Event Planner Salary in Columbia, SC
Event Planners in Columbia, SC, in 2025, earn approximately $28.61 per hour, translating to about $1,144.40 per week, $4,959.07 per month, and $59,508.80 per year.
The job market for Event Planners in Columbia is showing positive growth of about 7% per year, indicating a rising demand for professionals skilled in organizing and managing events in the region.
How Much Does an Event Planner Make in Columbia, SC?
The salary of an Event Planner in Columbia varies depending on experience, skills, and employer type. Below is an overview of typical earnings at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.84 | $593.60 | $2,573.87 | $30,886.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $22.98 | $919.20 | $3,963.20 | $47,750.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $39.90 | $1,596.00 | $6,900.00 | $82,992.00 |
Do Event Planners in Columbia Earn Tips?
Event Planners generally do not earn tips as their work is primarily managerial and involves planning rather than direct customer service transactions that typically generate tips.
Event Planner Salary in Columbia, SC vs. National Average
Across the United States, the average hourly wage for Event Planners is about $27.37 per hour, which comes to approximately $56,929.60 annually.
Compared to the national average, Event Planners in Columbia earn slightly more, with an hourly rate of $28.61 and an annual salary of about $59,508.80, reflecting regional industry demand and cost of living factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Columbia for Event Planners
Nearby neighborhoods offer varied earning potential for Event Planners:
- Downtown Columbia: $30.00 per hour
- Forest Acres: $29.50 per hour
Event Planners working in Downtown Columbia tend to command the highest salaries due to the concentration of large venues and corporate events.
What Influences an Event Planner’s Salary in Columbia?
Several key factors can impact how much an Event Planner earns in Columbia:
- Experience and Expertise: More seasoned Event Planners with a proven track record in managing complex events earn higher salaries.
- Skills and Certifications: Strong organizational, communication, and negotiation skills, plus certifications like Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), can enhance salary prospects.
- Type of Employer: Planners working for large corporations, luxury hotels, or top-tier event centers usually earn more than those in smaller organizations.
- Event Types Managed: Those specializing in high-budget weddings, corporate conferences, or major festivals often command premium pay.
- Local Market Demand: Columbia's growth in tourism and business events supports increasing salaries in this field.
How To Become an Event Planner in Columbia
To pursue a career as an Event Planner in Columbia, consider the following steps:
- Education: Enroll in programs such as the University of South Carolina’s Hospitality Management Program that offers comprehensive event planning courses including marketing and hospitality law.
- Practical Training: Midlands Technical College provides an Event Planning Certificate focusing on budgeting and logistics for various event types.
- Obtain Certifications: Professional certifications like Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) demonstrate expertise and commitment.
- Gain Experience: Start in assistant roles or internships to build skills and network within the local hospitality and event sectors.
Top Employers Hiring Event Planners in Columbia
Some of the key establishments in Columbia currently hiring Event Planners include:
- Motor Supply Co. Bistro
- The Grand Ballroom at Embassy Suites
- Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse
Establishments That Event Planners in Columbia Work At
Event Planners in Columbia typically find opportunities in various settings including:
- Hotels and Conference Centers: Often offer higher salaries due to large-scale event management and corporate clientele.
- Restaurants and Banquet Halls: Provide venues for weddings and private parties with moderate pay scales.
- Breweries and Casual Venues: Emerging event spaces that may provide flexible but generally lower salaries.
- Corporate Offices and Nonprofits: Planning internal or fundraising events with different budget scopes.
The size, prestige, and clientele of these establishments can directly influence the compensation Event Planners receive.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Columbia for Event Planners
If you are interested in similar hospitality careers to Event Planner, here are some related roles you might consider:
This includes careers like Event Coordinator, Event Manager, and fellow Event Planner roles, which share many overlapping skills and responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Event Planners in Columbia
Event Planners should be aware of legal and tax considerations affecting their employment in Columbia.
- For comprehensive details on labor laws, refer to the Federal Department of Labor website.
- Specific South Carolina laws and regulations can be found at the State of South Carolina official website.