Hospitality & Tourism Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Sommelier Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median sommelier salary in Boulder, CO is $79,360 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$79,360
vs State Avg
+$14,260
vs National
+$17,360
Cost of Living
128%

Sommelier Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median sommelier salary of $79,360, which is $14,260 above the Colorado state average of $65,100. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $79,360 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for sommeliers in Boulder spans from $40,960 at the 10th percentile to $160,000 at the 90th percentile — a $119,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,800, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $151,040. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sommelier Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level sommelier earns around $44,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,800
+$9,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,200
+$18,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$151,040
+$33,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $40,960
25th Percentile $56,320
Median (50th) $79,360
75th Percentile $117,760
90th Percentile $160,000

Sommelier Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$69,440
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$65,720
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$65,100
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$62,000
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Sommelier in Boulder

Education

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

Find Sommelier Jobs in Boulder

Browse open sommelier positions in Boulder, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Boulder

How much does a Sommelier make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Boulder, Colorado is $79,360 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $40,960 (10th percentile) to $160,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,360, a sommelier in Boulder earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Boulder's median sommelier salary of $79,360 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $65,100. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $79,360 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Boulder? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Boulder 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.