As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Head Sommelier in the United States is $52,400. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $45,800 to $60,000, with most professionals earning between $39,791 and $66,919.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $60,000 | $5,000 | $1,154 | $29 |
| Average | $52,400 | $4,367 | $1,008 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,800 | $3,817 | $881 | $22 |
An entry-level Head Sommelier with less than 1 year of experience earns about $49,937. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $50,233. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $50,922. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $51,710, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $52,627.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Head Sommelier | $49,937 |
| Intermediate Level Head Sommelier | $50,233 |
| Senior Level Head Sommelier | $50,922 |
| Specialist Level Head Sommelier | $51,710 |
| Expert Level Head Sommelier | $52,627 |
| Entry Level | 5% |
| Mid Level | 4% |
| Senior Level | 3% |
| Top Level | 1% |
| Experienced | 0% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Head Sommelier compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $40,339 in 2023 to approximately $40,251 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Head Sommelier salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Head Sommelier information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Head Sommelier job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Head Sommelier and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $52,400 | 69.4% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $4,009 | 5.3% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,148 | 2.8% | ||
| Disability | $996 | 1.3% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,507 | 8.6% | ||
| Pension | $2,830 | 3.7% | ||
| Time Off | $6,651 | 8.8% | ||
| Total Compensation | $75,539 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| High School | 16.7% |
| Associates | 27.8% |
| Bachelors | 50.0% |
| Masters | 5.6% |
What Am I Worth?
The four levels of sommelier certification are: 1. Introductory Sommelier Course & Examination, where you begin your journey; 2. Certified Sommelier Examination; 3. Advanced Sommelier Course & Examination; and 4. Master Sommelier Diploma Examination. Head Sommeliers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000, with a mid-salary of $65,000.
The highest salary for a Head Sommelier typically reaches up to $80,000 annually. According to salary data, the minimum salary starts at $50,000, with a mid-range salary of $65,000. These figures reflect the varying levels of experience and expertise within the profession.
When addressing a sommelier, you can simply refer to them as a somm” or ask for someone who can help with the wine list.” They are knowledgeable and can guide you through your choices. In terms of compensation, a Head Sommelier typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000, with a median salary around $65,000.
The average age of a sommelier typically falls between 20 and 30 years, accounting for about 48% of the profession. This is the period when many individuals discover their career paths. In terms of compensation, a Head Sommelier can expect a salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, with a midpoint of $65,000, reflecting the expertise and experience in this role.
Being a Head Sommelier can be quite lucrative, with salaries ranging from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $80,000, and a mid-range salary of $65,000. This indicates a strong earning potential in the field, especially compared to the average hourly pay for Wine Sommeliers in California, which is significantly lower.
Yes, there is a Level 5 sommelier, which is the highest certification level. Only the National Wine School and the Court of Master Sommeliers provide this certification. The Wine & Spirit Education Trust offers programs only up to Level Four. Head Sommeliers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000, with a median salary of $65,000.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
