As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sommelier in the United States is $58,353 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Sommelier's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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 | $25,660 |
| Bartender | 1-3 years | $28,409 |
| Sommelier | 3-5 years | $58,353 |
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
|
$64,188 |
10%
|
|
Initiative
|
$63,021 |
8%
|
|
Team Management
|
$63,021 |
8%
|
|
Leadership
|
$62,438 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$62,438 |
7%
|
|
Microsoft Outlook
|
$62,438 |
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 January 01, 2026
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A Sommelier's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Sommelier earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Sommelier is $73,601.
The highest pay for Sommelier is $72,809.
The lowest pay for Sommelier is $46,218.
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.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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