Sommelier / Beverage Director Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$66,000
national median salary
$48,000 to $92,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$95,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$69,000
San Jose, CA
Lowest Paying
$50,000
Jackson, MS
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Sommelier / Beverage Director salary in the United States is $66,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $48,000 at the 25th percentile to $92,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $95,000, while San Jose offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Certification level, venue prestige, and wine program revenue are the key drivers.
Sommelier / Beverage Director salary by city
Skills that increase Sommelier / Beverage Director pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Sommelier / Beverage Directors based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $9,240 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$9,240 per year
≈ +$8,580 per year
≈ +$7,920 per year
≈ +$7,260 per year
≈ +$7,260 per year
≈ +$6,600 per year
≈ +$6,600 per year
≈ +$5,940 per year
What you should know
Certification level, venue prestige, and wine program revenue are the key drivers. Master Sommeliers and those managing programs with $2 million or more in annual beverage revenue earn top-tier compensation. Location matters heavily, with Las Vegas, New York, and San Francisco offering the strongest markets.
Entry-level sommeliers with Level 1 or 2 certification start at $40,000 to $48,000. Certified sommeliers managing wine programs earn $58,000 to $75,000. Beverage directors at luxury hotels or restaurant groups reach $80,000 to $110,000. Master Sommeliers can exceed $150,000.
Total compensation often includes gratuity pools or tip sharing that can add $10,000 to $30,000 annually. Benefits may include travel budgets for vineyard visits, continuing education stipends, and discounts on wine purchases for personal cellars.