Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 51'350 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 56'004 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 56'000 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 45'045 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 54'660 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 70'750 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsHospitality & Hotels
Sommelier/-ière
You advise guests professionally on drinks and food
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Sommelier/-ière specialise in drinks or food and advise guests expertly on selection and enjoyment.
You combine passion with expertise. As Sommelier/-ière, you dive into the world of drinks and specialities. You learn about products, understand their origins, and guide guests in their choices. Your goal is to create an unforgettable tasting experience every evening. With your confident presence and enthusiasm, you make every visit a special occasion.
FieldHospitality & Hotels
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryHospitality, Housekeeping & Facility Management
Swissdoc 0.220.26.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Exact salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Sommelier. Based on 130 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+3% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 58'000 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 44'625 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 52'800 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 60'000 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva | CHF 58'300 | 21 |
| Vaud | CHF 57'600 | 21 |
| Fribourg | CHF 55'600 | 12 |
| Jura | CHF 52'026 | 15 |
| Valais | CHF 48'700 | 14 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Retail trade / Wholesaling | CHF 62'500 | 8 |
| Catering / Hotel | CHF 54'600 | 115 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Sommelier/-ière BP
Official education path
Training is provided through specialised courses and federal vocational exams in the hospitality sector.
Typical training path
Sommelier/-ière BP
Prerequisites
- Keen sense of smell and taste
- Creativity
- Customer and service orientation
- Discretion
- Communication skills
- Foreign language skills
Where this can lead
Career changers can enter via cantonal GastroSuisse courses or relevant professional experience.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Keen sense of taste
- Service orientation
- Communication
- Creativity
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You stand behind the bar or at the guest's table and check the bottle's temperature. Then you calmly explain the product's origin and recommend the perfect pairing for the dish.
- You carefully research the origin and production of the products offered.
- You select drinks or specialities that match the menu.
- You address the personal wishes and preferences of guests.
- You expertly explain the differences between various types and vintages.
- You present the selection elegantly and explain tasting tips.
- You monitor the quality and storage of supplies in the cellar.
Working conditions
You work in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or specialised shops. You often serve guests directly at the table or at the bar.
Strengths
- Keen sense of taste
- Service orientation
- Communication
- Creativity
Trade-offs
- Shift work
- Physical strain
- High responsibility
- Knowledge demands
06 · Similar
