Hospitality & Tourism Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Event Planner Salary in Arkansas

The median event planner salary in Arkansas is $47,813 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $56,920.

Median Salary
$47,813
vs National
$-9,107
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Event Planner Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for event planner compensation. Event Planner salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $47,813 per year, event planners in Arkansas earn $9,107 less than the national median of $56,920.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $47,813 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $56,920 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: event planners at the 10th percentile earn $26,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $85,680 — a $58,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $50,090.

Nationally, event planner employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for event planners across the country.

Event Planner Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level event planner earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,800 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,800
$-15,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $26,880
25th Percentile $35,280
Median (50th) $47,813
75th Percentile $65,520
90th Percentile $85,680

Event Planner Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for event planners in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Event Planner in Arkansas

Education

Most event planner positions require a bachelor's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Event CoordinationVendor ManagementBudgetingNegotiationLogisticsCustomer Service

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, event planner employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Event Planner Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Event Planner make in Arkansas? ▼
The median event planner salary in Arkansas is $47,813 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $56,920. Salaries range from $26,880 (10th percentile) to $85,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Event Planner make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,813, a event planner in Arkansas earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for event planners? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for event planner pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level event planners earn $29,400, while senior professionals earn $79,800.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for event planner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for event planners is Hawaii at $96,764. Arkansas's median of $47,813 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($49,520) and Oklahoma ($48,951).
What is the entry-level event planner salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level event planner in Arkansas earns approximately $29,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,720. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $79,800.
What city in Arkansas pays event planners the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for event planners, with a median salary of $50,090. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.