Hospitality & Tourism North Charleston, SC Pop. 115,382

Sommelier Salary in North Charleston, South Carolina

The median sommelier salary in North Charleston, SC is $58,900 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$58,900
vs State Avg
+$3,720
vs National
$-3,100
Cost of Living
95%

Sommelier Pay in North Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

North Charleston offers a median sommelier salary of $58,900, which is $3,720 above the South Carolina state average of $55,180. Compared to the national median of $62,000, North Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

North Charleston's cost of living is 95% 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 North Charleston spans from $30,400 at the 10th percentile to $118,750 at the 90th percentile — a $88,350 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,250, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,100. With a population of 115,382, North Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sommelier Salary in North Charleston by Experience

In North Charleston, an entry-level sommelier earns around $33,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,250
$-1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,750
$-3,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,100
$-5,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Charleston, SC

Percentile North Charleston
10th Percentile $30,400
25th Percentile $41,800
Median (50th) $58,900
75th Percentile $87,400
90th Percentile $118,750

Sommelier Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$65,100
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$62,000
Pop. 150,227
Greenville, SC
$57,040
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$55,800
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Sommelier in North Charleston

Education

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

Find Sommelier Jobs in North Charleston

Browse open sommelier positions in North Charleston, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in North Charleston

How much does a Sommelier make in North Charleston, SC? ▼
The median sommelier salary in North Charleston, South Carolina is $58,900 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $30,400 (10th percentile) to $118,750 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in North Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,900, a sommelier in North Charleston earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does North Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for sommelier pay? ▼
North Charleston's median sommelier salary of $58,900 is 6.7% above the South Carolina state average of $55,180. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in North Charleston, SC? ▼
North Charleston has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $58,900 in North Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in North Charleston? ▼
Most sommelier positions in North 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.