Sommelier Salary in Surprise, AZ
Sommeliers in Surprise, AZ, in 2025, earn approximately $31.00 per hour, which comes to about $1,240.00 per week, $5,373.33 per month, and $64,480.00 per year.
The employment outlook for Sommeliers in Surprise is positive, with job demand expected to grow at a rate of about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy growth in the hospitality and fine dining sectors.
How Much Does a Sommelier Make in Surprise, AZ?
The salary of a Sommelier in Surprise can vary depending on experience, skills, and the establishment they work for. Here's a look at the typical earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $27.80 | $1,112.00 | $4,813.33 | $57,760.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $29.20 | $1,168.00 | $5,053.33 | $60,736.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $38.00 | $1,520.00 | $6,586.67 | $79,040.00 |
Do Sommeliers in Surprise Earn Tips?
Sommeliers often receive tips and gratuities, with the potential to earn an additional around $10 per hour in tips depending on the establishment, clientele, and service quality. Tips can significantly supplement their base salaries in fine dining settings.
Sommelier Salary in Surprise vs. National Average
Nationally, Sommeliers earn an average of about $31.00 per hour, which translates to approximately $64,480.00 annually.
The salaries for Sommeliers in Surprise align closely with the national average, reflecting competitive compensation within the region.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Surprise for Sommeliers
Sommeliers working near Surprise can find slightly different pay depending on the location:
- Glendale, AZ: $32.50 per hour
- Phoenix, AZ: $34.00 per hour
Areas like Phoenix typically offer the highest wages given the size and upscale nature of many dining establishments, but the proximity to Surprise makes commuting feasible for higher earnings.
What Influences a Sommelier’s Salary in Surprise?
Several factors affect the salary of a Sommelier in Surprise:
- Experience and Credentials: Certified Sommeliers with recognized credentials often command higher wages.
- Skills and Specialization: Expertise in rare wines, spirits, and customer service can increase value to employers.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels tend to pay more than casual or fast-casual dining environments.
- Location within the metro area: Establishments in busier or wealthier neighborhoods may offer higher compensation.
How To Become a Sommelier in Surprise
To pursue a career as a Sommelier in Surprise, consider the following steps:
- Gain extensive knowledge of wines and spirits by studying courses such as the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) from the Society of Wine Educators, which provides a solid foundation.
- Enroll in the Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory Course, covering wine theory, service, and tasting to develop professional skills.
- Pursue advanced certifications like the Certified Sommelier or Certified Wine Educator (CWE) to enhance qualifications and increase employability.
- Obtain hands-on experience in restaurants or wine-focused venues to build practical skills and customer interaction abilities.
For information on training and certification, consider exploring reputable culinary education platforms and official programs that specialize in wine studies.
Top Employers Hiring Sommelier in Surprise
Some of the prominent employers seeking Sommeliers in Surprise include:
- The Melting Pot
- Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
- Carrabbas Italian Grill
Establishments That Sommeliers in Surprise Work At
Sommeliers typically work in a variety of establishments, each influencing salary differently:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Usually offer the highest salaries and opportunities for tips due to upscale clientele.
- Luxury Hotels and Resorts: Provide competitive pay and may offer additional benefits and prestige.
- Wine Bars and Specialty Retailers: Pay can vary; some offer good base pay, while others rely more on commission or tips.
- Casual Dining and Chain Restaurants: Salaries tend to be lower but can provide steady employment.
The type and reputation of an establishment can significantly impact the level of compensation for Sommeliers.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Surprise for Sommelier
If you are interested in roles similar to Sommelier, here are a few related hospitality careers you might consider.
These include Beverage Director, Bar Manager, and Bartender — roles that share similar skills in beverage knowledge and customer interaction.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sommelier in Surprise
Sommeliers should be informed about labor laws and tax regulations relevant to Arizona and federal governance to ensure compliance and understand their workplace rights.
- For state-specific labor laws, visit the Official website of the State of Arizona.
- For federal labor laws, resources are available on the U.S. Department of Labor website.