Sommelier Salary in Durham, North Carolina
The median sommelier salary in Durham, NC is $58,900 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.
Sommelier Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)
Durham offers a median sommelier salary of $58,900, which is $1,860 above the North Carolina state average of $57,040. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham spans from $30,400 at the 10th percentile to $118,750 at the 90th percentile — a $88,350 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,250, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,100. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Sommelier Salary in Durham by Experience
In Durham, an entry-level sommelier earns around $33,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC
| Percentile | Durham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,800 |
| Median (50th) | $58,900 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $118,750 |
Sommelier Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Sommelier in Durham
Education
Most sommelier positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, sommelier employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Sommelier Jobs in Durham
Browse open sommelier positions in Durham, NC: