Hospitality & Tourism Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Sommelier Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median sommelier salary in Los Angeles, CA is $90,520 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$90,520
vs State Avg
+$4,960
vs National
+$28,520
Cost of Living
146%

Sommelier Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median sommelier salary of $90,520, which is $4,960 above the California state average of $85,560. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $90,520 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for sommeliers in Los Angeles spans from $46,720 at the 10th percentile to $182,500 at the 90th percentile — a $135,780 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,100, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $172,280. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Sommelier Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level sommelier earns around $51,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,100
+$16,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,900
+$29,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,280
+$54,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $46,720
25th Percentile $64,240
Median (50th) $90,520
75th Percentile $134,320
90th Percentile $182,500

Sommelier Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$112,840
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$104,160
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$88,040
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$73,160
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Sommelier in Los Angeles

Education

Most sommelier positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Los Angeles and the surrounding California 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 Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Sommelier Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open sommelier positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Sommelier make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Los Angeles, California is $90,520 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $46,720 (10th percentile) to $182,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,520, a sommelier in Los Angeles earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median sommelier salary of $90,520 is 5.8% above the California state average of $85,560. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $90,520 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Los Angeles? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Los Angeles 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.