Hospitality & Tourism San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Sommelier Salary in San Francisco, California

The median sommelier salary in San Francisco, CA is $112,840 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$112,840
vs State Avg
+$27,280
vs National
+$50,840
Cost of Living
182%

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

San Francisco offers a median sommelier salary of $112,840, which is $27,280 above the California state average of $85,560. Compared to the national median of $62,000, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $112,840 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for sommeliers in San Francisco spans from $58,240 at the 10th percentile to $227,500 at the 90th percentile — a $169,260 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,700, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $214,760. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Sommelier Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level sommelier earns around $63,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $214,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,700
+$28,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$118,300
+$53,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$214,760
+$96,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $58,240
25th Percentile $80,080
Median (50th) $112,840
75th Percentile $167,440
90th Percentile $227,500

Sommelier Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$104,160
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$90,520
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$88,040
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$73,160
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Sommelier in San Francisco

Education

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

Find Sommelier Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open sommelier positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Sommelier make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median sommelier salary in San Francisco, California is $112,840 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $58,240 (10th percentile) to $227,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $112,840, a sommelier in San Francisco earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for sommelier pay? ▼
San Francisco's median sommelier salary of $112,840 is 31.9% above the California state average of $85,560. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $112,840 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in San Francisco? ▼
Most sommelier positions in San Francisco 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.