As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cannabis Laboratory Scientist in the United States is $84,776 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Cannabis Laboratory Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cannabis Laboratory Scientist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cannabis Laboratory Scientist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Microbiol... Level Cannabis Laboratory Scientist | $59,445 |
| Microbiol... Level Cannabis Laboratory Scientist | $73,709 |
| Cannabis ... Level Cannabis Laboratory Scientist | $84,087 |
| Microbiol... Level Cannabis Laboratory Scientist | $94,617 |
| Microbiol... Level Cannabis Laboratory Scientist | $135,470 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cannabis Laboratory Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 10.01% |
| Chemistry | 3.58% |
| ISO | 1.81% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Quality Management
|
$103,426 |
22%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$92,405 |
9%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$92,405 |
9%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$91,558 |
8%
|
|
Coordination
|
$90,710 |
7%
|
|
Integrity
|
$89,014 |
5%
|
For Cannabis Laboratory Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Cannabis Laboratory Scientist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cannabis Laboratory Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $101,731 | $49.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $97,492 | $47.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $93,253 | $45.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $89,014 | $43.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Cannabis Laboratory Scientists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Cannabis Laboratory Scientist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $75,442 and $81,153).
Cannabis Laboratory Scientist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 39.8% |
| High School | 29.5% |
| Associates | 30.7% |
| Bachelors | 39.8% |
| Masters | 29.5% |
| Doctorate | 30.7% |
Understanding how a Cannabis Laboratory Scientist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Cannabis Laboratory Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $84,249 in 2023 to around $82,105 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cannabis Laboratory Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $84,249 |
| 2024 | $83,474 |
| 2025 | $82,105 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Cannabis Laboratory Scientist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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