Sommelier Salary in St. Louis, MO
Sommelier positions in St. Louis, MO, in 2025, typically earn around $31.00 per hour, which corresponds to approximately $1,240.00 per week, $5,373.33 per month, and about $64,480.00 per year.
The job market for Sommeliers is currently experiencing positive momentum with a 5% growth rate per year, indicating increasing demand and opportunities within the hospitality and beverage sector in St. Louis.
How Much Does a Sommelier Make in St. Louis, MO?
The earnings of a Sommelier in St. Louis vary depending on their level of experience and expertise. Below is a breakdown of average pay scales:
| 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 | $6,573.33 | $78,960.00 |
Do Sommeliers in St. Louis Earn Tips?
Sommeliers often earn tips in addition to their base salary. It is common for Sommeliers working in upscale restaurants to receive an extra $10 to $15 per hour in tips, depending on the establishment and clientele. These tips can significantly increase overall earnings.
Sommelier Salary in St. Louis vs. National Average
Nationally, Sommeliers earn an average hourly wage of about $31.00, with an approximate yearly income of $64,480.00.
Sommelier salaries in St. Louis align closely with the national average, reflecting the city's competitive hospitality market and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near St. Louis for Sommeliers
Near St. Louis, certain neighborhoods offer higher compensation for Sommeliers:
- Downtown: $32.00 per hour
- Central West End: $34.00 per hour
Working in these areas can result in increased earnings due to the concentration of fine dining and luxury establishments.
What Influences a Sommelier’s Salary in St. Louis?
Several factors can affect how much a Sommelier earns in St. Louis:
- Experience and Certification: Advanced certifications like the Court of Master Sommeliers or Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) often lead to higher pay.
- Skills and Knowledge: Proficiency in wine tasting, food pairing, and beverage management enhances earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, and exclusive clubs tend to pay more than casual dining venues.
- Location within the City: Neighborhoods with higher demand for sommeliers often offer better salaries.
- Networking and Reputation: Building a strong professional network and reputation in the wine industry can unlock higher-paying opportunities.
How To Become a Sommelier in St. Louis
Aspiring Sommeliers can follow several key steps to build a successful career:
- Formal Wine Education: Programs like PreSOMM, formerly known as Mid-American School of Wine, provide foundational courses and prepare students for certifications such as the Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory level.
- International Sommelier Guild (ISG): Offers flexible learning options in St. Louis, including classroom and online courses that cover comprehensive sommelier training.
- Certification Process: Pursue certifications from prestigious organizations such as the Court of Master Sommeliers, which offers a four-stage path culminating in the Master Sommelier diploma.
- Gain Practical Experience: Work in restaurants, wine bars, or wineries to develop hands-on skills and customer service expertise.
- Continual Learning: Stay updated with wine trends, regions, and new products to maintain a competitive edge.
Top Employers Hiring Sommeliers in St. Louis
Some of the standout employers actively hiring Sommeliers in St. Louis include:
- Casa Don Alfonso
- The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
- Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis
Establishments That Sommeliers in St. Louis Work At
Sommeliers typically find employment in a variety of hospitality settings across St. Louis:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These venues normally offer the highest salaries due to the sophisticated wine programs and discerning clientele.
- Luxury Hotels and Resorts: Top-tier hotels prioritize wine service and often provide additional employee benefits and compensation.
- Wine Bars and Tasting Rooms: These establishments create niche opportunities but may offer varying pay scales.
- Event Venues and Catering Companies: Sommeliers may work freelance or full-time in events requiring expert wine knowledge.
The type and prestige of the establishment heavily influence the salary range for Sommeliers in St. Louis.
Related Hospitality Jobs in St. Louis for Sommeliers
If you're exploring similar career paths to that of a Sommelier, consider these roles that share related skills and can offer comparable career trajectories:
These include Beverage Director, Bar Manager, and Bartender roles, each with its own focus but overlapping with sommelier skills in hospitality and beverage management.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sommeliers in St. Louis
Sommeliers are subject to labor laws and employment regulations that govern working conditions and pay.
- For federal labor laws, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations provides resources on state-specific employment standards at labor.mo.gov.