Sommelier Salary in Milwaukee, WI
Sommeliers in Milwaukee, WI, in 2025, earn approximately $31.00 per hour, which translates to about $1,240.00 per week, $5,373.33 per month, and $64,480.00 per year.
The demand for Sommeliers in Milwaukee is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating an expanding interest and need for specialized wine and beverage experts in the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Sommelier Make in Milwaukee, WI?
The salary of a Sommelier in Milwaukee varies based on experience level, skill, and place of employment. Below is a breakdown across different experience tiers.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $28.20 | $1,128.00 | $4,887.20 | $58,560.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $30.67 | $1,226.80 | $5,297.47 | $63,713.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $38.45 | $1,538.00 | $6,643.47 | $79,976.00 |
Do Sommeliers in Milwaukee Earn Tips?
Sommeliers typically do earn tips, often making an extra $10 per hour in tips depending on the establishment's clientele and the volume of high-end beverage sales. This supplemental income can significantly boost overall earnings.
Sommelier Salary in Milwaukee vs. National Average
Nationally, Sommeliers make an average hourly wage of about $30.67 per hour, which corresponds to approximately $63,793.60 per year.
When compared to the national average, Sommeliers in Milwaukee earn slightly more per hour at $31.00, resulting in a yearly wage just above the national figure at $64,480.00. This reflects Milwaukee’s competitive hospitality market and the growing emphasis on wine expertise.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Milwaukee for Sommeliers
If you’re considering working as a Sommelier in neighborhoods around Milwaukee, salary variations include:
- Downtown Milwaukee: $32.50 per hour
- East Side: $33.00 per hour
Both Downtown Milwaukee and the East Side offer higher pay scales than the city average, likely due to concentration of upscale restaurants and wine-focused venues.
What Influences a Sommelier’s Salary in Milwaukee?
Several factors significantly influence how much a Sommelier earns in Milwaukee:
- Experience and Expertise: More years on the job and higher knowledge in wine regions, grape varieties, and pairing skills raise earning potential.
- Certifications: Holding internationally recognized credentials like the Certified Sommelier by Court of Master Sommeliers or WSET awards often lead to better salaries.
- Type and Prestige of Establishment: Working at fine dining restaurants or luxury hotels typically commands higher pay than more casual venues.
- Tips and Sales Ability: Sommeliers who excel in wine sales and customer interaction may earn substantial tip income.
- Location: Salaries vary by neighborhood, with high-end areas offering more lucrative opportunities.
How To Become a Sommelier in Milwaukee
To become a professional Sommelier in Milwaukee, it helps to follow an established path that builds both knowledge and reputation.
- Complete Specialized Training: Start with foundational courses such as the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines offered by Corvina Wine Company in West Allis, providing an introduction to wine regions and varietals.
- Advance Your Skills: Pursue intermediate qualifications like the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines which explores wine styles and quality factors in greater depth.
- Professional Certification: The Certified Sommelier Course by International Sommelier Guild in Milwaukee gives focused training and experience, especially with European styles of wine and beer.
- Achieve Esteemed Credentials: Achieving a Certified Sommelier by Court of Master Sommeliers is highly respected internationally and requires passing rigorous examinations.
- Gain Experience: Work in restaurants, wine bars, or hotels to practice your skills and build a network.
Top Employers Hiring Sommeliers in Milwaukee
If you are seeking employment as a Sommelier, some of the leading local employers include:
- Vinera Wines
- Milwaukee Brewing Company
Establishments That Sommeliers in Milwaukee Work At
Sommeliers can be found in various types of hospitality venues in Milwaukee, including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These establishments offer the highest salaries and opportunities for tips due to a focus on wine pairings and customer service.
- Upscale Hotels: Larger hotels often employ Sommeliers to lead beverage programs, providing competitive salaries and benefits.
- Wine Bars and Specialty Shops: While more casual, these places allow Sommeliers to engage directly with customers and build sales expertise.
- Breweries and Tasting Rooms: Some Sommeliers expand into beer education, especially in places like Milwaukee Brewing Company.
The type of establishment can significantly affect a Sommelier's earnings, with more luxurious locations typically paying better.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Milwaukee for Sommeliers
For those interested in similar careers, several roles share skills or work environments with Sommeliers.
These positions include Beverage Director, Bar Manager, and Bartender, roles that similarly involve beverage knowledge, customer interaction, and hospitality industry expertise.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sommelier in Milwaukee
Sommeliers in Milwaukee should be aware of applicable labor laws and tax regulations to ensure compliance and proper management of their work conditions.
- Check federal labor standards and employment information on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For Wisconsin-specific rules and resources, visit the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website.