Hospitality & Tourism Iowa (IA) Rank #39 of 50

Sommelier Salary in Iowa

The median sommelier salary in Iowa is $55,180 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $62,000.

Median Salary
$55,180
vs National
$-6,820
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Sommelier Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for sommelier compensation. Sommelier salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $55,180 per year, sommeliers in Iowa earn $6,820 less than the national median of $62,000.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $55,180 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $62,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: sommeliers at the 10th percentile earn $28,480, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $111,250 — a $82,770 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Iowa for this role is Iowa City, where the median reaches $58,900.

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 Iowa and beyond.

Sommelier Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level sommelier earns around $31,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,020 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,150
$-3,850 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,850
$-7,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,020
$-12,980 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $28,480
25th Percentile $39,160
Median (50th) $55,180
75th Percentile $81,880
90th Percentile $111,250

Sommelier Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for sommeliers in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Sommelier in Iowa

Education

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

Key Skills

Wine KnowledgeTastingFood PairingInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceSommelier Certification

Job Outlook in Iowa

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Iowa

How much does a Sommelier make in Iowa? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Iowa is $55,180 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $28,480 (10th percentile) to $111,250 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,180, a sommelier in Iowa earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for sommeliers? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for sommelier pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level sommeliers earn $31,150, while senior professionals earn $105,020.
How does Iowa compare to other states for sommelier salary? ▼
The highest paying state for sommeliers is Hawaii at $105,400. Iowa's median of $55,180 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($55,800) and Ohio ($55,800).
What is the entry-level sommelier salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level sommelier in Iowa earns approximately $31,150 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $57,850. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $105,020.
What city in Iowa pays sommeliers the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for sommeliers, with a median salary of $58,900. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.