Hospitality & Tourism Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Sommelier Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median sommelier salary in Brookings, SD is $53,320 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$53,320
vs State Avg
$-1,240
vs National
$-8,680
Cost of Living
86%

Sommelier Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median sommelier salary of $53,320, which is $1,240 below the South Dakota state average of $54,560. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Brookings pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Brookings's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $53,320 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for sommeliers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for sommeliers in Brookings spans from $27,520 at the 10th percentile to $107,500 at the 90th percentile — a $79,980 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,480. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Sommelier Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level sommelier earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,900
$-9,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,480
$-16,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $27,520
25th Percentile $37,840
Median (50th) $53,320
75th Percentile $79,120
90th Percentile $107,500

Sommelier Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$57,040
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$55,800
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$52,080
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$50,840
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Sommelier in Brookings

Education

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

Find Sommelier Jobs in Brookings

Browse open sommelier positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Brookings

How much does a Sommelier make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $53,320 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $27,520 (10th percentile) to $107,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,320, a sommelier in Brookings earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Brookings's median sommelier salary of $53,320 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $54,560. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Brookings, SD? ▼
Brookings has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $53,320 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Brookings? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Brookings 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.