Event Manager Salary

Created by Henry Steele

By Henry Steele - April 15, 2018
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The following article discusses the career path of Event Manager. Learn about how to become one, education requirements, job duties, traits and qualities, national salary outlook as well as top national employers of Event Managers.

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Job Duties

Event managers are responsible for organizing a variety of events. These include business conventions, educational conferences, and weddings, for instance. They are responsible for each detail, which includes the financial side. Before they are able to plan an event, managers will meet with their clients to determine the purpose of the event, how many people are expected, the budget, and so on. When the event itself takes place, they are responsible for all the logistics, including getting the relevant audiovisual experience, making sure guests are registered, and so on. Once the event has been completed, they pay the vendors and they may also be responsible for feedback surveys to help improve future performance.

Additionally, they are responsible for finding new sites on which meetings and events can be held. These include convention centers and hotels. They look at the services, including lodging, provided at the facility, whether it is in easy reach, and if there are things to do in the surrounding areas. Where relevant, they will suggest holding the event online instead, particularly if they feel the same objectives can be achieved in that way.

Once there is an agreement about the location, event managers are responsible for finding the relevant support, including interpreters, catering, audio visual services, and so on. They put plans in place to ensure that staff members are briefed and they negotiate vendor and supplier contracts. Additionally, they may organize activities, entertainment, and speakers.

Other duties of an event manager are:

  • To have meetings with clients to ensure they fully understand the goal of the event
  • To determine the cost, location, time, and other elements of the scope of the event
  • To request bids from service providers and venues
  • To find new venues and inspect their appropriateness, looking at food service, transportation, rooms, and so on.
  • To monitor the activities and events as they take place to ensure full satisfaction
  • To Approve payments after reviewing bills

Where We Work

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 116,700 meeting, convention, and event planners in 2016. The largest employers of these professionals are:

  • Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations 19%
  • Accommodation and food services 12%
  • Arts, entertainment, and recreation 12%
  • Administrative and support services 10%
  • Self-employed workers 9%

How to Become

Generally, an event manager is expected to hold a bachelor’s degree at least. Only a few colleges offer event management degrees, however. Hence, most hold a degree in business management, business, or communications. Others have completed additional courses in hospitality, event management, and/or meetings. In that case, they often start in a position with more responsibilities. Continuous education courses in event planning and meeting planning also exist.

Education Requirements

Some event managers go on to become certified at what they do. The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential offered by the Events Industry Council is particularly popular. This requires having 36 months of relevant professional experience.

The Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) credential offered by the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) is also popular. This is suitable for those who become event managers for government organizations. At least one year’s work experience and six months membership with the SGMP are required for this certification.

There are also certifications for specific types of event planners. For instance, the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants and the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners offer popular types of voluntary certifications.

Meeting planners often gain professional experience in the hospitality industry.

Traits & Qualities

The most effective event managers have the following traits to some degree or other:

– Excellent communication skills
– Great interpersonal skills
– Strong negotiating skills
– Excellent organizational skills
– Great problem solving skills

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s with further education, master’s preferred Degree

National Salary

The national average salary estimate for Event Manager was $48,434. This number is estimated from over 524,836 employees, users past and present job advertisements from Indeed.com. This equates to an hourly salary of $25.23 and monthly of $4,036.

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$14,000

$107,000

Salary Distribution

Salary by State

The following section lists Event Manager salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $60,401 while Nebraska had the smallest quoted salary of $20,601.

ArkansasIllinoisMontanaPennsylvania
ArizonaIndianaNorth CarolinaSouth Carolina
CaliforniaKansasNebraskaTennessee
ColoradoKentuckyNew HampshireTexas
ConnecticutLouisianaNew JerseyUtah
DCMassachusettsNevadaVirginia
FloridaMarylandNew YorkWashington
GeorgiaMichiganOhioWisconsin
HawaiiMinnesotaOklahoma
IdahoMissouriOregon
Arkansas – $37,338Rank: 31st
The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa.

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$14,000

$75,000

Salary Distribution
Arizona – $42,560Rank: 27th
The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Events and Adventures, PB&J Events, and M2W, Inc..

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$14,000

$86,000

Salary Distribution
California – $54,330Rank: 3rd
The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Medallia, SOS Entertainment, The Ivix Group, and Out & Equal Workplace Advocates.

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$15,000

$116,000

Salary Distribution
Colorado – $46,868Rank: 15th
The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Express Employment Professionals.

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$14,000

$112,000

Salary Distribution
Connecticut – $47,652Rank: 13th
The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Leaffilter Gutter Protection and Yogibo.

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$14,000

$100,000

Salary Distribution
DC – $60,401Rank: 1st
The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Gecko Hospitality, United States Department Of Defense, EHS Hospitality Group, and Confidential- Data Security Software.

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$18,000

$127,000

Salary Distribution
Florida – $45,515Rank: 20th
The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Miami, CITY OF DELTONA, Texas De Brazil, and Golf TLC.

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$16,000

$89,000

Salary Distribution
Georgia – $45,066Rank: 23rd
The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Creative Group, Biofinders, Inc., Robert Half The Creative Group, and Emory University.

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$14,000

$94,000

Salary Distribution
Hawaii – $50,691Rank: 7th
The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Alliance Personnel Inc..

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$22,000

$91,000

Salary Distribution
Idaho – $29,625Rank: 33rd
The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Hotspot.

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$7.25

$26.85

Salary Distribution
Illinois – $49,446Rank: 8th
The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Hunter Group, Gecko Hospitality, The Creative Group, and Dunkin’ Donuts.

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$18,000

$95,000

Salary Distribution
Indiana – $41,618Rank: 28th
The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Biofinders, Inc and KinderVision Foundation.

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$14,000

$123,000

Salary Distribution
Kansas – $39,153Rank: 30th
The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Confidential-Health Care.

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$14,000

$80,000

Salary Distribution
Kentucky – $44,369Rank: 25th
The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Campus Special, LLC.

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$19,000

$80,000

Salary Distribution
Louisiana – $30,067Rank: 32nd
The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Campus Special, LLC.

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$7.25

$43.10

Salary Distribution
Massachusetts – $57,782Rank: 2nd
The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Creative Group, Goodwin Recruiting, Beacon Hill Staffing, and Bay Shore Staffing.

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$19,000

$116,000

Salary Distribution
Maryland – $46,614Rank: 16th
The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Creative Group, Johns Hopkins University, Peak Employer, and Horizon Services.

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$14,000

$104,000

Salary Distribution
Michigan – $44,689Rank: 24th
The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Golf TLC, Harper Associates, The University of Michigan, and Creative Circle.

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$14,000

$100,000

Salary Distribution
Minnesota – $48,590Rank: 10th
The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Temple Israel, Minneapolis, University of Minnesota, and Hammer-Schlagen.

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$15,000

$100,000

Salary Distribution
Missouri – $42,893Rank: 26th
The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Greenhouse Agency, St. Louis Based Entertainment Agency, and The Campus Special, LLC.

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$14,000

$88,000

Salary Distribution
Montana – $51,005Rank: 6th
The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CyberCoders and PROSPERA BUSINESS NETWORK.

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$17,000

$103,000

Salary Distribution
North Carolina – $45,840Rank: 19th
The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of North Carolina, Brytons LLC, All American Gutter Protection, and Sky Zone.

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$14,000

$97,000

Salary Distribution
Nebraska – $20,601Rank: 38th
The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Fun Services, University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Modis.

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$7.25

$22.70

Salary Distribution
New Hampshire – $47,502Rank: 14th
The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Kura Nutrition and JW Promotions.

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$18,000

$90,000

Salary Distribution
New Jersey – $48,431Rank: 11th
The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Creative Group, Horizon Services, Sky Zone, and Wild Bill’s Soda.

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$14,000

$104,000

Salary Distribution
Nevada – $45,454Rank: 21st
The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip, Keshot, and Photomadic.

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$14,000

$95,000

Salary Distribution
New York – $52,912Rank: 4th
The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like New York City Department of Education, TalentServed, Centre for Social Innovation NYC, and Foundation for Jewish Camp.

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$14,000

$123,000

Salary Distribution
Ohio – $27,628Rank: 35th
The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like LEAFFILTER, LeafFilter North, Inc, LGC Hospitality, and Lightning Speed Events Services.

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$7.25

$38.50

Salary Distribution
Oklahoma – $22,444Rank: 37th
The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Southern Journeys, Mary Kay Inc, and The Campus Special, LLC.

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$7.25

$26.55

Salary Distribution
Oregon – $46,406Rank: 17th
The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Metro, Albertina Kerr Centers, University of Oregon, and Ajilon.

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$21,000

$81,000

Salary Distribution
Pennsylvania – $46,159Rank: 18th
The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Randstad, Play Dating Events, Lightning Speed Events Services, and The Creative Group.

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$14,000

$114,000

Salary Distribution
South Carolina – $41,309Rank: 29th
The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Brytons LLC and Duvall Events.

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$14,000

$83,000

Salary Distribution
Tennessee – $28,243Rank: 34th
The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PARKING MANAGEMENT COMPANY, Compass Rose Events, Inc., Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, and The Campus Special, LLC.

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$7.25

$38.70

Salary Distribution
Texas – $47,815Rank: 12th
The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Flight Deck Trampoline Park, Creative Circle, LeafFilter North, Inc., and Moviehouse & Eatery.

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$14,000

$102,000

Salary Distribution
Utah – $45,257Rank: 22nd
The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Xemplar Workforce Solutions, Utah Valley University, Fundracer LLC, and Fat Cats.

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$17,000

$86,000

Salary Distribution
Virginia – $48,850Rank: 9th
The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Gecko Hospitality, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, University of Virginia, and Stadium Brands – Berglund Center.

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$15,000

$101,000

Salary Distribution
Washington – $52,147Rank: 5th
The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Compass Health, Lynnwood Convention Center, Northwest Fundraising, and The Howard Group.

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$15,000

$109,000

Salary Distribution
Wisconsin – $27,417Rank: 36th
The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Goodwin Recruiting, University of WisconsinMadison, Shutterbox Entertainment, and Hotspot.

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$7.25

$28.30

Salary Distribution

Top 20 National Employers

According to Indeed.com, the following states had employers looking to hire a Event Manager. The quoted salary figure represents the average salary from all job postings by this employer.

Employer NameLocationAverage Salary
pacific placement group Event ManagerCalifornia$103,066
180 Solar Power Event ManagerCalifornia$100,000
Medallia Event ManagerCalifornia$93,714
Flight Deck Trampoline Park Event ManagerTexas$89,450
The Creative Group Event ManagerMassachusetts$79,382
Goodwin Recruiting Event ManagerMassachusetts$77,131
SOS Entertainment Event ManagerCalifornia$75,000
Randstad Event ManagerPennsylvania$74,834
The Ivix Group Event ManagerCalifornia$73,984
Beacon Hill Staffing Event ManagerMassachusetts$70,285
Biofinders, Inc. Event ManagerGeorgia$70,000
Gecko Hospitality Event ManagerDC$70,000
Robert Half The Creative Group Event ManagerGeorgia$69,822
CyberCoders Event ManagerMontana$69,296
Creative Circle Event ManagerTexas$68,764
United States Department Of Defense Event ManagerDC$67,696
The Hunter Group Event ManagerIllinois$67,454

Learn More

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Henry Steele
Managing Editor
Henry is Managing Editor of BusinessStudent.com. He is a seasoned business professional who regularly consults with local business's throughout Southern California. Henry pursued his undergrad in Business and Economics at the University of San Diego and gained valuable life changing experience through a unique internship upon graduation.

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