Hospitality & Tourism Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Event Planner Salary in Rhode Island

The median event planner salary in Rhode Island is $59,766 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $56,920.

Median Salary
$59,766
vs National
+$2,846
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Event Planner Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for event planner compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for event planner pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $59,766 per year, event planners in Rhode Island earn $2,846 more than the national median of $56,920.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning event planner salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: event planners at the 10th percentile earn $33,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $107,100 — a $73,500 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $61,474.

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 Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level event planner earns around $36,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,750 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,750
+$1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,900
+$2,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,750
+$4,750 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $59,766? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $33,600
25th Percentile $44,100
Median (50th) $59,766
75th Percentile $81,900
90th Percentile $107,100

Event Planner Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for event planners in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Event Planner in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Event CoordinationVendor ManagementBudgetingNegotiationLogisticsCustomer Service

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Event Planners who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $39,984 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Event Planner Roles in Rhode Island?

Get matched with recruiters hiring event planners in Rhode Island at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Event Planner Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Event Planner make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median event planner salary in Rhode Island is $59,766 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $56,920. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $107,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Event Planner make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,766, a event planner in Rhode Island earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for event planners? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for event planner pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level event planners earn $36,750, while senior professionals earn $99,750.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for event planner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for event planners is Hawaii at $96,764. Rhode Island's median of $59,766 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($59,766) and New Hampshire ($59,766).
What is the entry-level event planner salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level event planner in Rhode Island earns approximately $36,750 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $99,750.
What city in Rhode Island pays event planners the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for event planners, with a median salary of $61,474. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.