Sommelier Salary
by City (2026)
Select, manage, and recommend wine programs for restaurants and hospitality venues. National median: $58K/year. See how your city compares.
Sommelier salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $58K Sommelier salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βSommelier Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Sommelier is $58,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $42,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $82,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Sommeliers nationally earn $115,000+.
Education and requirements
CMS or WSET certification; hospitality experience. This role is 5% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Sommelier compensation is growing at 3.2% annually, above the national average wage growth rate.
Sommelier salary FAQ
How much does a Sommelier make?
The median Sommelier salary in the US is $58,000 per year β about $28/hour. Most earn between $42,000 (25th percentile) and $82,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Sommelier?
Entry-level Sommelier positions typically start around $42,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Sommeliers earn?
The top 10% of Sommeliers earn $115,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Sommeliers the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Sommelier salary at $78K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Sommelier salaries going up?
Yes β Sommelier pay is growing about 3.2% year over year, near the US average wage-growth rate.