Sommelier Salary in Spokane Valley, WA
Sommeliers in Spokane Valley, WA, 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 Spokane Valley is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job outlook in the local hospitality and wine industries.
How Much Does a Sommelier Make in Spokane Valley, WA?
The salary of a Sommelier in Spokane Valley can vary based on experience, skills, and employer type. Here is a breakdown of earnings by experience level for Sommeliers in the area.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $24.00 | $960.00 | $4,160.00 | $49,920.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $31.00 | $1,240.00 | $5,373.33 | $64,480.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $38.00 | $1,520.00 | $6,586.67 | $79,040.00 |
Do Sommeliers in Spokane Valley Earn Tips?
Sommeliers often earn tips as part of their compensation, especially when working in fine dining establishments and upscale wine bars. They can earn an extra $10 to $20 per hour in tips, depending on the venue and clientele, which can significantly boost their overall income.
Sommelier Salary in Spokane Valley vs. National Average
Nationally, Sommeliers tend to earn around $31.00 per hour or about $64,480.00 per year.
In Spokane Valley, the average Sommelier salary is closely aligned with the national averages, showing a balanced market for this profession within the region.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Spokane Valley for Sommeliers
Nearby locations offer slightly different pay rates for Sommeliers:
- Downtown Spokane Valley: $32.00 per hour
- Liberty Lake: $33.00 per hour
If you are open to commuting, working in Liberty Lake can provide a higher hourly wage compared to other nearby areas.
What Influences a Sommelier’s Salary in Spokane Valley?
Several factors can affect how much a Sommelier earns in Spokane Valley:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Sommeliers tend to command higher salaries, especially those with advanced wine knowledge or who have worked in reputable establishments.
- Certifications and Education: Earning recognized certifications like the Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers or the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 qualification can increase earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants, luxury hotels, or private wine cellars usually offers higher pay compared to casual or fast-casual venues.
- Skills and Additional Roles: Sommeliers who also manage wine programs, train staff, or provide wine education may earn more.
- Local Demand and Industry Growth: Spokane Valley's growing wine tourism and hospitality market contributes to increasing opportunities and salaries.
How To Become a Sommelier in Spokane Valley
Becoming a successful Sommelier in Spokane Valley involves a combination of education, certification, and experience:
- Gain Formal Wine Education: Consider enrolling in local programs such as those offered by the Northwest Wine Academy in Seattle, WA, which provides comprehensive wine education and Sommelier certification courses, or the Walla Walla Community College program focusing on Enology and Viticulture.
- Obtain Sommelier Certifications: Credentials like the Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 certification demonstrate professional expertise and can improve job prospects.
- Gain Practical Experience: Work in restaurants, wine bars, or wineries to develop hands-on skills and an understanding of customer preferences.
- Develop Strong Communication Skills: Ability to educate and interact effectively with customers is essential.
Top Employers Hiring Sommeliers in Spokane Valley
Some of the prominent employers that frequently hire Sommeliers in Spokane Valley include:
- Total Wine & More
- Barrister Winery
- Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
- Latah Creek Wine Cellars
Establishments That Sommeliers in Spokane Valley Work At
Sommeliers typically find employment in a variety of settings, which influence their salary and work environment:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These establishments tend to offer the highest salaries with opportunities to earn tips and manage extensive wine selections.
- Hotels and Resorts: Luxury venues often hire Sommeliers to elevate guest experiences with curated wine lists.
- Wineries and Wine Bars: Positions in these places focus on wine production knowledge and customer service.
- Retail Wine Shops: Retail settings such as Total Wine & More provide different challenges and sometimes more stable schedules but may offer lower salaries than fine dining.
The type of establishment greatly affects wage potential, benefits, and career growth opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Spokane Valley for Sommeliers
If you are considering career paths related to being a Sommelier, here are some similar roles to explore:
These include Beverage Director, Bar Manager, and Bartender positions. Each involves working with beverages and hospitality customers, sharing some skills with Sommeliers but with varying responsibilities and compensation.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sommeliers in Spokane Valley
Understanding local labor laws and tax regulations is important for Sommeliers working in Spokane Valley.
- Visit the Washington State Department of Licensing website for information on professional licenses and employment regulations.
- For federal data and guidelines related to employment and wages, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website is a valuable resource.