Hospitality & Tourism Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Sommelier Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median sommelier salary in Arlington, VA is $81,840 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$81,840
vs State Avg
+$17,360
vs National
+$19,840
Cost of Living
132%

Sommelier Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median sommelier salary of $81,840, which is $17,360 above the Virginia state average of $64,480. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $81,840 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for sommeliers in Arlington spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $165,000 at the 90th percentile — a $122,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,200, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $155,760. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sommelier Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level sommelier earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,200
+$11,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,800
+$20,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$155,760
+$37,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $58,080
Median (50th) $81,840
75th Percentile $121,440
90th Percentile $165,000

Sommelier Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$63,240
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$62,000
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$60,760
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$59,520
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Sommelier in Arlington

Education

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

Find Sommelier Jobs in Arlington

Browse open sommelier positions in Arlington, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Arlington

How much does a Sommelier make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Arlington, Virginia is $81,840 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $165,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,840, a sommelier in Arlington earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Arlington's median sommelier salary of $81,840 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $64,480. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $81,840 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Arlington? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Arlington 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.