Hospitality & Tourism South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Sommelier Salary in South Dakota

The median sommelier salary in South Dakota is $54,560 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $62,000.

Median Salary
$54,560
vs National
$-7,440
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Sommelier Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for sommelier compensation. Sommelier salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $54,560 per year, sommeliers in South Dakota earn $7,440 less than the national median of $62,000.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $54,560 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $62,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: sommeliers at the 10th percentile earn $28,160, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $110,000 — a $81,840 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Dakota for this role is Sioux Falls, where the median reaches $57,040.

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 South Dakota and beyond.

Sommelier Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level sommelier earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,840 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,840
$-14,160 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $28,160
25th Percentile $38,720
Median (50th) $54,560
75th Percentile $80,960
90th Percentile $110,000

Sommelier Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for sommeliers in South Dakota include Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Brookings. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Sommelier in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Wine KnowledgeTastingFood PairingInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceSommelier Certification

Job Outlook in South Dakota

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

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Data shows Sommeliers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $49,280 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Sommelier make in South Dakota? ▼
The median sommelier salary in South Dakota is $54,560 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $28,160 (10th percentile) to $110,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,560, a sommelier in South Dakota earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for sommeliers? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for sommelier pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level sommeliers earn $30,800, while senior professionals earn $103,840.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for sommelier salary? ▼
The highest paying state for sommeliers is Hawaii at $105,400. South Dakota's median of $54,560 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($55,180) and Missouri ($54,560).
What is the entry-level sommelier salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level sommelier in South Dakota earns approximately $30,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $57,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $103,840.
What city in South Dakota pays sommeliers the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for sommeliers, with a median salary of $57,040. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.