Hospitality & Tourism Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Event Planner Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median event planner salary in Chicago, IL is $60,904 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$60,904
vs State Avg
+$6,830
vs National
+$3,984
Cost of Living
107%

Event Planner Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median event planner salary of $60,904, which is $6,830 above the Illinois state average of $54,074. Compared to the national median of $56,920, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for event planners in Chicago spans from $34,240 at the 10th percentile to $109,140 at the 90th percentile — a $74,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,450, while senior event planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,650. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Event Planner Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level event planner earns around $37,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,650 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,450
+$2,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,060
+$4,060 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,650
+$6,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $34,240
25th Percentile $44,940
Median (50th) $60,904
75th Percentile $83,460
90th Percentile $109,140

Event Planner Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$61,474
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$54,074
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$48,382
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$46,674
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Event Planner in Chicago

Education

Most event planner positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Event CoordinationVendor ManagementBudgetingNegotiationLogisticsCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, event planner employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Event Planner Jobs in Chicago

Browse open event planner positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Event Planner Salary in Chicago

How much does a Event Planner make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median event planner salary in Chicago, Illinois is $60,904 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $56,920. Salaries range from $34,240 (10th percentile) to $109,140 (90th percentile).
How much does a Event Planner make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,904, a event planner in Chicago earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for event planner pay? ▼
Chicago's median event planner salary of $60,904 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $54,074. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a event planner salary of $60,904 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a event planner in Chicago? ▼
Most event planner positions in Chicago require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Event Coordination, Vendor Management, Budgeting, Negotiation. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.