Hospitality & Tourism Tennessee (TN) Rank #41 of 50

Event Planner Salary in Tennessee

The median event planner salary in Tennessee is $50,659 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $56,920.

Median Salary
$50,659
vs National
$-6,261
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Event Planner Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for event planner compensation. Event Planner salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $50,659 per year, event planners in Tennessee earn $6,261 less than the national median of $56,920.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $50,659 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $56,920 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Tennessee is significant: event planners at the 10th percentile earn $28,480, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $90,780 — a $62,300 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $56,920.

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 Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level event planner earns around $31,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,550 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,150
$-3,850 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,620
$-6,380 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,550
$-10,450 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $28,480
25th Percentile $37,380
Median (50th) $50,659
75th Percentile $69,420
90th Percentile $90,780

Event Planner Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for event planners in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Event Planner in Tennessee

Education

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

Key Skills

Event CoordinationVendor ManagementBudgetingNegotiationLogisticsCustomer Service

Job Outlook in Tennessee

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Event Planner Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Event Planner make in Tennessee? ▼
The median event planner salary in Tennessee is $50,659 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $56,920. Salaries range from $28,480 (10th percentile) to $90,780 (90th percentile).
How much does a Event Planner make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,659, a event planner in Tennessee earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for event planners? ▼
Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for event planner pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level event planners earn $31,150, while senior professionals earn $84,550.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for event planner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for event planners is Hawaii at $96,764. Tennessee's median of $50,659 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($50,659) and South Carolina ($50,659).
What is the entry-level event planner salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level event planner in Tennessee earns approximately $31,150 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,620. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $84,550.
What city in Tennessee pays event planners the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for event planners, with a median salary of $56,920. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.