Event Planner Salary in Hampton, VA
Event Planners in Hampton, VA, in 2026, earn approximately $31.00 per hour, which translates to about $1,240.00 per week, $5,373.33 per month, and $64,480.00 per year.
The demand for Event Planners in Hampton is increasing with a positive growth rate of 7% per year, reflecting a promising outlook for this profession in the region.
How Much Does an Event Planner Make in Hampton, VA?
The salary of an Event Planner in Hampton varies by experience level and employer type. Below is an overview of typical earnings across different experience stages.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $28.00 | $1,120.00 | $4,853.33 | $58,240.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $31.00 | $1,240.00 | $5,373.33 | $64,480.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $34.00 | $1,360.00 | $5,906.67 | $70,720.00 |
Do Event Planners in Hampton Earn Tips?
Event Planners typically do not earn tips as their compensation is usually built into salaried or contract agreements. Their income primarily comes from their wages rather than gratuities.
Event Planner Salary in Hampton vs. National Average
The national average hourly wage for Event Planners is approximately $27.37 per hour, which amounts to about $56,929.60 per year.
Compared to this, Event Planners in Hampton earn a higher hourly rate at $31.00 and a yearly salary of $64,480.00, suggesting that Hampton offers competitive compensation in this field.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Hampton for Event Planners
When considering nearby areas, pay rates differ slightly for Event Planners:
- Downtown Hampton: $32.00 per hour
- Phoebus: $31.50 per hour
Event Planners working in Downtown Hampton enjoy the highest hourly wages among these localities, while Phoebus remains close behind, making both attractive locations for professionals in this role.
What Influences an Event Planner’s Salary in Hampton?
Several factors play a role in determining the salary of an Event Planner in Hampton:
- Experience and Industry Expertise: Event Planners with extensive experience and a strong portfolio tend to command higher salaries.
- Skills: Proficiency in budgeting, vendor negotiation, marketing, and project management enhances earning potential.
- Type of Employer: Salaries tend to be higher when working for large event venues, convention centers, or corporate clients versus small firms or nonprofits.
- Certifications and Education: Holding recognized certifications such as Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) often result in better pay.
- Local Market Demand: Economic conditions and local business activities in Hampton influence available opportunities and wages.
How To Become an Event Planner in Hampton
Building a career as an Event Planner in Hampton involves several key steps:
- Education and Training: Consider enrolling in programs such as the Event Planning Certificate Program at Thomas Nelson Community College, which covers budgeting, marketing, and logistics.
- Obtain a Degree: Pursuing a bachelor's degree through the Hospitality Management Program at Hampton University adds substantial value with courses in event management and hospitality law.
- Earn Professional Certifications: Certifications including Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) are highly respected and can increase hiring prospects.
- Gain Practical Experience: Internships or entry-level positions in event coordination provide hands-on experience necessary to succeed in this field.
Top Employers Hiring Event Planners in Hampton
Some of the main employers actively recruiting Event Planners in Hampton include:
- Hampton Roads Convention Center
- City of Hampton
- Hampton University
Establishments That Event Planners in Hampton Work At
Event Planners in Hampton typically find employment in various settings including:
- Convention Centers and Event Venues: These often provide stable employment with competitive salaries and benefits.
- Hotels and Resorts: Event Planners here may work on weddings, corporate events, and conferences, usually enjoying higher pay.
- Nonprofits and Community Organizations: These roles may offer more modest salaries but valuable experience.
- Corporate and Marketing Firms: Planners may work primarily on promotional or corporate events, sometimes earning premium pay based on event budgets.
The type of establishment directly influences salary ranges, with larger venues and corporate employers generally offering the most advantageous compensation packages.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Hampton for Event Planners
If you are exploring careers related to Event Planning, consider the following roles that share similar skills and environments.
These include Event Coordinator, Event Manager, and Event Planner, roles that overlap in responsibilities and skills within the hospitality and events industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Event Planners in Hampton
Understanding labor laws and tax regulations is crucial for Event Planners to protect their rights and comply with legal requirements.
- Refer to the Federal Department of Labor website for comprehensive labor laws and employment information.
- Virginia’s specific labor laws and employment resources can be accessed at the Virginia government website.
- For local employment regulations and city-specific resources, visit the City of Hampton official website.