Hospitality & Tourism New York City, NY Pop. 8,336,817

Sommelier Salary in New York City, New York

The median sommelier salary in New York City, NY is $115,940 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median and 53.3% above the New York state average.

City Median
$115,940
vs State Avg
+$40,300
vs National
+$53,940
Cost of Living
187%

Sommelier Pay in New York City: What to Expect (2026)

New York City offers a median sommelier salary of $115,940, which is $40,300 above the New York state average of $75,640. Compared to the national median of $62,000, New York City pays above average for this role.

However, New York City's cost of living index is 187%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $115,940 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in New York City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for sommeliers in New York City spans from $59,840 at the 10th percentile to $233,750 at the 90th percentile — a $173,910 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,450, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $220,660. As a major metro area with a population of 8,336,817, New York City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Sommelier Salary in New York City by Experience

In New York City, an entry-level sommelier earns around $65,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $220,660 per year. The local cost of living index is 187% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,450
+$30,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,550
+$56,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$220,660
+$102,660 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New York City, NY

Percentile New York City
10th Percentile $59,840
25th Percentile $82,280
Median (50th) $115,940
75th Percentile $172,040
90th Percentile $233,750

Sommelier Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Sommelier in New York City

Education

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

Find Sommelier Jobs in New York City

Browse open sommelier positions in New York City, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in New York City

How much does a Sommelier make in New York City, NY? ▼
The median sommelier salary in New York City, New York is $115,940 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $59,840 (10th percentile) to $233,750 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in New York City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $115,940, a sommelier in New York City earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New York City compare to the New York state average for sommelier pay? ▼
New York City's median sommelier salary of $115,940 is 53.3% above the New York state average of $75,640. The local cost of living index is 187% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New York City, NY? ▼
New York City has a cost of living index of 187% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $115,940 in New York City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in New York City? ▼
Most sommelier positions in New York City 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.