Hospitality & Tourism California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Event Planner Salary in California

The median event planner salary in California is $78,550 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $56,920.

Median Salary
$78,550
vs National
+$21,630
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Event Planner Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level event planner earns around $48,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,100 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,300
+$13,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,040
+$22,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,100
+$36,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $44,160
25th Percentile $57,960
Median (50th) $78,550
75th Percentile $107,640
90th Percentile $140,760

Event Planner Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for event planners in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$83,103
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$103,594
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$80,826
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$95,626
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$67,166
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Event Planner in California

Education

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

Key Skills

Event CoordinationVendor ManagementBudgetingNegotiationLogisticsCustomer Service

Job Outlook in California

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

Find Event Planner Jobs in California

Browse open event planner positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Event Planner Salary in California

How much does a Event Planner make in California? ▼
The median event planner salary in California is $78,550 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $56,920. Salaries range from $44,160 (10th percentile) to $140,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Event Planner make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,550, a event planner in California earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for event planners? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for event planner pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level event planners earn $48,300, while senior professionals earn $131,100.
How does California compare to other states for event planner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for event planners is Hawaii at $96,764. California's median of $78,550 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($96,764) and Massachusetts ($76,842).
What is the entry-level event planner salary in California? ▼
An entry-level event planner in California earns approximately $48,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $80,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $131,100.
What city in California pays event planners the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for event planners, with a median salary of $103,594. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.