Career Profile, Salary & Job Outlook —
What does a Sommelier do?
A sommelier, also known as a wine steward, is a wine professional trained extensively in wine knowledge and history. It’s standard for sommeliers to work in fine restaurants, where they specialize in all aspects of wine service, as well as working the the chef on wine and food pairings. Depending on the size of the restaurant and staff, sommeliers may develop wine lists and books, and train for the other restaurant staff on wine service.
How much does a Sommelier make?
According to ZipRecruiter, Sommeliers make a national average of $45,901 or $22.07 an hour (as of June 2022). In general, entry-level sommeliers make around $30,000 annually, with senior-level sommeliers making $65,500 a year. This wide range also depends on skill, seniority, company, and location.
What impact does this career have towards the hospitality industry?
A sommelier is essentially a consumer educator. Wine history and grape variety can be complex for wine novices to understand without a guide. A knowledgeable, personable, and insightful sommelier is a great asset to a restaurant and customer base. They can increase revenue through upselling consumers from classes of wine to bottles, or upselling on more exclusive and expensive wines.
What is the job outlook for a Sommelier?
Analysts forecast that hotel revenue and food service industry revenue will grow to $950 billion and $898 billion, respectively, in 2022. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities in food service management (including Sommelier) are expected to grow at a rate of 15% during the 2020-2030 decade.
How to kick-off your career:
- Sample different wines to gain a sense of the variations in taste, texture, color, and ingredients.
- Work in a restaurant with a wine program.
- Consider gaining certification as a sommelier.
- Explore the NYU x Hospitality And Tourism Industry Essentials online course.
- Download Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Hospitality Career Guide.
Learn from:
Yvette Ly
Director of People + Culture, West Bourne & Tourism Industry Essentials contributor
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