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Lead Budtender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Budtender

Commerce City, CO

$19 - $26/hr

Purpose The Lead Budtender is responsible for leading the Budtender team in partnership with the Hospitality CO-Manager and General Manager (GM). Directly execute TRP world class customer experience ...

Lead Budtender: The Hospitality Lead is responsible for leading the store teams through personal example that continuously improves all quality, training and customer experience programs. This ...

Lead Budtender

Orlando, FL

$15.25 - $21/hr

Purpose The Lead Budtender is responsible for leading the Budtender team in partnership with the Hospitality CO-Manager and General Manager (GM). Directly execute TRP world class customer experience ...

Lead Budtender / Key Holder

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

LEAD BUDTENDER / KEY HOLDER Lead Budtenders/Key Holders are individuals that have not only mastered the Budtender role but also display strong leadership and critical thinking skills taking on a ...

Lead Budtender / Key Holder

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

LEAD BUDTENDER / KEY HOLDER Lead Budtenders/Key Holders are individuals that have not only mastered the Budtender role but also display strong leadership and critical thinking skills taking on a ...

Lead Budtender

Modesto, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Purpose The Lead Budtender is responsible for leading the Budtender team in partnership with the Hospitality CO-Manager and General Manager (GM). Directly execute TRP world class customer experience ...

Lead Budtender / Key Holder

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

LEAD BUDTENDER / KEY HOLDER Lead Budtenders/Key Holders are individuals that have not only mastered the Budtender role but also display strong leadership and critical thinking skills taking on a ...

Lead Budtender / Key Holder

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

LEAD BUDTENDER / KEY HOLDER Lead Budtenders/Key Holders are individuals that have not only mastered the Budtender role but also display strong leadership and critical thinking skills taking on a ...

Lead Budtender / Key Holder

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

LEAD BUDTENDER / KEY HOLDER Lead Budtenders/Key Holders are individuals that have not only mastered the Budtender role but also display strong leadership and critical thinking skills taking on a ...

Budtender

Brimley, MI ยท On-site

The Operations Manager and Lead Budtender will work with the Budtender in carrying out all retail operations in the store, including, but not limited to, register operations, customer service, store ...

New

Lead Budtender: The Hospitality Lead is responsible for leading the store teams through personal example that continuously improves all quality, training and customer experience programs. This ...

Lead Budtender: The Hospitality Lead is responsible for leading the store teams through personal example that continuously improves all quality, training and customer experience programs. This ...

Lead Budtender: The Hospitality Lead is responsible for leading the store teams through personal example that continuously improves all quality, training and customer experience programs. This ...

Budtender

Brimley, MI ยท On-site

$15.25 - $22.88/hr

The Operations Manager and Lead Budtender will work with the Budtender in carrying out all retail operations in the store, including, but not limited to, register operations, customer service, store ...

New

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Lead Budtender information

See salary details

$11

$25

$44

How much do lead budtender jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead budtender in the United States is $25.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lead Budtender vs Budtender?

AspectLead BudtenderBudtender
CredentialsKnowledge of cannabis strains, dosing, and compliance; often requires experienceSimilar knowledge base, typically entry-level or less experience needed
Work EnvironmentSupervises staff, manages inventory, and ensures customer service standardsAssists customers, provides product information, and processes sales
Industry UsageLeads team in dispensaries, often in larger or more complex operationsFrontline staff in retail cannabis stores

The main difference between a Lead Budtender and a Budtender is the level of responsibility. Lead Budtenders oversee staff, manage inventory, and ensure compliance, while Budtenders focus on assisting customers and selling products. Both roles require cannabis industry knowledge, but Lead Budtenders typically have more experience and leadership duties.

Can budtenders be high at work?

Budtenders are expected to remain professional and alert while on duty, as they are responsible for advising customers and ensuring safe product use. Being high at work can impair judgment and customer service, and may violate workplace policies or legal regulations. Most dispensaries require employees to stay sober during work hours to maintain safety and compliance.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Lead Budtender and how do they differ from those of a regular Budtender?

A Lead Budtender not only assists customers with product recommendations and maintains compliance with local regulations, but also oversees daily operations on the sales floor. This includes training new staff, managing inventory, addressing customer concerns, and ensuring that the dispensary operates smoothly during their shift. Compared to regular Budtenders, Lead Budtenders often handle more administrative tasks, serve as the point of contact for staff questions, and may assist in scheduling or reporting. This leadership role provides valuable experience for those interested in advancing to management positions within the cannabis retail industry.

Where do budtenders get paid the most?

Budtenders tend to earn higher wages in states or regions with a well-established legal cannabis industry and higher living costs. Factors such as experience, certifications, and the dispensary's size can also influence pay rates, with some areas offering premium compensation for skilled or supervisory roles.

What are Lead Budtenders?

Lead Budtenders are senior staff members in dispensaries who oversee daily operations, guide customers in selecting cannabis products, and manage other budtenders on the team. They ensure compliance with state laws, maintain inventory, provide product knowledge, and often handle customer concerns or escalated issues. Lead Budtenders are responsible for training staff, ensuring excellent customer service, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment in the dispensary.

What does a lead budtender do?

A lead budtender oversees the sales floor, provides expert product recommendations, and educates customers about cannabis products. They also train and supervise other budtenders, ensure compliance with regulations, and maintain inventory and store standards.

Is it hard to get hired as a budtender?

Getting hired as a lead budtender can be competitive, as it often requires knowledge of cannabis products, customer service skills, and sometimes certification. Employers look for experience in retail or hospitality, and having a good understanding of local regulations can improve chances of employment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Budtender, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Budtender, you need in-depth cannabis product knowledge, experience in retail or dispensary settings, and often a state-issued cannabis handler permit or similar certification. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and compliance tracking tools is typically required. Exceptional customer service, leadership, and communication skills make someone stand out in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring regulatory compliance, creating a positive customer experience, and effectively leading dispensary staff.
More about Lead Budtender jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Budtender jobs? Cities with the most Lead Budtender job openings:
What states have the most Lead Budtender jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Budtender jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lead Budtender jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Budtender jobs are:
Infographic showing various Lead Budtender job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 48% As Needed, 1% Part Time, 28% Temporary, 15% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,817 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Lead Budtender - Broadway Cannabis Market (Montavilla) - Full-Time

Broadway Cannabis Market/Mint Cannabis Co.

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job description:

Lead Budtender - Broadway Cannabis Market (Montavilla) - Full Time

Broadway Cannabis Market, where our motto is Premium Without the Price, is a recreational and medicinal cannabis dispensary chain across the greater Portland area. We are seeking a qualified applicant for the Lead Budtender position at our NEWEST location in Montavilla which is opening June, 2026. The Lead Budtender is responsible for ensuring all tasks and procedures regarding opening/closing the store are executed completely in addition to interacting with and assisting customers with their cannabis needs, keeping supplies stocked, and ringing up sales.

Responsibilities and Duties:

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

  • Ability to perform all duties of the Budtender position;
  • Completing the appropriate opening/closing checklist;
  • Assigning drawers to staff and ensuring employees are not using registers in which they were not assigned;
  • Overseeing customer returns;
  • Handling difficult customers when needed;
  • Ability to answer any product related questions;
  • Running break and lunch schedules for Budtenders;
  • Responsible for keys to front door, cage, and cabinets;
  • Balancing the bank for change;
  • Completing the change count log at the beginning and end of each shift;
  • Making cash drops at the end of each shift;
  • Tip drops;
  • Making sure that there is ALWAYS flower out on the floor by following the procedures for "End of Jar" and "New Strain on Floor;"
  • Communicating any stocking needs to the Inventory Department;
  • Supervising staff in the absence of Assistant and General Manager;
  • Completing and closing online orders and delivery orders.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • High school diploma or GED;
  • Intermediate knowledge of cannabis;
  • Computer software and data entry skills;
  • Knowledge of OLCC sales limits;
  • Previous Budtender experience;
  • Ability to work quickly and accurately;
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time;
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.;
  • Ability to adapt to changing circumstances without notice;
  • Must be able to understand and comply with safety regulations;
  • Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and written;
  • Must be 21 years of age or older;
  • Must have a valid Oregon Marijuana Worker Permit.

Benefits & Compensation:

  • $17.00/hr. + shared tips;
  • Receive a $0.50 hourly pay increase upon completing 6 months of employment.
  • Employees have access to ZayZoon as a benefit for early wage access.
  • Employer sponsored benefits (medical, dental and vision);
  • Optional retirement plan (Roth IRA);
  • Employee Discount (40% off Fire Dept Cannabis and Feel Goods products, 27.5% off all other products);
  • Paid time off.

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person