Sommelier Jobs – November 2024 Job Listings
We’ve collected 10 of the highest-paying Sommelier jobs in the United States for which you can apply right away!
Top 10 Sommelier Jobs in the United States
Looking to start or advance your Sommelier career? Explore these 10 high-paying Sommelier jobs available now and find the one that works for you.
Sommelier
Head Sommelier
Sommelier
Specialty Team Leader (Beer, Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Department Manager)
Wine Captain
Sommelier
Line Cook job
Host/Hostess
Sommelier job
Sommelier job
How Much Can You Earn From Sommelier Jobs?
In the United States, Sommeliers earn an average salary of $65,581 per year or $32 per hour.
Moreover, a Sommelier’s salary can vary based on factors such as education, location and experience. For example, a Sommelier in Miami earns more than a Sommelier in New York.
See the breakdown of Sommelier salaries across the four major U.S. cities below:
| City | Sommelier Salary |
|---|---|
| New York City | $59,982 |
| Miami | $71,153 |
| Los Angeles | $64,387 |
| Chicago | $57,666 |
For a full guide on the salary for this role, check out our Sommelier salary page.
Laws and Regulations Related to Sommelier Jobs
Sommeliers must adhere to federal and state laws that apply to their position. However, there are some laws that apply to every Sommelier, regardless of the city or state where they work.
For starters, Sommelier applicants must be at least 21 years of age. This is because the job involves tasting and serving alcohol. Therefore, applicants must be of legal drinking age in the U.S.
Sommeliers must also earn at least the federal minimum wage, which is currently $7.25. However, some parts of the U.S. have a higher minimum wage so it’s best to check when you’re applying for Sommelier jobs.
Lastly, all Sommeliers must have a permit to legally work in the United States.
How We Selected These Sommelier Jobs
When selecting these Sommelier Jobs, we used the following criteria:
- Above-average salaries: We selected jobs that offer higher compensation
- Reputable establishments: We focused on reputable employers with years in the industry
- Superior benefits: We selected jobs that offer superior benefits
Sommelier Jobs FAQ
Yes, you can apply to be a Sommelier even if you don’t have any certifications.
Not all employers require their Sommeliers to be certified. However, individuals who wish to have formal recognition should pursue a certification from an authoritative body like the Court of Master Sommeliers
In the official sense, anyone who has a certification from the likes of Court of Master Sommeliers or Wine and Spirit Education Trust can call themselves a Sommelier.
That said, it is possible to work as a Sommelier or a “wine steward” without a certification, depending on the employer and your work experience.
Sommeliers typically work in fine-dining or upscale establishments where they manage wine lists, inventory and deliver wine service to the restaurant’s patrons.
However, Sommeliers can also pursue the following careers:
- Wine Educator
- Winery Sommelier
- Wine Buyer
