CannabisUpdated Q1 2026

Budtender Salary
in Cary, NC

Assist customers in selecting cannabis products and provide product education. Median salary in Cary: $40K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$40K
per year
Take-home: $26K

Salary range in Cary

Entry level (25th)$31,000
Median (50th)$40,000
Senior (75th)$52,000
Top earner (90th)$65,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Cary, North Carolina.

Key facts for Cary

Median salary
$40K
annual
Take-home pay
$26K
after fed/state tax
COL index
112
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.75%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,700
per month
YoY growth
+14%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Cary Budtender to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $40K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Cary

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Budtender salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$33K$36K$39K$42K$45K201920212023202520272029
2026
$41K
projected
2027
$42K
projected
2028
$43K
projected
2029
$44K
projected
2030
$45K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$40,000+$0
2028 projected$40,000+$0
2029 projected$40,000+$0
2030 projected$40,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

Full salary breakdown & negotiation guide

Unlock the full salary report + negotiation email template

Enter your email for free access. We'll send salary market updates β€” unsubscribe anytime.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Budtender Salary in Cary, North Carolina: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Budtender salary in Cary, NC is $40,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Cary–NC metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Budtender in Cary

Entry-level Budtenders in Cary with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $31,000 and $40,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $40,000 to $52,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $52,000 to $65,000 or more.

Cost of living in Cary for Budtenders

Cary has a cost of living index of 112 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Cary are close to the national average. North Carolina has a 4.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Budtender

High school diploma; cannabis product knowledge; state handler permit. 0% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Budtender salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Cary (current)$40K112
Charlotte$38K100
Raleigh$39K102
Greensboro$32K88
Durham$39K100
Winston-Salem$31K85