Event Coordinator Salary in San Diego, CA
Event Coordinators in San Diego, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $25.33 per hour, which translates to about $1,013.20 per week, $4,390.53 per month, and $52,686.40 per year.
The demand for Event Coordinators in San Diego is growing positively at around 8% per year, indicating an increasing need for skilled professionals in event planning and management roles in this vibrant city.
How Much Does an Event Coordinator Make in San Diego, CA?
The salary of an Event Coordinator in San Diego can vary based on experience level, employer, and skills. Below is a general breakdown of hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly pay at different stages in this career.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $19.49 | $779.60 | $3,374.53 | $40,555.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $25.33 | $1,013.20 | $4,390.53 | $52,686.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $32.91 | $1,316.40 | $5,694.40 | $68,452.80 |
Do Event Coordinators in San Diego Earn Tips?
Event Coordinators generally do not earn tips as their role focuses on planning, organizing, and managing events rather than direct customer service or food and beverage service. Their earnings primarily come from their salary or hourly wages.
Event Coordinator Salary in San Diego vs. National Average
Nationally, an Event Coordinator earns an average of about $21.85 per hour and approximately $45,448 per year.
Event Coordinators in San Diego earn a higher wage than the national average, making about $25.33 hourly and $52,686.40 yearly. This increase reflects the city’s vibrant event scene and higher living costs.
Highest-Paying Areas Near San Diego for Event Coordinators
Nearby areas offer competitive salaries for Event Coordinators:
- La Jolla: $27.17 per hour
- Downtown San Diego: $26.87 per hour
La Jolla tends to offer the highest hourly pay rates, closely followed by Downtown San Diego, both areas benefiting from affluent clientele and frequent high-profile events.
What Influences an Event Coordinator’s Salary in San Diego?
Experience is one of the strongest factors influencing salary. Coordinators with several years under their belt and proven event successes command higher pay.
Skills like negotiation, marketing, vendor management, and technology proficiency also impact earnings positively.
Type of Establishment matters: working in upscale hotels, corporate event planning firms, or large venues typically provides higher salaries compared to smaller agencies or nonprofits.
Certifications and education can boost salary potential, with certified coordinators often earning more than those without formal credentials.
How To Become an Event Coordinator in San Diego
Becoming an Event Coordinator in San Diego involves a mix of education, practical experience, and sometimes certification. Consider the following steps:
- Enroll in professional programs such as the San Diego State University Professional Certificate in Meeting and Event Planning for comprehensive training in budgeting, marketing, and logistics.
- Take the University of San Diego Event Management Certificate course to gain in-depth knowledge for organizing corporate meetings and social events.
- Obtain certifications like the globally recognized Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), which validate your expertise.
- Gain hands-on experience through internships, entry-level event assistant positions, or volunteer coordinating events to build a solid portfolio.
Top Employers Hiring Event Coordinators in San Diego
Several prominent organizations in San Diego regularly hire Event Coordinators, including:
- UC San Diego
- San Diego State University
- Oak View Group
- Hyatt
- Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Establishments That Event Coordinators in San Diego Work At
Event Coordinators typically work across various establishments, which influences their salary:
- Hotels and Resorts: Large upscale hotels like Hyatt and Fairmont usually pay more due to the scale and complexity of events held.
- Universities and Colleges: Institutions such as UC San Diego and San Diego State University host many events, hiring full-time coordinators with stable salaries.
- Event Planning Firms: Specialized agencies may offer opportunities for freelance or contract work, sometimes with variable income.
- Corporate Venues and Convention Centers: These venues involve handling large conferences or trade shows, often resulting in higher pay.
The type and prestige of the establishment can cause noticeable variations in compensation for Event Coordinators.
Related Hospitality Jobs in San Diego for Event Coordinators
If you are exploring hospitality careers related to Event Coordination, here are a few similar roles to consider:
These include Event Manager, Event Planner, and Food and Beverage Manager positions, which involve overlapping skills and responsibilities in hospitality and event services.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Event Coordinators in San Diego
Event Coordinators should be familiar with labor laws and taxation at various government levels to protect their rights and ensure compliance.
- Federal labor standards and employment regulations are available at the U.S. Department of Labor.
- California-specific labor laws and workers’ rights can be found on the California Department of Industrial Relations website.
- Local regulations and employment resources are accessible through the City of San Diego Official Website.