Event Coordinator Salary in Fort Wayne, IN
Event Coordinators in Fort Wayne, IN, in 2025, earn approximately $22.28 per hour, which translates to about $891.20 per week, $3,861.87 per month, and $46,342.40 per year.
The demand for Event Coordinators in Fort Wayne is growing positively at about 7% per year, indicating an increasing need for skilled professionals to manage and organize events in this vibrant community.
How Much Does an Event Coordinator Make in Fort Wayne, IN?
The salary of an Event Coordinator in Fort Wayne varies based on experience level and employer size. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings across entry-level, mid-level, and top earners.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.90 | $676.00 | $2,923.33 | $35,120.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $22.28 | $891.20 | $3,861.87 | $46,342.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $29.37 | $1,174.80 | $5,078.00 | $60,969.60 |
Do Event Coordinators in Fort Wayne Earn Tips?
Generally, Event Coordinators do not earn tips because their compensation is based on a salary or hourly wage. Their role typically involves planning and managing events rather than roles that interact directly with customers for tipping.
Event Coordinator Salary in Fort Wayne vs. National Average
Nationally, Event Coordinators earn around $27.37 per hour, or roughly $56,929.60 annually. Compared to this, those in Fort Wayne earn less on average, at about $22.28 per hour and $46,342.40 annually.
This difference reflects local economic factors and cost of living, as well as the size and scale of events typically managed in the region.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Fort Wayne for Event Coordinators
Nearby cities offer slightly different pay scales for Event Coordinators:
- Elkhart: $23.21 per hour
- Muncie: $22.19 per hour
If you’re open to working near Fort Wayne, Elkhart offers a marginally higher average hourly wage, which might be worthwhile to consider.
What Influences an Event Coordinator’s Salary in Fort Wayne?
Experience and education greatly impact earning potential; those with several years in event planning generally command higher wages.
Skills such as project management, communication, and vendor negotiation proficiency help increase value to employers.
Type and size of events managed can affect pay — coordinating corporate or large-scale events tends to pay more than smaller community gatherings.
Industry sector also matters; Event Coordinators working in hospitality or convention centers might earn differently than those in non-profit or educational organizations.
How To Become an Event Coordinator in Fort Wayne
There are several pathways to build a career as an Event Coordinator in Fort Wayne. Pursuing relevant education and certifications strengthens credentials.
Programs such as the Event Planning Certificate at Purdue University Fort Wayne offer comprehensive training on logistics, budgeting, and vendor management.
The Hospitality Management Program at Ivy Tech Community College also provides useful courses focused on event coordination and customer service.
Additional certifications like Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) are recognized industry-wide and demonstrate proficiency in managing a range of event types.
Combining formal education with internships or entry-level positions helps build practical experience essential for success in this field.
Top Employers Hiring Event Coordinators in Fort Wayne
Key organizations in Fort Wayne that frequently hire Event Coordinators include:
- Purdue University Fort Wayne
- Fort Wayne Museum of Art
- Pine Valley Country Club
Establishments That Event Coordinators in Fort Wayne Work At
Event Coordinators typically work in a variety of establishments, each influencing salary levels:
- Conference centers and large venues: Often offer higher salaries due to larger event size and complexity.
- Hotels and resorts: May provide steady employment with competitive wages.
- Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions: Usually smaller budgets, which can affect pay rates.
- Private companies or event planning firms: Can offer opportunities for career advancement and varied projects.
The establishment type affects not only salary but also the nature and scale of events coordinated.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Fort Wayne for Event Coordinators
If you are interested in related roles within hospitality and event planning, consider positions such as Event Manager, Event Planner, or Banquet Chef which share similarities in skills and responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Event Coordinators in Fort Wayne
Event Coordinators should be familiar with both federal and state labor regulations which govern employment terms, wages, and workplace rights.
- For comprehensive federal law details, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Specific information about Indiana’s labor laws and employment opportunities can be found at the official Indiana government website.