A recent industry-sponsored survey conducted by FTI Consulting reveals that New York cannabis retail employees earn an average wage of $25.87 per hour. This figure sits approximately twenty-five percent higher than the state average for standard retail workers, who typically make $20.
47 per hour. The study was backed by the Safe and Affordable coalition, an organization representing various licensed operators and stakeholders within the state market. As New York continues to roll out its legal adult-use framework, labor dynamics remain a central focus for business owners navigating high operational costs, taxation, and competition from the legacy market.
Higher compensation packages may help licensed dispensaries attract and retain experienced talent—a critical factor for customer service and compliance in heavily regulated retail environments. However, these elevated labor expenses also place an additional financial burden on operators who are already managing steep overhead and banking restrictions. Brand managers and retail owners must factor these wage expectations into their long-term financial forecasting and labor allocation models.
The data provides useful benchmarks for human resources planning as the state's commercial footprint expands.