Event Planner Salary in Albuquerque, NM
Event Planners in Albuquerque, NM, in 2025, earn approximately $14.02 per hour, which translates to about $560.80 per week, $2,430.13 per month, and $29,161.60 per year.
The demand for Event Planners in Albuquerque is showing positive growth, with a 7% increase per year expected, indicating expanding opportunities in the event planning industry in this region.
How Much Does an Event Planner Make in Albuquerque, NM?
Event Planner salaries in Albuquerque vary depending on experience and employer size, but below is a general view of typical earnings at different career stages.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.04 | $401.60 | $1,740.53 | $20,899.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.02 | $560.80 | $2,430.13 | $29,161.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.57 | $782.80 | $3,386.13 | $40,705.60 |
Do Event Planners in Albuquerque Earn Tips?
Event Planners generally do not earn tips because their compensation typically comes from their salary or contract fees, not from gratuities like in direct customer service roles.
Event Planner Salary in Albuquerque vs. National Average
Nationally, Event Planners earn an average hourly wage of around $24.79 and about $51,563.20 per year.
Compared to this, Event Planners in Albuquerque make less, at about $14.02 per hour and $29,161.60 annually, which may reflect local cost of living and regional employer budgets.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Albuquerque for Event Planners
Nearby areas offer these rates for Event Planners:
- Downtown Albuquerque: $15.50 per hour
- Nob Hill: $16.00 per hour
These areas have slightly higher pay compared to the city average, possibly due to the presence of more upscale venues and corporate clients.
What Influences an Event Planner’s Salary in Albuquerque?
Several factors can affect how much an Event Planner earns in Albuquerque:
- Experience: More years planning various types of events usually lead to higher pay.
- Skills and Specializations: Expertise in corporate, wedding, or large-scale event management may command better salaries.
- Type of Employer: Working for luxury hotels, resorts, or large conference centers tends to offer more competitive pay.
- Event Size and Complexity: Handling larger, more complex events typically brings higher compensation.
- Networking and Reputation: Established planners with strong industry connections often secure more lucrative contracts.
How To Become an Event Planner in Albuquerque
Becoming an Event Planner in Albuquerque involves several strategic steps:
- Education: Consider completing credential programs such as the University of New Mexico’s Event Planning Certificate Program or Central New Mexico Community College’s Hospitality and Tourism Program which covers relevant event planning courses.
- Certification: Gain professional certifications like the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) credentials to enhance credibility and skills.
- Practical Experience: Get hands-on experience by assisting established planners or volunteering at events to build your portfolio.
- Networking: Join local event planning associations or industry groups to connect with potential clients and employers.
Top Employers Hiring Event Planners in Albuquerque
Prominent employers seeking skilled Event Planners in the Albuquerque area include:
- Heritage Hotels & Resorts
- Sandia Resort & Casino
- Albuquerque Convention Center
Establishments That Event Planners in Albuquerque Work At
Event Planners in Albuquerque typically work at a range of establishments:
- Hotels and Resorts: Often provide higher salaries due to large-scale events and corporate functions.
- Convention Centers: Offer opportunities to plan varied events with diverse budgets.
- Wedding and Banquet Halls: Salaries may vary but can be lucrative for experienced planners due to volume of events.
- Corporate Event Firms: Focus on business conferences and meetings, often with steadier pay.
The type of establishment often influences salary based on event scale, frequency, and client budgets.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Albuquerque for Event Planners
If you are interested in related roles to Event Planning, some similar career options include:
These roles are Event Coordinator, Event Manager, and Event Planner, all of which involve planning and organizing events but may differ in scope and responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Event Planners in Albuquerque
Event Planners in Albuquerque should be aware of labor and tax regulations that impact their employment.
- New Mexico labor laws and employment resources can be found at the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.
- For federal tax information and employer requirements, the Internal Revenue Service website provides comprehensive guidance.
- The U.S. Department of Labor covers federal labor standards and protections.