Report Finds Marijuana Industry Workers Make About $16 Hourly

A Washington State Institute for Public Policy report shows that wages for marijuana industry workers in Washington have increased. Data was examined from 2014 through 2016 and showed that the equivalent of 6,049 full-time industry workers earned a total of $286.1 million in wages.

The average hourly salary statewide was measured at $16.42 with the median hourly wage being $13.42, according to The Columbian. Researchers used data from the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board along with Employment Security Department information.

Main Street Marijuana co-owner Ramsey Hamide said, “Most of our employees earn $15 – $16 an hour plus tips.”

The higher wages are in an effort to reduce company turnover and maintain its customer base. $16 per hour is the equivalent to about $30,000 per year.

Hamide also said, “Even in the black market, you had your guy for years and years and years. We wanted our store to be their guy. They’re not the same customers they were three years ago; they’re extremely knowledgeable and come in daily or weekly. If we bring in a new employee and the customers know more than they do, that’s a problem.”

Another report regarding Washington’s marijuana industry wages is expected this September.