Sommelier Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $53,320 (2026)

Sommelier Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median sommelier salary of $53,320, which is $3,720 below the North Carolina state average of $57,040. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $53,320 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for sommeliers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for sommeliers in Winston-Salem spans from $27,520 at the 10th percentile to $107,500 at the 90th percentile — a $79,980 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,480. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sommelier Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level sommelier earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$30,100

$-4,900 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,900

$-9,100 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$101,480

$-16,520 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$27,520	$29,440	$32,000
25th Percentile	$37,840	$40,480	$44,000
Median (50th)	$53,320	$57,040	$62,000
75th Percentile	$79,120	$84,640	$92,000
90th Percentile	$107,500	$115,000	$125,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$27,520

25th Percentile

$37,840

Median (50th)

$53,320

75th Percentile

$79,120

90th Percentile

$107,500

How to Become a Sommelier in Winston-Salem

Education

Most sommelier positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Sommelier make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median sommelier salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $53,320 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $27,520 (10th percentile) to $107,500 (90th percentile).

How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $53,320, a sommelier in Winston-Salem earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for sommelier pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median sommelier salary of $53,320 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $57,040. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $53,320 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most sommelier positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Sommelier Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina