year of employment