Event Coordinator Salary in Santa Maria, CA
Event Coordinators in Santa Maria, CA, in 2026, earn approximately $21.79 per hour, which translates to about $871.60 per week, $3,776.93 per month, and $45,323.20 per year.
The job market for Event Coordinators in Santa Maria is looking optimistic, with a forecasted growth rate of 6% per year, indicating increased demand in the event management industry in the area.
How Much Does an Event Coordinator Make in Santa Maria, CA?
The salary of an Event Coordinator in Santa Maria varies based on experience and skill level. Here’s how earnings break down across different experience tiers.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $18.25 | $730.00 | $3,158.33 | $37,960.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $21.79 | $871.60 | $3,776.93 | $45,323.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $26.01 | $1,040.40 | $4,502.80 | $54,100.80 |
Do Event Coordinators in Santa Maria Earn Tips?
Event Coordinators typically do not earn tips as their roles focus on planning, organizing, and managing events behind the scenes rather than direct customer-facing service. Their income generally comes from salary or hourly wages alone.
Event Coordinator Salary in Santa Maria vs. National Average
Nationally, Event Coordinators earn approximately $21.79 per hour or $45,323.20 per year, which aligns perfectly with the Santa Maria average.
Santa Maria’s Event Coordinators are earning at par with the national averages, reflecting a standard local market for this position.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Santa Maria for Event Coordinators
Looking at nearby locations, salary levels for Event Coordinators are slightly higher:
- Santa Maria Downtown: $22.50 per hour
- Orcutt: $23.00 per hour
Those willing to commute to these areas may find better pay prospects compared to the general Santa Maria area.
What Influences an Event Coordinator’s Salary in Santa Maria?
A variety of factors affect how much an Event Coordinator can earn in Santa Maria:
- Experience: More years coordinating events typically lead to higher pay due to proven skills and reliability in planning complex functions.
- Skills and Certifications: Those with advanced interpersonal, budgeting, and organizational skills, or certifications like CMP and CSEP, often command better salaries.
- Type of Employer: Event Coordinators working for larger corporations, specialized event firms, or high-profile venues may earn more than those in smaller companies or nonprofits.
- Event Scale and Complexity: Managing large-scale or specialized events might lead to higher compensation because of increased responsibility.
- Local Market Demand: Economic factors and community event frequency in Santa Maria influence salary ranges for this role.
How To Become an Event Coordinator in Santa Maria
To build a strong career as an Event Coordinator in Santa Maria, you can consider several steps:
- Gain Education and Training: Programs like the Event Planning Certificate Program at Allan Hancock College provide valuable knowledge and skills tailored to event management.
- Explore Hospitality Education: The Hospitality Management Program at Santa Barbara City College covers key aspects of event planning within a broader hospitality framework.
- Obtain Industry Certifications: Certifications such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) establish credibility and expertise in the field.
- Build Experience: Start with internships or assistant positions to gain hands-on experience coordinating events.
Top Employers Hiring Event Coordinators in Santa Maria
Santa Maria’s event scene is supported by various employers looking for talented coordinators, including:
- PCPA Theaterfest
- Kaleidoscope Inn
- Michaels Stores
Establishments That Event Coordinators in Santa Maria Work At
Event Coordinators typically work across a diverse range of venues and organizations, including:
- Hotels and Convention Centers: Often pay higher salaries due to the scale and sophistication of hosted events.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Such positions might offer lower pay but rewarding experience in community engagement events.
- Corporate Offices and Event Planning Firms: Usually provide mid-to-high level salaries with opportunities for advancement.
- Wedding and Banquet Venues: May vary widely in pay depending on size and prestige.
Each type of establishment influences the salary variably based on size, budget, and event complexity.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Santa Maria for Event Coordinators
For those interested in roles similar to Event Coordinator, consider exploring careers such as Event Manager, Event Planner, and Banquet Server, which offer connected opportunities in the hospitality and event management fields.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Event Coordinators in Santa Maria
It is important for Event Coordinators to understand employment regulations and taxes applicable to their work in Santa Maria and California.
- For comprehensive information on federal labor laws, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- California’s specific workplace regulations can be found at the California Department of Industrial Relations site.