Hospitality & Tourism North Dakota (ND) Rank #37 of 50

Sommelier Salary in North Dakota

The median sommelier salary in North Dakota is $55,800 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $62,000.

Median Salary
$55,800
vs National
$-6,200
State Rank
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Sommelier Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for sommelier compensation. Sommelier salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $55,800 per year, sommeliers in North Dakota earn $6,200 less than the national median of $62,000.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $55,800 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $62,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: sommeliers at the 10th percentile earn $28,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $112,500 — a $83,700 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $58,280.

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 North Dakota and beyond.

Sommelier Salary in North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level sommelier earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,200 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota 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

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

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

Sommelier Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for sommeliers in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Sommelier in North Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Wine KnowledgeTastingFood PairingInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceSommelier Certification

Job Outlook in North Dakota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Sommelier make in North Dakota? ▼
The median sommelier salary in North Dakota 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 North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,800, a sommelier in North Dakota earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for sommeliers? ▼
North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for sommelier pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level sommeliers earn $31,500, while senior professionals earn $106,200.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for sommelier salary? ▼
The highest paying state for sommeliers is Hawaii at $105,400. North Dakota's median of $55,800 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($55,800) and Nebraska ($55,800).
What is the entry-level sommelier salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level sommelier in North Dakota earns approximately $31,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $106,200.
What city in North Dakota pays sommeliers the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for sommeliers, with a median salary of $58,280. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.