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Sake Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sommelier

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $30/hr

Maintain complete knowledge of wine and sake lists and food pairings. * Clean equipment, tools, and supplies for wine and sake service, and ensure equipment is in good working order, including ...

Sommelier

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $30/hr

Maintain complete knowledge of wine and sake lists and food pairings. * Clean equipment, tools, and supplies for wine and sake service, and ensure equipment is in good working order, including ...

Server at Vinum Bar

Newark, CA · On-site

$16.70 - $40/hr

Delivering a great customer experience * recommend Food, wine, and Sake Qualifications * Ability to listen and communicate effectively * Must have basic wine and Sake knowledge. * If you serve in ...

You get to work for a company who believes in doing good, not for profit sake but for the sake of taking care of others. We believe in social responsibility. * You will gain (or increase) experience ...

You will use your expertise in wine& sake selection, and service to elevate the overall beverage program and contribute to the success of our restaurant. Zuma is a contemporary Japanese restaurant ...

You will use your expertise in wine& sake selection, and service to elevate the overall beverage program and contribute to the success of our restaurant. Zuma is a contemporary Japanese restaurant ...

Lead Bartender

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

... sake of time or ease. Should know how to build rounds and properly measure. Must be great at talking to strangers and making fast friends to create and maintain a following. We have a great team and ...

Lead Bartender

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

... sake of time or ease. Should know how to build rounds and properly measure. Must be great at talking to strangers and making fast friends to create and maintain a following. We have a great team and ...

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Sake information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$32

How much do sake jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for sake in California is $16.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.71 and $17.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical career paths and advancement opportunities for a sake sommelier?

Sake Sommeliers often start in hospitality roles such as restaurant or hotel beverage specialists, and may advance to lead sommelier, beverage director, or sake program manager positions. Some professionals move into roles with sake distributors, importers, or even become educators and consultants in the field. On-the-job experience with staff training, specialized certifications, and networking at industry events can open doors for further advancement. Many also enjoy opportunities to work internationally or collaborate with brewers and producers to curate unique selections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the sake position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sake Sommelier (Sake Specialist), you need in-depth knowledge of sake varieties, brewing techniques, and Japanese beverage culture, often supported by certifications like Certified Sake Professional (CSP). Familiarity with POS systems, inventory management software, and sake tasting protocols is commonly required. Outstanding customer service, communication, and cultural sensitivity help you create educational and memorable experiences for guests. These qualities are essential to promote sake appreciation, optimize pairing suggestions, and drive sales in hospitality or retail environments.

What is a sake?

A Sake job typically refers to a role in the sake industry, such as a sake brewer, sommelier (sake specialist), or distributor. These professionals are responsible for brewing, tasting, selling, or educating people about sake. Some roles require deep knowledge of sake production, pairing, and cultural significance. Depending on the job, training or certification (such as a Sake Sommelier or Sake Adviser) may be beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to Sake jobs in California? For Sake jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sake jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Sake jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Sake jobs? Cities in California with the most Sake job openings:
Infographic showing various Sake job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,438 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Account Executive - Sake

Mutual Trading Co., Inc.

El Monte, CA • On-site

$71K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Chinese Bilingual Account Executive - Sake

Who we are:
Established in 1926, Mutual Trading Co., Inc. was originally a small co-op organization for centralized purchasing of basic import foods to service the needs of the early Japanese immigrant society in Southern California. We've grown nearly 100 years old now, and command a premiere position among Japanese foodservice suppliers, as well as fill a key role as "Culinary Ambassador" promoting Japanese foods worldwide. Currently, we import, manufacture, and distribute over 8,000 Japanese foods, beverages, restaurant equipment and supplies.
Benefits
  • All paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees and their dependents.
  • Life Insurance and 401k Plan with company match.
  • Location: El Monte, CA.
  • Hours: M-F: 8AM – 5PM.

Essential Job Functions:
  • Travels domestically and internationally to visits customers and potential customers to educate them on Japanese liquors including sake, shochu, wine, other liquors; provides information and necessary support to reach sales targets and increase the sales of the Company’s liquor products.
  • Supports sales associates across all sales divisions to achieve the monthly sales targets assigned by Sake Specialist Director.
  • Designs sales and marketing plans with sales teams to develop new accounts and achieve quarterly new account development targets.
  • Supports category manager to develop strategies to improve market share in all product lines.
  • Maintains high levels of customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and building report.
  • Works closely with Sales Associates to understand their needs, and offers solution by educating their clients on how our liquor products and services can benefit their business.
  • Attends various Japanese Government promotional events.
  • Works closely with management and sales teams to prepare new account development plan, market/competitor analysis, sales performance and other analysis reports as required.
  • Plans, coordinates and attends sake, shochu, beer, and whiskey related events.
  • Attends Company events and functions outside of normal working hours.
  • Coordinates with Tokyo Mutual Trading and vendors to organize tasting events.
  • Create Social Media contents and maintain quality contents and strong engagements.
  • Participates in the weekly sales meetings.
  • Assists with Sake School events, classes and competition tasting.
  • Attends semiannual inventory count on designated day, possibly on a weekend.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
  • Obligation to answer to all management as requested.
Physical Requirements:
  • Able to go on domestic and international business trip by car and airplane.
  • Able to work without sitting for extended periods of time, including standing and walking.
  • Able to reach, bend, kneel, and lift up to 25 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally.
  • Able to use the phone for extended periods of time.
  • Working Conditions.
  • Noise Level: Normal to loud while in the office.
  • Maybe need to be at outdoor events.
Other Requirements:
  • Business level English required – Read/write/speak/listen.
  • Business level Chinese highly preferred.
  • Has and maintains a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
  • Maintains a positive attitude.
  • Able to work independently and as a team.
  • Able to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload.
  • Sake sommelier certificate or equivalent preferred.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree and above preferred.
  • 4+ years of Japanese liquor including wine, sake, shochu, and spirits sales experience and sake advisor license are preferred; however extensive experience in Japanese food sales or restaurant business will be considered.
Knowledge and Skills:
  • Demonstrates basic Microsoft Office proficiency.
  • Demonstrates strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Possesses basic mathematical knowledge such as markups, discounts, counting inventory, weight and measurement conversions, combining, etc.
  • Has strong communications and interpersonal skills.
  • Has strong customer service and problem-solving skills.
  • Certification from a sake institute preferred.
  • Knowledge of ERP systems, especially AS400 or Microsoft Dynamics 365 highly preferred.
  • Knowledge of Japanese liquor including wine, sake, shochu, and spirits preferred.
Disclaimers:
This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related duties as instructed or requested by the department manager or other management as needed, subject to reasonable accommodation and business needs. The information contained herein is subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, and no part of this document is to be construed as an express or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter the “at-will” employment status with the Company. Requirements are subject to accommodations with ADA, FEHA, and all other applicable federal and state laws. Please report any changes of essential job functions to the Human Resources Department.
Mutual Trading Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.