Hospitality & Tourism New York (NY) Rank #5 of 50

Sommelier Salary in New York

The median sommelier salary in New York is $75,640 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $62,000.

Median Salary
$75,640
vs National
+$13,640
State Rank
#5 of 50
Cost of Living
122%

Sommelier Salary Overview in New York (2026)

New York ranks #5 out of 50 states for sommelier compensation. This places New York in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for sommeliers seeking high pay. At $75,640 per year, sommeliers in New York earn $13,640 more than the national median of $62,000.

It's worth noting that New York's cost of living is 122% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $75,640 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $62,000.

The salary spread in New York is significant: sommeliers at the 10th percentile earn $39,040, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $152,500 — a $113,460 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New York for this role is New York City, where the median reaches $115,940.

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 New York and beyond.

Sommelier Salary in New York by Experience

In New York, an entry-level sommelier earns around $42,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $143,960 per year. The cost of living index in New York is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,700
+$7,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,300
+$14,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$143,960
+$25,960 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New York

Percentile NY Salary
10th Percentile $39,040
25th Percentile $53,680
Median (50th) $75,640
75th Percentile $112,240
90th Percentile $152,500

Sommelier Salary by City in New York

The largest employment areas for sommeliers in New York include New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Yonkers. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Sommelier in New York

Education

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

Key Skills

Wine KnowledgeTastingFood PairingInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceSommelier Certification

Job Outlook in New York

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in New York

How much does a Sommelier make in New York? ▼
The median sommelier salary in New York is $75,640 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $39,040 (10th percentile) to $152,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in New York? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,640, a sommelier in New York earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New York a good state for sommeliers? ▼
New York ranks #5 out of 50 states for sommelier pay. The cost of living index is 122% of the national average. Entry-level sommeliers earn $42,700, while senior professionals earn $143,960.
How does New York compare to other states for sommelier salary? ▼
The highest paying state for sommeliers is Hawaii at $105,400. New York's median of $75,640 ranks #5 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Massachusetts ($83,700) and Alaska ($76,880).
What is the entry-level sommelier salary in New York? ▼
An entry-level sommelier in New York earns approximately $42,700 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $79,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $143,960.
What city in New York pays sommeliers the most? ▼
New York City is the highest paying city in New York for sommeliers, with a median salary of $115,940. Other cities include Buffalo and Rochester.