Hospitality & Tourism Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Sommelier Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median sommelier salary in Chesapeake, VA is $60,760 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$60,760
vs State Avg
$-3,720
vs National
$-1,240
Cost of Living
98%

Sommelier Pay in Chesapeake: What to Expect (2026)

Chesapeake offers a median sommelier salary of $60,760, which is $3,720 below the Virginia state average of $64,480. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $31,360 at the 10th percentile to $122,500 at the 90th percentile — a $91,140 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,300, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,640. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sommelier Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level sommelier earns around $34,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,300
$-700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,700
$-1,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,640
$-2,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $31,360
25th Percentile $43,120
Median (50th) $60,760
75th Percentile $90,160
90th Percentile $122,500

Sommelier Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Sommelier in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Sommelier Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open sommelier positions in Chesapeake, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Sommelier make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $60,760 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $31,360 (10th percentile) to $122,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,760, a sommelier in Chesapeake earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median sommelier salary of $60,760 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $64,480. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $60,760 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Chesapeake? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Chesapeake 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.