Event Planner Salary in Bakersfield, CA
Event Planners in Bakersfield, CA, in 2026, earn approximately $33.22 per hour, which translates to about $1,328.80 per week, $5,758.13 per month, and $69,097.60 per year.
The job outlook for Event Planners in Bakersfield is promising with a growth rate of 8% per year, indicating increasing demand for skilled professionals in organizing and coordinating successful events.
How Much Does an Event Planner Make in Bakersfield, CA?
Salary levels for Event Planners in Bakersfield vary based on experience, skill, and specific responsibilities. Here's a breakdown of the typical earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $30.05 | $1,202.00 | $5,208.67 | $62,496.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $33.22 | $1,328.80 | $5,758.13 | $69,097.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $36.59 | $1,463.60 | $6,320.13 | $75,987.20 |
Do Event Planners in Bakersfield Earn Tips?
Event Planners typically do not earn tips as their compensation is mainly based on salaries or fees charged for their planning services rather than direct customer gratuities.
Event Planner Salary in Bakersfield vs. National Average
Nationally, Event Planners earn an average of about $28.85 per hour, which amounts to approximately $60,008 per year.
By comparison, Event Planners in Bakersfield earn higher wages, at around $33.22 per hour and $69,097.60 annually, reflecting regional market demands and cost of living influences.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Bakersfield for Event Planners
Nearby locations offer varying pay scales for Event Planners, including:
- Downtown Bakersfield: $34.50 per hour
- Seven Oaks: $35.00 per hour
Event Planners working in these areas can expect slightly higher salaries compared to the overall Bakersfield average.
What Influences an Event Planner’s Salary in Bakersfield?
Several factors can impact how much an Event Planner earns in Bakersfield:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced planners with proven track records in larger or more complex events typically command higher pay.
- Specialized Skills: Proficiency in budgeting, vendor negotiation, and marketing can boost earning potential.
- Type of Employer: Salaries differ depending on whether the planner works for corporate firms, wedding planning companies, or non-profits.
- Event Scale and Complexity: Larger conferences or high-profile events usually provide opportunities for higher compensation.
How To Become an Event Planner in Bakersfield
Starting a career as an Event Planner involves several key steps:
- Education and Training: Formal training programs such as the Event Planning Certificate Program at California State University, Bakersfield, provide comprehensive knowledge about budgeting, marketing, and logistics.
- Hospitality Knowledge: Completing the Hospitality Management Program at Bakersfield College offers valuable coursework relevant to event coordination.
- Professional Certifications: Earning certifications like the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) can enhance credibility and job prospects.
- Gain Practical Experience: Seeking internships, volunteering, or entry-level positions helps build hands-on skills.
Top Employers Hiring Event Planners in Bakersfield
Some of the key employers in Bakersfield actively seeking Event Planners include:
- Aera Energy
- Kern Medical
- Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center
Establishments That Event Planners in Bakersfield Work At
Event Planners in Bakersfield typically work in diverse settings, such as:
- Corporate offices and event management firms: These usually offer structured roles with stable salaries and benefits.
- Hotels and convention centers: Often demanding planners to organize large-scale events with potentially higher pay.
- Wedding and party planning companies: May offer flexible schedules but variable income opportunities.
- Non-profit organizations and government agencies: These can provide steady work but sometimes lower salaries depending on budgets.
The nature of the establishment can significantly influence the salary and career advancement possibilities for Event Planners.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Bakersfield for Event Planners
If you are interested in careers related to Event Planning, here are a few similar roles worth exploring:
These include Event Coordinator, Event Manager, and Event Planner, all of which involve overlapping skills in managing and organizing events.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Event Planners in Bakersfield
It’s important for Event Planners to understand the regulatory environment affecting their work and compensation in Bakersfield:
- Consult the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics website for federal labor and occupational information.
- The California Employment Development Department offers valuable state-specific employment and labor market data.
- For local resources and business regulations, visit the City of Bakersfield's official site.