Sommelier Salary Guide

A sommelier is a trained wine and beverage professional responsible for curating wine lists, advising guests on pairings, managing cellar inventory, training staff, and often purchasing and budgeting for a restaurant or hospitality program.

What is the average Sommelier salary?

Entry Level

$35,000 - $50,000

Mid Level

$50,000 - $80,000

Senior Level

$80,000 - $150,000+

How does Sommelier salary grow with experience?

$30,000 - $40,000

0-1

$35,000 - $55,000

1-3

$50,000 - $90,000

3-7

$80,000 - $150,000++

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

Max: $150k

Sommelier salary by location

New York City, NY$50,000 - $160,000+ (includes fine dining, high tip pools, and private client work)

San Francisco Bay Area, CA$55,000 - $150,000 (high-end restaurants and corporate hospitality opportunities)

Los Angeles, CA$45,000 - $140,000 (mix of hospitality, celebrity/private client roles)

Chicago, IL$45,000 - $110,000 (strong dining scene with growing fine-dining roles)

Miami, FL$40,000 - $120,000 (luxury hotels, resorts, and high-end restaurants)

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

What factors affect a Sommelier's salary?

Venue type and concept (fine dining, hotel, resort, private household)
Certifications and credentials (Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET levels)
Geographic location and local cost of living
Tip pool structure, wine-sales commissions, and service charges
Scope of responsibility (cellar management, purchasing, staff training, program development)

Frequently Asked Questions About Sommelier Salaries

How much does a sommelier make on average in the U.S.?

Average U.S. sommelier pay varies by level: entry $35K–$50K, mid $50K–$80K, and senior $80K–$150K, with top fine-dining roles and private clients earning more.

Do tips and commissions significantly affect sommelier earnings?

Yes. Tips, wine sales commissions, and service charges can add 10–50% (or more) to base pay depending on venue, mix of a la carte vs. tasting menus, and sales culture.

What qualifications raise a sommelier's salary?

Advanced certifications (Court of Master Sommeliers, CMS Advanced/Sommelier, WSET Level 3+), deep beverage program management experience, and proven sales/results typically boost compensation.

Which locations pay sommeliers the highest salaries?

Major U.S. hospitality markets like New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Miami generally offer the highest base salaries and stronger tip pools.