Hospitality & Tourism Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Sommelier Salary in Rhode Island

The median sommelier salary in Rhode Island is $65,100 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $62,000.

Median Salary
$65,100
vs National
+$3,100
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Sommelier Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for sommelier compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for sommelier pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $65,100 per year, sommeliers in Rhode Island earn $3,100 more than the national median of $62,000.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning sommelier salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: sommeliers at the 10th percentile earn $33,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $131,250 — a $97,650 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $66,960.

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 Rhode Island and beyond.

Sommelier Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level sommelier earns around $36,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,900 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,750
+$1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,250
+$3,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,900
+$5,900 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $33,600
25th Percentile $46,200
Median (50th) $65,100
75th Percentile $96,600
90th Percentile $131,250

Sommelier Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for sommeliers in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Sommelier in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Wine KnowledgeTastingFood PairingInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceSommelier Certification

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Sommelier make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Rhode Island is $65,100 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $131,250 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,100, a sommelier in Rhode Island earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for sommeliers? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for sommelier pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level sommeliers earn $36,750, while senior professionals earn $123,900.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for sommelier salary? ▼
The highest paying state for sommeliers is Hawaii at $105,400. Rhode Island's median of $65,100 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($65,100) and New Hampshire ($65,100).
What is the entry-level sommelier salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level sommelier in Rhode Island earns approximately $36,750 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $68,250. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $123,900.
What city in Rhode Island pays sommeliers the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for sommeliers, with a median salary of $66,960. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.