Hospitality & Tourism Wisconsin (WI) Rank #31 of 50

Sommelier Salary in Wisconsin

The median sommelier salary in Wisconsin is $57,040 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $62,000.

Median Salary
$57,040
vs National
$-4,960
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Sommelier Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for sommelier compensation. Sommelier salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $57,040 per year, sommeliers in Wisconsin earn $4,960 less than the national median of $62,000.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $57,040 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $62,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: sommeliers at the 10th percentile earn $29,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $115,000 — a $85,560 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $62,000.

Nationally, sommelier employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Wisconsin and beyond.

Sommelier Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level sommelier earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,560 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,800
$-5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,560
$-9,440 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $29,440
25th Percentile $40,480
Median (50th) $57,040
75th Percentile $84,640
90th Percentile $115,000

Sommelier Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for sommeliers in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Sommelier in Wisconsin

Education

Most sommelier positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Wine KnowledgeTastingFood PairingInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceSommelier Certification

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, sommelier employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows Sommeliers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $51,520 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Sommelier make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Wisconsin is $57,040 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $29,440 (10th percentile) to $115,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,040, a sommelier in Wisconsin earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for sommeliers? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for sommelier pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level sommeliers earn $32,200, while senior professionals earn $108,560.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for sommelier salary? ▼
The highest paying state for sommeliers is Hawaii at $105,400. Wisconsin's median of $57,040 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($57,040) and Texas ($57,040).
What is the entry-level sommelier salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level sommelier in Wisconsin earns approximately $32,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $59,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $108,560.
What city in Wisconsin pays sommeliers the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for sommeliers, with a median salary of $62,000. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.