Hospitality & Tourism Louisiana (LA) Rank #33 of 50

Sommelier Salary in Louisiana

The median sommelier salary in Louisiana is $56,420 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $62,000.

Median Salary
$56,420
vs National
$-5,580
State Rank
#33 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Sommelier Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for sommelier compensation. Sommelier salaries in Louisiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $56,420 per year, sommeliers in Louisiana earn $5,580 less than the national median of $62,000.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $56,420 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $62,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: sommeliers at the 10th percentile earn $29,120, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $113,750 — a $84,630 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $60,760.

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 Louisiana and beyond.

Sommelier Salary in Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level sommelier earns around $31,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,380 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,850
$-3,150 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,150
$-5,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$107,380
$-10,620 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $29,120
25th Percentile $40,040
Median (50th) $56,420
75th Percentile $83,720
90th Percentile $113,750

Sommelier Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for sommeliers in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Sommelier in Louisiana

Education

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

Key Skills

Wine KnowledgeTastingFood PairingInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceSommelier Certification

Job Outlook in Louisiana

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Sommelier make in Louisiana? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Louisiana is $56,420 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $29,120 (10th percentile) to $113,750 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,420, a sommelier in Louisiana earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for sommeliers? ▼
Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for sommelier pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level sommeliers earn $31,850, while senior professionals earn $107,380.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for sommelier salary? ▼
The highest paying state for sommeliers is Hawaii at $105,400. Louisiana's median of $56,420 ranks #33 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($57,040) and Wyoming ($57,040).
What is the entry-level sommelier salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level sommelier in Louisiana earns approximately $31,850 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $59,150. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $107,380.
What city in Louisiana pays sommeliers the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for sommeliers, with a median salary of $60,760. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.