Event Coordinator Salary in Durham, NC
Event Coordinators in Durham, NC, in 2025, earn approximately $21.83 per hour, which equals about $873.20 per week, $3,783.87 per month, and $45,406.40 per year.
The demand for Event Coordinators in Durham is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy job market with increasing opportunities in event planning and management throughout the region.
How Much Does an Event Coordinator Make in Durham, NC?
The salary of an Event Coordinator in Durham varies by experience level and employer type. Below is a breakdown of expected earnings at various career stages.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $21.83 | $873.20 | $3,783.87 | $45,406.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $25.00 | $1,000.00 | $4,333.33 | $52,000.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $27.65 | $1,106.00 | $4,773.33 | $57,512.00 |
Do Event Coordinators in Durham Earn Tips?
Event Coordinators generally do not earn tips as their role focuses on organizing and managing events behind the scenes. Their compensation primarily comes from their salaries rather than additional gratuities.
Event Coordinator Salary in Durham vs. National Average
Nationally, Event Coordinators earn an average of around $21.83 per hour and about $45,406.40 per year.
In Durham, the average salary aligns closely with the national average, although experienced coordinators can expect to earn slightly more due to local demand and specialization opportunities.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Durham for Event Coordinators
Within the Durham region, salary rates vary slightly based on location:
- Downtown Durham: $25.00 per hour
- Research Triangle Park: $27.00 per hour
Areas like Research Triangle Park offer higher pay given the corporate presence and larger scale events that require skilled coordination.
What Influences an Event Coordinator’s Salary in Durham?
Several key factors can affect how much an Event Coordinator earns in Durham:
- Experience and Expertise: Coordinators with several years of practice and specialized skills in areas like corporate or wedding planning often command higher salaries.
- Educational Background: Holding a degree or certification in event planning or hospitality management can increase earning potential.
- Type & Size of Employer: Working for large corporations, universities, or government entities often pays more than smaller event firms or nonprofit organizations.
- Networking & Reputation: Building strong professional connections and a positive reputation impacts the opportunities and pay scale.
How To Become an Event Coordinator in Durham
Starting a career as an Event Coordinator in Durham requires strategic steps to improve skills and credentials.
Begin by gaining formal education such as the Event Planning Certificate at Duke University, which offers comprehensive coverage of budgeting, marketing, and logistics. The Hospitality Management Program at Durham Technical Community College also prep students well for the field.
Professionals can enhance their credentials with certifications like the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), both respected globally and demonstrating expertise in event management.
Practical experience through internships or entry-level positions is invaluable for developing organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills crucial for success.
Top Employers Hiring Event Coordinators in Durham
Durham is home to organizations with frequent hiring opportunities for Event Coordinators, including:
- City of Durham
- Durham County Government
- Duke University
- Research Triangle Foundation
Establishments That Event Coordinators in Durham Work At
Event Coordinators in Durham typically work in diverse environments, such as:
- Corporate Venues: Large corporate events often come with higher pay and more complex planning requirements.
- Universities and Colleges: Organizing academic, social, and fundraising events, which may offer stable employment and benefits.
- Event Management Companies: Agencies that handle various clients and event types, providing variety but varying pay scales.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Planning fundraising and community events, often with more modest budgets affecting salary.
The type of establishment influences the salary scale, as larger, well-funded organizations typically offer higher compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Durham for Event Coordinators
If you are interested in similar roles within the hospitality industry, consider these related careers:
These include Event Manager, Event Planner, and Food and Beverage Manager, roles with overlapping responsibilities and varied salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Event Coordinators in Durham
Event Coordinators should familiarize themselves with local, state, and federal labor laws and tax obligations to ensure compliance and proper financial management.
- For federal labor laws, visit the U.S. Department of Labor.
- North Carolina state labor regulations and tax information can be found at the State of North Carolina official website.
- For city-specific ordinances affecting workers, the City of Durham official website provides valuable resources.