Sommelier salary: award rates, pay scales and what to expect
Find out what a sommelier salary looks like under the Hospitality Award, including minimum rates, typical classifications and how it compares to the national index.
A sommelier salary is not separately defined in the Hospitality Award, but based on typical skill levels (Level 3 or 4) the minimum hourly rate is $27.97–$29.45, giving an index around 50–54, well below the national line of 100.
What is a sommelier salary?
A sommelier salary in Australia is not a fixed figure. Unlike some trades or professions, there is no single award classification for a sommelier. Instead, sommeliers are employed under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 as food and beverage attendants. Their pay depends on the level assigned by the employer, which reflects their skill, experience, and responsibilities.
This guide explains the award minimums, typical classifications, and how a sommelier salary sits against the national line. We use the Salary Index, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026).
Award coverage and classification
The Hospitality Award covers most sommeliers working in restaurants, hotels, bars, and clubs. The award has several levels for food and beverage attendants:
- Level 1 – entry-level, basic service tasks
- Level 2 – some experience, routine duties
- Level 3 – skilled attendant, may include wine service
- Level 4 – tradesperson level, often includes sommelier duties
- Level 5 – supervisor
- Level 6 – senior cook (not typically sommelier)
A sommelier with formal wine knowledge and service skills would likely be classified at Level 3 or Level 4. Some venues may place them at Level 5 if they supervise a wine program.
Minimum pay rates (from 1 July 2026)
The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the current award rates. For a full-time adult employee:
| Classification | Weekly rate | Hourly rate | Annualised (52 weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 food & beverage attendant | $1,062.90 | $27.97 | $55,271 |
| Level 4 food & beverage attendant (tradesperson) | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $58,193 |
| Level 5 supervisor | $1,189.40 | $31.30 | $61,849 |
These are minimums. The award also allows for annualised wage agreements that must be at least 25% above the minimum. For a Level 4 sommelier, that would be about $72,741 per year.
Casual sommeliers receive a 25% loading, so the casual hourly rate for Level 4 is $36.81.
Where does a sommelier salary sit on the index?
The national line (index 100) is $108,352. A Level 4 sommelier on minimum award earns $58,193, giving an index of 53.7. That is well below the all-industries average, but it is also below the Accommodation and food services industry average index of 72.5. This reflects that many hospitality workers are paid at or near award rates.
However, experienced sommeliers in high-end restaurants or hotels often earn above award. A sommelier on $75,000 would have an index of 69.2, close to the industry average. A head sommelier or wine director in a premium venue might earn $85,000–$100,000, pushing the index to 78–92.
Superannuation and tax
Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of gross pay (from 1 July 2026). For a Level 4 sommelier on $58,193, that adds $6,983 in super contributions.
Tax on a sommelier salary depends on total income. Using 2026–27 resident rates (with tax-free threshold and 2% Medicare levy):
- $58,193: tax about $8,417 plus Medicare $1,164, leaving $48,612 take-home.
- $75,000: tax about $13,092 plus Medicare $1,500, leaving $60,408 take-home.
These estimates ignore HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge.
State differences
Sommelier pay is governed by the national award, so minimum rates are the same across Australia. However, actual pay can vary by state due to local labour markets. The states page shows that Western Australia has a higher overall index (106.9) while Tasmania is lower (88.6). A sommelier in Perth may command a higher salary than one in Hobart, even at the same venue type.
How to get a better sommelier salary
To move above award rates, sommeliers can:
- Gain formal qualifications (e.g., WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers).
- Work in fine dining or high-volume premium venues.
- Take on supervisory or wine program management roles.
- Negotiate an annualised wage agreement that exceeds the minimum by 25% or more.
Some enterprise agreements in large hotels or restaurant groups may set higher rates. Always check the applicable award or agreement with your employer.
Related guides
- Pay guides – how to read award summaries
- Industries – compare hospitality to other sectors
- How the index works – understand the calculation
Summary
A sommelier salary in Australia is not a single number. It depends on classification, venue, experience, and negotiation. The award minimum for a skilled sommelier (Level 4) is about $58,000 per year, index 53.7. Many earn more, especially in premium settings. Superannuation adds 12%, and tax reduces take-home pay. While the hospitality industry index is low (72.5), sommeliers with expertise can reach or exceed that average.
Questions people ask
Is there a specific sommelier classification in the Hospitality Award?
No, the Hospitality Industry (General) Award does not list 'sommelier' as a separate classification. Sommeliers are usually employed as food and beverage attendants. Depending on their skill level and duties, they may be classified at Level 3 (food and beverage attendant grade 3) or Level 4 (food and beverage attendant tradesperson grade 4). Some senior sommeliers may fall under Level 5 (supervisor) or even managerial levels.
What is the minimum hourly rate for a sommelier under the award?
The minimum hourly rate depends on the classification. For a Level 3 food and beverage attendant, the rate is $27.97 per hour (as at 1 July 2026). For a Level 4 tradesperson, it is $29.45 per hour. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rates $34.96 and $36.81 respectively. These are minimums; many sommeliers are paid above award.
How does a sommelier salary compare to the national average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $108,352 per year (index 100). A full-time sommelier at the Level 4 minimum would earn about $58,193, giving an index of 53.7. This is below the Accommodation and food services industry average index of 72.5. However, experienced sommeliers in premium venues can earn well above award, sometimes reaching $70,000–$80,000 or more, which would raise their index closer to 65–75.