Hospitality & Tourism Birmingham, AL Pop. 197,575

Sommelier Salary in Birmingham, Alabama

The median sommelier salary in Birmingham, AL is $55,800 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.4% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$55,800
vs State Avg
+$1,860
vs National
$-6,200
Cost of Living
90%

Sommelier Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)

Birmingham offers a median sommelier salary of $55,800, which is $1,860 above the Alabama state average of $53,940. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Birmingham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Birmingham's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for sommeliers in Birmingham spans from $28,800 at the 10th percentile to $112,500 at the 90th percentile — a $83,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,200. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sommelier Salary in Birmingham by Experience

In Birmingham, an entry-level sommelier earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,500
$-6,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,200
$-11,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Birmingham, AL

Percentile Birmingham
10th Percentile $28,800
25th Percentile $39,600
Median (50th) $55,800
75th Percentile $82,800
90th Percentile $112,500

Sommelier Salary in Other Alabama Cities

How to Become a Sommelier in Birmingham

Education

Most sommelier positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Wine KnowledgeTastingFood PairingInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceSommelier Certification

Job Outlook

Nationally, sommelier employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Sommelier Jobs in Birmingham

Browse open sommelier positions in Birmingham, AL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Birmingham

How much does a Sommelier make in Birmingham, AL? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Birmingham, Alabama is $55,800 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $28,800 (10th percentile) to $112,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Birmingham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,800, a sommelier in Birmingham earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Birmingham's median sommelier salary of $55,800 is 3.4% above the Alabama state average of $53,940. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL? ▼
Birmingham has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $55,800 in Birmingham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Birmingham? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Birmingham require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Wine Knowledge, Tasting, Food Pairing, Inventory Management. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.