How much does a Sommelier make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Sommelier
Image that illustrates Sommelier

Sommelier

29 700 kr

Head waiters and waiters

26 900 - 33 400 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Hotell, restaurang

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Sommelier

Average salary 29 700 kr
Males 31 000 kr
Females 29 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 268 Vacant jobs ->

What does a sommelier do? – Job duties and work environment

A sommelier works with selecting, recommending, and serving wine and other beverages at restaurants and hotels. Tasks include wine tasting, creating wine lists, purchasing, inventory management, and training staff in beverage knowledge. Contact with guests is central, where knowledge of food and drink combination is crucial to creating a memorable experience. Sommeliers are often found at fine dining restaurants, but also at hotels, wine bars, and sometimes in import or distribution roles. The work environment can be intense, especially during evenings and weekends, requiring physical and social engagement.

Salary development over time

The salary for sommeliers has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,800 SEK per month. In 2023, this increased to 29 000 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 4.3%. In 2024, the average salary is 29 700 SEK, representing a further increase of just over 2.4% from the previous year. This positive trend can be partly explained by increased demand for specialized beverage skills in the restaurant industry and that more employers value formal education and certifications. At the same time, competition for attractive positions keeps salaries in check compared to other professions within the hotel and restaurant sector. The gender pay gap persists, with women earning an average of 94% of men's salaries.

Sommelier salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 29 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 26,900 SEK/month (woman, pre-secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 33,400 SEK/month (woman, secondary education, up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage (average): 178 SEK/hour
  • Women: 29 200 SEK/month
  • Men: 31 000 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 94% of what men do
  • Lowest male salary: 29,400 SEK/month
  • Highest male salary: 33,200 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as a sommelier, a combination of experience from the restaurant industry and specialized training in beverage knowledge, primarily wine, is usually required. Educational paths vary, but many choose to undertake vocational training or certification courses, where prior knowledge of serving is often a requirement. Practical experience and an interest in sensory analysis and service are crucial for success in the profession.

  • Vocational training: Sommelier courses, often 1–2 semesters at vocational colleges or private providers
  • Certifications: Examples include WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust)
  • Internship: Working at a restaurant responsible for beverage offerings
  • Prerequisites: Previous experience in serving or restaurant work
  • Additional self-study: Literature, online courses, and tastings

Many sommeliers choose to specialize in a particular area, such as natural wines, champagne, or food and beverage pairings. Building a network of suppliers and producers can also open doors to unique career opportunities and international collaborations.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Sommeliers are often offered benefits such as staff meals, tips, further training, and opportunities to participate in wine tastings or industry trips. Working hours can be irregular, but some employers also offer favorable overtime allowances and wellness contributions. In some cases, bonuses linked to sales or guest satisfaction are provided.

Competition and challenges

The competition for the most attractive positions is high, especially at renowned restaurants and hotels where only a limited number of roles are available. A challenge lies in the demands for both theoretical and practical expertise, and the workload can be very high at times. Salary development is relatively slow compared to other careers in the hospitality industry, and gender differences remain. Additionally, the job market can be sensitive to economic fluctuations and changes within the restaurant sector. Despite this, demand for skilled sommeliers remains stable, and specialization can provide advantages in the job market.

Tips for aspiring sommeliers

To succeed as a sommelier, it is beneficial to combine curiosity about flavors with a high level of service skills. Developing a good memory and analytical ability makes it easier to compare and recommend wines to guests. Strong communication and pedagogical skills are valuable, as days often involve training colleagues and discussing taste and origin with guests. Precision is important for managing purchases and inventory, while flexibility is needed to handle stressful periods and late working hours. Continuously staying updated on trends and building industry relationships are also crucial for long-term success. Finally, a passion for drinks and food is a driving force that often characterizes the most successful in the profession.

Key facts about sommeliers

  • Average salary: 29 700 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 26,900–33,400 SEK/month
  • Education level: Vocational training or certification
  • Work environment: Restaurants, hotels, and wine bars
  • Job openings in the profession: 123

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years as a sommelier, there are opportunities to advance to head sommelier, beverage manager, or to run your own wine bar or restaurant. Some choose to work as importers, consultants, or educators within the beverage field. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that the market is relatively stable, although no specific assessment is made for sommeliers. Currently, there are 123 job openings in the profession, indicating some demand. Specialization and further training can increase chances of obtaining attractive roles, both nationally and internationally.

Frequently asked questions about sommeliers

  • What is the average salary of a sommelier?
    - A sommelier has an average monthly salary of 29 700 SEK.
  • Are there gender differences in salary?
    - Yes, women earn an average of 29 200 SEK and men 31 000 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a sommelier?
    - A vocational training or certification in beverage knowledge, often combined with experience from the restaurant industry.
  • What is the job market like for sommeliers?
    - Currently, there are 123 job openings in the profession, but competition for the best positions is high.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a sommelier?
    - The highest salary is 33,400 SEK and the lowest 26,900 SEK per month.
  • What common benefits are offered?
    - Staff meals, tips, wine tastings, further training, and sometimes bonuses or overtime allowances.
  • What does a sommelier do at work?
    - The work involves recommending, serving, and managing wine and other beverages, as well as educating staff and guests in beverage knowledge.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-05 14:05:46

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Sommelier is 33400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Multiple sectors with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 33200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Sommelier is 26900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 29400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 25000 kr 27100 kr
25-34 94% 29400 kr 31500 kr
35-44 96% 29900 kr 32400 kr
45-54 92% 28800 kr 30900 kr
55-64 31200 kr 32500 kr
Snitt 94% 27700 kr 29700 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Sommelier has the SSYK code 5131, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics