Sommelier Salary in Knoxville, TN: $54,560 (2026)

Sommelier Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville offers a median sommelier salary of $54,560, which is $620 below the Tennessee state average of $55,180. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Knoxville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Knoxville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $54,560 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for sommeliers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for sommeliers in Knoxville spans from $28,160 at the 10th percentile to $110,000 at the 90th percentile — a $81,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,840. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sommelier Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level sommelier earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,840 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Percentile	Knoxville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$28,160	$28,480	$32,000
25th Percentile	$38,720	$39,160	$44,000
Median (50th)	$54,560	$55,180	$62,000
75th Percentile	$80,960	$81,880	$92,000
90th Percentile	$110,000	$111,250	$125,000

Percentile

Knoxville

10th Percentile

$28,160

25th Percentile

$38,720

Median (50th)

$54,560

75th Percentile

$80,960

90th Percentile

$110,000

How to Become a Sommelier in Knoxville

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Sommelier make in Knoxville, TN? ▼

The median sommelier salary in Knoxville, Tennessee 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 Knoxville? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $54,560, a sommelier in Knoxville earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for sommelier pay? ▼

Knoxville's median sommelier salary of $54,560 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $55,180. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN? ▼

Knoxville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $54,560 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Knoxville? ▼

Most sommelier positions in Knoxville 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.

Sommelier Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee