Hospitality & Tourism Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Sommelier Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median sommelier salary in Dover, DE is $59,520 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 5% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$59,520
vs State Avg
$-3,100
vs National
$-2,480
Cost of Living
96%

Sommelier Pay in Dover: What to Expect (2026)

Dover offers a median sommelier salary of $59,520, which is $3,100 below the Delaware state average of $62,620. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for sommeliers in Dover spans from $30,720 at the 10th percentile to $120,000 at the 90th percentile — a $89,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,600, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $113,280. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Sommelier Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level sommelier earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $113,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
$-1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,400
$-2,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$113,280
$-4,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $30,720
25th Percentile $42,240
Median (50th) $59,520
75th Percentile $88,320
90th Percentile $120,000

Sommelier Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$65,100
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$63,240
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$61,380
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$60,760
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Sommelier in Dover

Education

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

Find Sommelier Jobs in Dover

Browse open sommelier positions in Dover, DE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Dover

How much does a Sommelier make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Dover, Delaware is $59,520 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $30,720 (10th percentile) to $120,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,520, a sommelier in Dover earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Dover's median sommelier salary of $59,520 is 5% below the Delaware state average of $62,620. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $59,520 in Dover has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Dover? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Dover 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.