Hospitality & Tourism Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Sommelier Salary in Delaware

The median sommelier salary in Delaware is $62,620 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $62,000.

Median Salary
$62,620
vs National
+$620
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Sommelier Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for sommelier compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for sommelier pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $62,620 per year, sommeliers in Delaware earn $620 more than the national median of $62,000.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning sommelier salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: sommeliers at the 10th percentile earn $32,320, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $126,250 — a $93,930 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $65,100.

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 Delaware and beyond.

Sommelier Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level sommelier earns around $35,350, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,180 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,350
+$350 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,650
+$650 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,180
+$1,180 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $62,620 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $32,320
25th Percentile $44,440
Median (50th) $62,620
75th Percentile $92,920
90th Percentile $126,250

Sommelier Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for sommeliers in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Sommelier in Delaware

Education

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

Key Skills

Wine KnowledgeTastingFood PairingInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceSommelier Certification

Job Outlook in Delaware

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

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Sommeliers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $56,560 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Sommelier Roles in Delaware?

Get matched with recruiters hiring sommeliers in Delaware at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Delaware

How much does a Sommelier make in Delaware? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Delaware is $62,620 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $32,320 (10th percentile) to $126,250 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,620, a sommelier in Delaware earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for sommeliers? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for sommelier pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level sommeliers earn $35,350, while senior professionals earn $119,180.
How does Delaware compare to other states for sommelier salary? ▼
The highest paying state for sommeliers is Hawaii at $105,400. Delaware's median of $62,620 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($65,100) and Virginia ($64,480).
What is the entry-level sommelier salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level sommelier in Delaware earns approximately $35,350 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $65,650. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $119,180.
What city in Delaware pays sommeliers the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for sommeliers, with a median salary of $65,100. Other cities include Dover and Newark.