Hospitality & Tourism Ohio (OH) Rank #38 of 50

Sommelier Salary in Ohio

The median sommelier salary in Ohio 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
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Sommelier Salary Overview in Ohio (2026)

Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for sommelier compensation. Sommelier salaries in Ohio are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $55,800 per year, sommeliers in Ohio earn $6,200 less than the national median of $62,000.

A key advantage of working in Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio for this role is Columbus, where the median reaches $58,900.

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 Ohio and beyond.

Sommelier Salary in Ohio by Experience

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

Percentile OH 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 Ohio

The largest employment areas for sommeliers in Ohio include Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Sommelier in Ohio

Education

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

Key Skills

Wine KnowledgeTastingFood PairingInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceSommelier Certification

Job Outlook in Ohio

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Ohio

How much does a Sommelier make in Ohio? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Ohio 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 Ohio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,800, a sommelier in Ohio earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Ohio a good state for sommeliers? ▼
Ohio ranks #38 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 Ohio compare to other states for sommelier salary? ▼
The highest paying state for sommeliers is Hawaii at $105,400. Ohio's median of $55,800 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nebraska ($55,800) and North Dakota ($55,800).
What is the entry-level sommelier salary in Ohio? ▼
An entry-level sommelier in Ohio 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 Ohio pays sommeliers the most? ▼
Columbus is the highest paying city in Ohio for sommeliers, with a median salary of $58,900. Other cities include Cleveland and Cincinnati.