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Lead Budtender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cookie's Retail

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 ...

Sunburn Cannabis

Lead Budtender

Jacksonville, FL

$20/hr

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 ...

Cookie's Retail

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 ...

Snaxland

Lead Budtender / Key Holder

Denver, CO · 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 ...

Snaxland

Lead Budtender / Key Holder

Denver, CO · 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 ...

Snaxland

Lead Budtender / Key Holder

Denver, CO · 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 ...

Snaxland

Lead Budtender / Key Holder

Denver, CO · 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 ...

Snaxland

Lead Budtender / Key Holder

Denver, CO · 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 ...

Bay Mills Indian Community

Budtender

Brimley, MI

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

Sunburn Cannabis

Lead Budtender

Miami Beach, FL

$20/hr

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 ...

Sunburn Cannabis

Lead Budtender

Indialantic, FL

$20/hr

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 ...

Sunburn Cannabis

Lead Budtender

Miami Beach, FL

$20/hr

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 ...

Bay Mills Indian Community

Budtender

Brimley, MI · 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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All JobsLead Budtender Jobs

Lead Budtender information

See salary details

$11

$25

$44

How much do lead budtender jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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:
Lead Budtender jobs near you
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

Cookie's Retail - CR Management Co LLC

Orlando, FL • On-site

$19/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description
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 with the Budtenders through supporting clear goals, comprehensive product knowledge, maintaining high visual presentation standards and driving repeat business through the TRP loyalty program.
Ultimate goal is to deliver the TRP customer experience to each and every customer and patient.
Core Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Execute TRP world class customer experience.
  • Provide a friendly and warm welcome to all customers.
  • Execute TRP customer first culture through thoughtful communication, comprehensive product knowledge and maintaining high visual presentation standards.
  • Drive repeat business through local grass roots networking and our loyalty program.
  • Support associate onboarding programs, training modules, ongoing leadership development.
  • Continuously measure and follow up with all managers and employees on TRP customer experience and customer first culture by using appropriate tools such as online reviews, customer satisfaction surveys and key KPI's.
  • Work closely with GM and other CO-Managers to set clear sales volume and KPI goals.
  • With the GM and Managers to review and analyze KPI's and apply knowledge/learnings to drive sales volume.
  • Help store team to implement all aspects of Visual Presentation including basic store standards, floor sets, ongoing merchandising and product launches.
  • Partner with GM and Hospitality CO-Manager on community outreach, press and in-store events.

Qualifications
Required:
  • Passion for and knowledgeable about Cannabis
  • Passion for Cannabis Culture
  • Minimum 2 years' experience supervising training, quality and customer service in retail.
  • Microsoft Office skills in Word, Excel and Outlook.

Preferred:
  • Store Management Experience

Competencies
  • Thorough understanding of the Cannabis industry
  • Positive attitude
  • Strong communication skills
  • Leadership and delegation
  • Coach, motivate and develop
  • Decision making and problem solving
  • Conflict resolution
  • Teamwork

Supervisory Responsibility
This person is directly responsible for managing the Budtender team.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional store environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers. This position regularly requires long hours and frequent weekend work.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands or feet, reach with hands and arms and may be required to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. This position regularly requires long hours and frequent weekend work.
Travel
This position may require travel.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
TRP is an Equal Opportunity Employer
TRP is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or any other classification protected by law.

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