Hospitality & Tourism San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Sommelier Salary in San Diego, California

The median sommelier salary in San Diego, CA is $88,040 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$88,040
vs State Avg
+$2,480
vs National
+$26,040
Cost of Living
142%

Sommelier Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median sommelier salary of $88,040, which is $2,480 above the California state average of $85,560. Compared to the national median of $62,000, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $88,040 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for sommeliers in San Diego spans from $45,440 at the 10th percentile to $177,500 at the 90th percentile — a $132,060 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,700, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,560. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Sommelier Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level sommelier earns around $49,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,700
+$14,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,300
+$27,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$167,560
+$49,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $45,440
25th Percentile $62,480
Median (50th) $88,040
75th Percentile $130,640
90th Percentile $177,500

Sommelier Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$112,840
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$104,160
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$90,520
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$73,160
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Sommelier in San Diego

Education

Most sommelier positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. San Diego 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Sommelier Jobs in San Diego

Browse open sommelier positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in San Diego

How much does a Sommelier make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median sommelier salary in San Diego, California is $88,040 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $45,440 (10th percentile) to $177,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,040, a sommelier in San Diego earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for sommelier pay? ▼
San Diego's median sommelier salary of $88,040 is 2.9% above the California state average of $85,560. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $88,040 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in San Diego? ▼
Most sommelier positions in San Diego 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.