As of April 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Sommelier in the United States is $28, which translates to an annual salary of about $58,410.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Sommelier'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 Sommelier'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Back Bartender | 0-1 years | $25,647 |
| Bartender | 1-3 years | $28,398 |
| Sommelier | 3-5 years | $58,410 |
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 Sommeliers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 6.83% |
| Point of Sale | 2.21% |
| Purchasing | 1.61% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$64,251 |
10%
|
|
Initiative
|
$63,083 |
8%
|
|
Team Management
|
$63,083 |
8%
|
|
Leadership
|
$62,499 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$62,499 |
7%
|
|
Microsoft Outlook
|
$62,499 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Sommeliers enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Sommelier with a No Diploma is between $54,314 and $63,007).
Sommelier Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 16.7% |
| High School | 16.7% |
| Associates | 27.8% |
| Bachelors | 50.0% |
| Masters | 5.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Sommelier'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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a Sommelier can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $40,339 in 2023 to around $40,104 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Sommelier salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $40,339 |
| 2024 | $40,251 |
| 2025 | $40,104 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Sommelier and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Manages the daily activities necessary for maintenance and promotion of the organization's wine collection. Identifies and purchases wines for the organization. Monitors the conditions of the wine cellar, ensuring optimal storage. Works with the kitchen staff to develop food and wine pairings. Recommends and serves wine to guests. May require an associate degree or equivalent. May possess or be working towards certification. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Leadership: Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
Point of Sale: Accepting payments from customers for goods and services either in person or online.
Purchasing: Purchasing refers to a business or organization attempting to acquire goods or services to accomplish its goals. Although there are several organizations that attempt to set standards in the purchasing process, processes can vary greatly between organizations. Typically the word “purchasing” is not used interchangeably with the word “procurement”, since procurement typically includes expediting, supplier quality, and transportation and logistics (T&L) in addition to purchasing.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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