Hospitality & Tourism Richmond, VA Pop. 226,610

Sommelier Salary in Richmond, Virginia

The median sommelier salary in Richmond, VA is $62,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 3.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$62,000
vs State Avg
$-2,480
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Sommelier Pay in Richmond: What to Expect (2026)

Richmond offers a median sommelier salary of $62,000, which is $2,480 below the Virginia state average of $64,480. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Richmond pays above average for this role.

Richmond's cost of living is 100% 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 Richmond spans from $32,000 at the 10th percentile to $125,000 at the 90th percentile — a $93,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,000, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,000. With a population of 226,610, Richmond is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Sommelier Salary in Richmond by Experience

In Richmond, an entry-level sommelier earns around $35,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Richmond, VA

Percentile Richmond
10th Percentile $32,000
25th Percentile $44,000
Median (50th) $62,000
75th Percentile $92,000
90th Percentile $125,000

Sommelier Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Sommelier in Richmond

Education

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

Find Sommelier Jobs in Richmond

Browse open sommelier positions in Richmond, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Richmond

How much does a Sommelier make in Richmond, VA? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Richmond, Virginia is $62,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $32,000 (10th percentile) to $125,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Richmond? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,000, a sommelier in Richmond earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Richmond compare to the Virginia state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Richmond's median sommelier salary of $62,000 is 3.8% below the Virginia state average of $64,480. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Richmond, VA? ▼
Richmond has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $62,000 in Richmond has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Richmond? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Richmond 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.