Hospitality & Tourism Norfolk, VA Pop. 238,005

Sommelier Salary in Norfolk, Virginia

The median sommelier salary in Norfolk, VA is $59,520 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 7.7% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$59,520
vs State Avg
$-4,960
vs National
$-2,480
Cost of Living
96%

Sommelier Pay in Norfolk: What to Expect (2026)

Norfolk offers a median sommelier salary of $59,520, which is $4,960 below the Virginia state average of $64,480. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Norfolk pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Norfolk's cost of living is 96% 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 Norfolk spans from $30,720 at the 10th percentile to $120,000 at the 90th percentile — a $89,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,600, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $113,280. With a population of 238,005, Norfolk is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sommelier Salary in Norfolk by Experience

In Norfolk, an entry-level sommelier earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $113,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
$-1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,400
$-2,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$113,280
$-4,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Norfolk, VA

Percentile Norfolk
10th Percentile $30,720
25th Percentile $42,240
Median (50th) $59,520
75th Percentile $88,320
90th Percentile $120,000

Sommelier Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Sommelier in Norfolk

Education

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

Find Sommelier Jobs in Norfolk

Browse open sommelier positions in Norfolk, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Norfolk

How much does a Sommelier make in Norfolk, VA? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Norfolk, Virginia is $59,520 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $30,720 (10th percentile) to $120,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Norfolk? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,520, a sommelier in Norfolk earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Norfolk compare to the Virginia state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Norfolk's median sommelier salary of $59,520 is 7.7% below the Virginia state average of $64,480. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk, VA? ▼
Norfolk has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $59,520 in Norfolk has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Norfolk? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Norfolk 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.