Sommelier Salary in 2026
Wine professionals who curate beverage programs, pair wines with food, and manage restaurant wine lists.
Median Salary
$58,000
$4,833/mo
Entry Level
$32,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$95,000
experienced
Job Growth
+8%
10-yr outlook
Sommelier Overview
Wine professionals who curate beverage programs, pair wines with food, and manage restaurant wine lists.
Education
High School + Training
Experience
3-5 years
Industry
Hospitality
Total Jobs (US)
12K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Hospitality
Hourly Rate
$27.88/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,833
Sommelier Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Sommelier salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Sommelier Salary
$74,000
$6,167/month · $2,846/biweekly · $35.58/hr
Sommelier Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Sommelier field.
Entry-level Sommeliers earn around $32,000, while the top 10% earn $115,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Sommeliers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $68,000 | +$10,000 |
| New York | $67,000 | +$9,000 |
| Illinois | $60,000 | +$2,000 |
| Nevada | $57,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $57,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Sommeliers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $73,000 | +$15,000 |
| New York | $68,000 | +$10,000 |
| Chicago | $61,000 | +$3,000 |
| Miami | $59,000 | +$1,000 |
| Las Vegas | $57,000 | $-1,000 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Sommelier Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Sommelier from entry level to expert.
$32,000
0-2 years
$64,000
3-7 years
$95,000
8-14 years
$135,000
15+ years
Related Hospitality Jobs
Sommelier Salary FAQ
How much does a Sommelier make in 2026?
Salario's modeled median salary for a Sommelier in the United States is $58,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $32,000, while senior professionals earn up to $95,000. Top earners in the field can make $135,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Sommelier?
A Sommelier typically requires a High School + Training with 3-5 years of experience. Key skills include Wine Tasting, Wine Pairing, Beverage Program. Relevant certifications such as CMS Sommelier or WSET Diploma can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Sommeliers?
The job market for Sommeliers is projected to grow by 8% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 12K Sommelier positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 10%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Sommeliers the most?
The highest-paying states for Sommeliers include California, New York, Illinois. In California, the median salary is approximately $68,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Sommelier salary?
To increase your Sommelier salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Wine Tasting and Wine Pairing. Pursue certifications such as CMS Sommelier. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 3-5 years of experience, you can progress from $32,000 to $95,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Sommelier Salary
How we calculate Sommelier salary data: Sommelier has no defensible BLS occupation crosswalk, so the national median, tiers, state and city figures on this page are Salario estimates built from public wage references and job-posting data, not BLS survey values.
- National median salary: $58,000, Salario estimate (not a BLS value).
- Entry-level ($32,000) and senior-level ($95,000) are Salario tiers; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +8% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 12K total positions nationwide (Salario estimate).
- 5-year salary growth: 10% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Hospitality sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: High School + Training, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $58,000; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Sommelier compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Sommelier job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Hospitality
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Sommelier salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Wine Tasting, Wine Pairing, Beverage Program), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.