Hospitality & Tourism Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Sommelier Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median sommelier salary in Rockford, IL is $50,840 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$50,840
vs State Avg
$-8,060
vs National
$-11,160
Cost of Living
82%

Sommelier Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median sommelier salary of $50,840, which is $8,060 below the Illinois state average of $58,900. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $50,840 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for sommeliers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for sommeliers in Rockford spans from $26,240 at the 10th percentile to $102,500 at the 90th percentile — a $76,260 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,700, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,760. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sommelier Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level sommelier earns around $28,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,300
$-11,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,760
$-21,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $26,240
25th Percentile $36,080
Median (50th) $50,840
75th Percentile $75,440
90th Percentile $102,500

Sommelier Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$66,960
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$66,340
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$58,900
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$52,700
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Sommelier in Rockford

Education

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

Find Sommelier Jobs in Rockford

Browse open sommelier positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Rockford

How much does a Sommelier make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Rockford, Illinois is $50,840 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $26,240 (10th percentile) to $102,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,840, a sommelier in Rockford earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Rockford's median sommelier salary of $50,840 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $58,900. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $50,840 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Rockford? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Rockford 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.