Hospitality & Tourism Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Sommelier Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median sommelier salary in Charleston, SC is $62,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$62,000
vs State Avg
+$6,820
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Sommelier Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median sommelier salary of $62,000, which is $6,820 above the South Carolina state average of $55,180. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% 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 Charleston spans from $32,000 at the 10th percentile to $125,000 at the 90th percentile — a $93,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,000, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sommelier Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level sommelier earns around $35,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $32,000
25th Percentile $44,000
Median (50th) $62,000
75th Percentile $92,000
90th Percentile $125,000

Sommelier Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Sommelier in Charleston

Education

Most sommelier positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Charleston and the surrounding South 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 Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Sommelier Jobs in Charleston

Browse open sommelier positions in Charleston, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Charleston

How much does a Sommelier make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $62,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $32,000 (10th percentile) to $125,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,000, a sommelier in Charleston earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Charleston's median sommelier salary of $62,000 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $55,180. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $62,000 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Charleston? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Charleston 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.