Explore our selection of 28 Sommelier jobs in NYC that you can apply for today. Sommelier positions in New York often come with competitive pay, flexible schedules, and opportunities to grow within the hospitality sector. From Michelin-starred restaurants in Manhattan to boutique wine bars in Brooklyn, you can find a position that fits your skills and expertise.
How to Apply for Sommelier Jobs in New York
Getting hired as a Sommelier in New York requires preparation and a strong understanding of wine service. Here’s how you can improve your chances:
- Gain Certification: Consider obtaining a certification from organizations like the Court of Master Sommeliers or the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
- Highlight Your Experience: Showcase previous experience in fine dining, wine retail, or hospitality management on your resume.
- Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss wine pairings, customer engagement, and inventory management.
- Leverage Job Boards: Check out OysterLink for the latest Sommelier job openings in New York.
Why Work as a Sommelier in New York?
New York offers a dynamic and exciting environment for Sommeliers looking to build a career in the wine industry. Here’s why this city is a great place for Sommeliers:
- Prestigious Dining Scene: Home to some of the best restaurants and wine bars in the world.
- Career Growth: Many Sommeliers advance to head sommelier, wine director, or beverage consultant roles.
- Competitive Pay: Sommeliers in New York earn between $50,000 and $70,000 per year, with opportunities for bonuses and tips.
- Networking Opportunities: New York hosts top-tier wine events, tastings, and industry gatherings.
Key Responsibilities of a Sommelier in New York
Sommeliers play an essential role in curating and enhancing a restaurant’s wine program. Key duties include:
- Wine Selection and Pairing: Assisting guests with wine selections that complement their meals.
- Inventory and Cellar Management: Maintaining and organizing the restaurant’s wine collection.
- Staff Training: Educating restaurant staff on wine offerings and proper service techniques.
- Customer Engagement: Providing a memorable and educational experience for guests.
- Supplier Relations: Managing relationships with wine distributors and suppliers.
Top Areas to Find Sommelier Jobs in New York
New York has several neighborhoods with a high demand for skilled Sommeliers. Here are some of the best places to look for Sommelier jobs:
- West Village: Popular for intimate wine bars and exclusive dining spots.
- Manhattan: Home to Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end wine bars.
- Brooklyn: Offers opportunities in trendy wine-focused establishments and boutique restaurants.
- SoHo & Tribeca: Known for luxury dining and curated wine experiences.
- Upper East Side: Features high-end restaurants with extensive wine lists.
Sommelier Employment and Salary Trends in NYC
Sommeliers in NYC typically earn around $59,982, which is less than the U.S. average for Sommeliers at $65,581.
That said, Sommelier salaries can greatly vary due to multiple factors such as location, skills and experience.
In the case of certified Sommeliers, the salary can vary based on their level of education acquired from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Graduates from the fourth step of the Sommelier education, Master Sommeliers, can sometimes earn more than $160,000 annually.
To see a complete breakdown of Sommelier salaries, visit our Sommelier salary page.
Legal Requirements Applicable to Sommelier Jobs in NYC
Sommeliers in NYC are subject to labor laws, like any other profession.
That said, no individual can begin work or studies for a Sommelier before the age of 21, as the role requires alcohol tasting.
From there, all Sommeliers in NYC are by law entitled to:
- Minimum wage
- Overtime pay
- Breaks
- Protection against discrimination
How We Selected These Top Sommelier Jobs in NYC
When choosing the best NYC Sommelier jobs to feature, we focused on finding jobs that offered competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. We also selected establishments with excellent reputations as top employers.
Finally, we focused on selecting jobs that require various skill levels and experience to offer respective Sommeliers of all levels an opportunity to find a job that works for them.