Hospitality & Tourism Lexington, KY Pop. 322,570

Sommelier Salary in Lexington, Kentucky

The median sommelier salary in Lexington, KY is $57,660 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 6.9% above the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$57,660
vs State Avg
+$3,720
vs National
$-4,340
Cost of Living
93%

Sommelier Pay in Lexington: What to Expect (2026)

Lexington offers a median sommelier salary of $57,660, which is $3,720 above the Kentucky state average of $53,940. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Lexington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lexington's cost of living is 93% 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 Lexington spans from $29,760 at the 10th percentile to $116,250 at the 90th percentile — a $86,490 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,550, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,740. With a population of 322,570, Lexington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sommelier Salary in Lexington by Experience

In Lexington, an entry-level sommelier earns around $32,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,740 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,550
$-2,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,450
$-4,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,740
$-8,260 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lexington, KY

Percentile Lexington
10th Percentile $29,760
25th Percentile $40,920
Median (50th) $57,660
75th Percentile $85,560
90th Percentile $116,250

Sommelier Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

How to Become a Sommelier in Lexington

Education

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

Find Sommelier Jobs in Lexington

Browse open sommelier positions in Lexington, KY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Lexington

How much does a Sommelier make in Lexington, KY? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Lexington, Kentucky is $57,660 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $29,760 (10th percentile) to $116,250 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Lexington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,660, a sommelier in Lexington earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lexington compare to the Kentucky state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Lexington's median sommelier salary of $57,660 is 6.9% above the Kentucky state average of $53,940. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lexington, KY? ▼
Lexington has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $57,660 in Lexington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Lexington? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Lexington 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.