Hospitality & Tourism Rochester, NY Pop. 211,328

Sommelier Salary in Rochester, New York

The median sommelier salary in Rochester, NY is $55,800 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 26.2% below the New York state average.

City Median
$55,800
vs State Avg
$-19,840
vs National
$-6,200
Cost of Living
90%

Sommelier Pay in Rochester: What to Expect (2026)

Rochester offers a median sommelier salary of $55,800, which is $19,840 below the New York state average of $75,640. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 90% 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 Rochester spans from $28,800 at the 10th percentile to $112,500 at the 90th percentile — a $83,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,200. With a population of 211,328, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sommelier Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level sommelier earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,500
$-6,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,200
$-11,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, NY

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $28,800
25th Percentile $39,600
Median (50th) $55,800
75th Percentile $82,800
90th Percentile $112,500

Sommelier Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Sommelier in Rochester

Education

Most sommelier positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Rochester 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 Rochester may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Sommelier Jobs in Rochester

Browse open sommelier positions in Rochester, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Rochester

How much does a Sommelier make in Rochester, NY? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Rochester, New York is $55,800 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $28,800 (10th percentile) to $112,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,800, a sommelier in Rochester earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the New York state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Rochester's median sommelier salary of $55,800 is 26.2% below the New York state average of $75,640. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rochester, NY? ▼
Rochester has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $55,800 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Rochester? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Rochester 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.