Sommelier Salary in Kansas City, MO
In Kansas City, MO, Sommeliers earn approximately $20.50 per hour, which amounts to about $820.00 per week, $3,553.33 per month, and $42,640.00 per year.
The demand for Sommeliers is increasing positively at about 6% per year, indicating promising growth and greater opportunities in the hospitality and wine service industry in Kansas City.
How Much Does a Sommelier Make in Kansas City, MO?
The salary of a Sommelier in Kansas City varies depending on experience and venue, but here is a general breakdown across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.00 | $600.00 | $2,600.00 | $31,200.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $20.00 | $800.00 | $3,466.67 | $41,600.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $25.00 | $1,000.00 | $4,333.33 | $52,000.00 |
Do Sommeliers in Kansas City Earn Tips?
Sommeliers often earn tips, which can vary based on the establishment. On average, they might earn an extra $8 to $12 per hour in tips, depending on the type of restaurant and clientele, significantly boosting their overall income.
Sommelier Salary in Kansas City vs. National Average
Nationally, Sommeliers earn an average of around $21.00 per hour, translating to about $43,680.00 per year.
Compared to the national average, Sommeliers in Kansas City earn slightly less hourly at about $20.50 per hour, and annual earnings of $42,640.00, reflecting a competitive but moderately lower pay scale that aligns with regional cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Kansas City for Sommeliers
Nearby areas to Kansas City offer varying salaries for Sommeliers:
- Downtown: $22.00 per hour
- Country Club Plaza: $23.50 per hour
These neighborhoods tend to have upscale dining establishments and luxury hotels, providing higher salaries for employees with advanced wine expertise.
What Influences a Sommelier’s Salary in Kansas City?
Several factors heavily influence a Sommelier’s salary in Kansas City including:
- Experience and Credentials: Experienced Sommeliers with certifications like the Certified Sommelier credential tend to command higher wages.
- Skills and Expertise: Deep knowledge of wine varieties, tasting ability, and pairing skills enhance earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Working at fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels, or upscale wine bars usually offers better pay than casual dining.
- Location: Sommeliers working in affluent or tourist-heavy neighborhoods such as Country Club Plaza typically earn more.
- Tips and Bonuses: Tips can considerably supplement base salaries depending on the restaurant’s clientele and tip-pooling practices.
How To Become a Sommelier in Kansas City
To pursue a career as a Sommelier in Kansas City, consider the following steps:
- Gain Formal Education: Programs such as the Johnson County Community College Culinary Arts Program offer courses in wine studies ideal for foundational knowledge.
- Pursue Hospitality Management: The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Hospitality Management program includes relevant coursework on beverage management and wine appreciation.
- Obtain Certifications: Certifications like the Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wines significantly boost credibility.
- Accumulate Practical Experience: Working in restaurants, wine shops, or vineyards helps develop real-world skills essential for success.
Top Employers Hiring Sommeliers in Kansas City
Some of the top employers for Sommeliers in Kansas City include:
- The American Restaurant
- Bluestem
- The Capital Grille
Establishments That Sommeliers in Kansas City Work At
Sommeliers typically work in various hospitality venues including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: This is where Sommeliers are most prevalent and can earn higher salaries due to the clientele and prestige.
- Luxury Hotels and Resorts: Offering curated wine service for guests, often with competitive pay and benefits.
- Upscale Wine Bars and Lounges: These venues provide a niche environment for Sommeliers to showcase specialized wine knowledge.
- Event Venues and Catering Companies: Sommeliers may work event-based jobs providing wine expertise, though this can be less consistent income-wise.
The type of establishment impacts both the base salary and potential tip earnings significantly.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Kansas City for Sommeliers
Those interested in career paths related to being a Sommelier might also consider the following positions.
These include Beverage Director, Bar Manager, and Bartender roles, all of which have overlapping skills related to beverage service and hospitality management.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sommeliers in Kansas City
Sommeliers should be familiar with both federal and state labor laws as well as local regulations to ensure their rights and obligations as workers are protected.
- Refer to the Federal website for labor laws and employment statistics for overarching employment policies and standards.
- The Missouri state website provides detailed information on state-specific labor regulations and workforce development resources.
- For local support and business resources, visit the Kansas City government website.