Hospitality & Tourism Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Sommelier Salary in Arkansas

The median sommelier salary in Arkansas is $52,080 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $62,000.

Median Salary
$52,080
vs National
$-9,920
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Sommelier Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for sommelier compensation. Sommelier salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $52,080 per year, sommeliers in Arkansas earn $9,920 less than the national median of $62,000.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $52,080 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $62,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: sommeliers at the 10th percentile earn $26,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $105,000 — a $78,120 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $54,560.

Nationally, sommelier employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Arkansas and beyond.

Sommelier Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level sommelier earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,120 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,600
$-10,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,120
$-18,880 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $26,880
25th Percentile $36,960
Median (50th) $52,080
75th Percentile $77,280
90th Percentile $105,000

Sommelier Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for sommeliers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Sommelier in Arkansas

Education

Most sommelier positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Wine KnowledgeTastingFood PairingInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceSommelier Certification

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, sommelier employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Sommelier make in Arkansas? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Arkansas is $52,080 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $26,880 (10th percentile) to $105,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,080, a sommelier in Arkansas earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for sommeliers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for sommelier pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level sommeliers earn $29,400, while senior professionals earn $99,120.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for sommelier salary? ▼
The highest paying state for sommeliers is Hawaii at $105,400. Arkansas's median of $52,080 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($53,940) and Oklahoma ($53,320).
What is the entry-level sommelier salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level sommelier in Arkansas earns approximately $29,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $54,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $99,120.
What city in Arkansas pays sommeliers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for sommeliers, with a median salary of $54,560. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.