Event Planner Salary in Cambridge, MA
Event Planners in Cambridge, MA, in 2025, earn approximately $28.07 per hour, which translates to about $1,122.80 per week, $4,865.47 per month, and $58,385.60 per year.
The job demand for Event Planners in Cambridge is growing positively at about 7% per year, reflecting a promising and expanding market for event coordination and planning services within the city and its surroundings.
How Much Does an Event Planner Make in Cambridge, MA?
The salary of an Event Planner in Cambridge varies depending on factors such as experience, the scale of events managed, and the employer. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $25.30 | $1,012.00 | $4,381.33 | $52,624.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $28.07 | $1,122.80 | $4,865.47 | $58,385.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $31.13 | $1,245.20 | $5,387.47 | $64,750.40 |
Do Event Planners in Cambridge Earn Tips?
Event Planners generally do not earn tips as their compensation is typically salary or hourly wage-based due to the professional and organizational nature of the role. Their earnings rely primarily on negotiated rates rather than gratuities.
Event Planner Salary in Cambridge vs. National Average
Nationally, Event Planners earn an average of around $22.76 per hour, which totals approximately $47,340.80 per year.
Compared to the national average, Event Planners in Cambridge earn considerably more, at about $28.07 per hour and $58,385.60 annually. This difference is likely influenced by Cambridge’s higher cost of living and the demand for skilled event planning professionals.
Moreover, the local demand for event organizing—spanning corporate, social, and academic sectors—supports these higher wages.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Cambridge for Event Planners
Nearby cities offer varied salaries for Event Planners, with some locations providing higher pay than Cambridge:
- Waltham: $34.53 per hour
- Lowell: $40.97 per hour
Event Planners willing to commute or relocate to Lowell might find significantly higher pay opportunities, followed by Waltham, compared to Cambridge.
What Influences an Event Planner’s Salary in Cambridge?
Several key factors influence the salary of an Event Planner in Cambridge:
- Experience Level: Event Planners with extensive years in the industry and proven track records typically command higher salaries.
- Skill Set and Certifications: Specialized skills like budgeting, marketing, vendor negotiations, and certifications can increase earning potential.
- Type of Employer: Large corporations, top-tier event agencies, or specialized non-profits may offer higher pay than smaller firms.
- Event Scale and Complexity: Those handling large, high-profile or multi-day events usually earn more than those organizing small-scale gatherings.
- Geographic Location: Cambridge’s urban setting and higher cost of living generally lead to higher salaries compared to rural areas.
How To Become an Event Planner in Cambridge
To become an Event Planner in Cambridge, aspiring professionals can take various steps to secure their position and improve their salaries.
- Gain Relevant Education: Completing programs such as the Boston University Certificate in Meeting and Event Planning provides comprehensive knowledge about budgeting, marketing, and logistics.
- Enroll in Targeted Training: The Emerson College Event Planning and Management Program focuses on event design, production, and management, shaping career-ready planners.
- Obtain Industry Certifications: Credentials like the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) validate expertise and enhance job prospects.
- Build Practical Experience: Starting in roles like Event Coordinator or Assistant Planner allows for skill development and networking exposure.
- Develop Soft Skills: Effective communication, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities are critical in managing successful events.
Top Employers Hiring Event Planners in Cambridge
Key organizations in Cambridge known for recruiting skilled Event Planners include:
- HubSpot
- Mount Auburn Cemetery
- Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
Establishments That Event Planners in Cambridge Work At
Event Planners in Cambridge find employment in various establishments, often influencing their salary level:
- Corporate Event Firms: Handling meetings, conferences, and product launches, often paying competitive salaries.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Planning fundraisers and community events, which might offer moderate pay but rewarding experiences.
- Universities and Academic Institutions: Organizing seminars, graduations, and lectures, sometimes with stable employment benefits.
- Wedding and Social Event Planning Companies: Focus on personal milestone celebrations, with pay varying by event scale and client budgets.
The salary can differ widely depending on the establishment’s size, clientele, and event budgets handled.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Cambridge for Event Planners
If you are interested in careers similar to Event Planning, here are a few related roles worth considering:
These include Event Coordinator, Event Manager, and Event Planner, roles that build upon similar planning and organizational skills.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Event Planners in Cambridge
Event Planners in Cambridge should be familiar with relevant labor laws and tax regulations to navigate employment conditions effectively.
- Details on state labor laws, including wage and hour requirements, can be found on the Official Massachusetts government website.
- For information on federal labor regulations and employment statistics, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's official website.