Hospitality & Tourism Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Sommelier Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median sommelier salary in Hilo, HI is $94,240 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$94,240
vs State Avg
$-11,160
vs National
+$32,240
Cost of Living
152%

Sommelier Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median sommelier salary of $94,240, which is $11,160 below the Hawaii state average of $105,400. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Hilo pays above average for this role.

However, Hilo's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $94,240 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for sommeliers in Hilo spans from $48,640 at the 10th percentile to $190,000 at the 90th percentile — a $141,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,200, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $179,360. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Sommelier Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level sommelier earns around $53,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $179,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,200
+$18,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,800
+$33,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$179,360
+$61,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $48,640
25th Percentile $66,880
Median (50th) $94,240
75th Percentile $139,840
90th Percentile $190,000

Sommelier Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$108,500
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$105,400
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$104,160
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$100,440
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Sommelier in Hilo

Education

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

Find Sommelier Jobs in Hilo

Browse open sommelier positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Hilo

How much does a Sommelier make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $94,240 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $48,640 (10th percentile) to $190,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,240, a sommelier in Hilo earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Hilo's median sommelier salary of $94,240 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $105,400. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hilo, HI? ▼
Hilo has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $94,240 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Hilo? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Hilo 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.