Event Planner Salary in Irvine, CA
Event Planners in Irvine, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $30.24 per hour, translating to about $1,209.60 per week, $5,241.60 per month, and $62,899.20 per year.
The demand for Event Planners in Irvine is growing positively at about 10% per year, reflecting an increasing need for professional event coordination in the area’s expanding corporate and social event markets.
How Much Does an Event Planner Make in Irvine, CA?
The salary of an Event Planner in Irvine depends on experience and the specific organization, but the following breakdown offers a general overview.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $25.59 | $1,023.60 | $4,427.40 | $53,120.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $30.24 | $1,209.60 | $5,241.60 | $62,899.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $35.75 | $1,430.00 | $6,183.33 | $74,360.00 |
Do Event Planners in Irvine Earn Tips?
Event Planners typically do not earn tips, as their compensation is usually salary or hourly based due to the professional and organizational nature of the role.
Event Planner Salary in Irvine vs. National Average
Nationally, Event Planners earn an average of around $26.81 per hour, which amounts to approximately $55,764.80 per year.
Compared to the national average, Event Planners in Irvine earn significantly more, at about $30.24 per hour and $62,899.20 annually.
This difference can be attributed to Irvine’s higher cost of living and the demand for skilled coordination in its active event market.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Irvine for Event Planners
Nearby areas offer the following competitive pay rates for Event Planners:
- Foster City: $40.09 per hour
- Stanford: $38.66 per hour
Professionals commuting to Foster City or Stanford may find higher pay than in Irvine, but the city remains attractive due to its business opportunities.
What Influences an Event Planner’s Salary in Irvine?
The salary of an Event Planner in Irvine is influenced by several important factors.
- Experience and Expertise: Event Planners with extensive experience managing large or complex events tend to earn higher salaries.
- Skills and Certifications: Proficiency in project management, budgeting, marketing, and logistics greatly enhances earning potential.
- Type of Employer: Working for large corporations, hotels, or event management companies typically pays more than freelance or small local event planning.
- Event Size and Complexity: Managing major conferences or large weddings often results in higher compensation compared to smaller events.
- Network and Client Base: Established planners with a strong client network may command better pay due to reputation and reliability.
How To Become an Event Planner in Irvine
Becoming an Event Planner in Irvine involves a combination of education, skill building, and certification.
Many aspiring planners take advantage of educational programs such as the University of California, Irvine - Event Management Certificate Program, which offers comprehensive training in budgeting, marketing, and logistics.
California State University, Fullerton also provides a Meeting and Event Planning Certificate, focusing on practical skills useful for organizing corporate meetings and social events.
Industry-recognized certifications like the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), requiring at least 36 months of meeting management experience, and the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) credential from the International Live Events Association, can enhance credibility and career prospects.
Top Employers Hiring Event Planners in Irvine
Several companies and organizations in Irvine regularly hire Event Planners:
- In-N-Out Burger
- Ingram Micro
- UC Irvine
- Edwards Lifesciences
- Four Seasons
Establishments That Event Planners in Irvine Work At
Event Planners in Irvine typically work across a range of establishments, including:
- Corporate Offices: Corporations often employ planners for meetings, conferences, and company events, which generally offer competitive salaries.
- Hotels and Resorts: High-end hotels and resorts, such as the Four Seasons, provide opportunities to organize luxury or large-scale events with potentially higher earnings.
- Catering and Event Planning Companies: These organizations may offer diverse event portfolios and varying pay scales, often dependent on event size and client.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Planners in this sector might handle fundraising events and community programs, usually with moderate pay.
The type of establishment has a significant effect on salary, generally reflecting the event scope and budget involved.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Irvine for Event Planners
For those interested in roles related to Event Planning, several careers share skills and responsibilities.
These include Event Coordinator, Event Manager, and Event Planner positions, each involving event organization with varying levels of leadership and management.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Event Planners in Irvine
Understanding labor laws and tax regulations is crucial for Event Planners working in Irvine.
- Federal labor regulations can be reviewed at the U.S. Department of Labor site.
- California’s specific workplace and labor laws are accessible through the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- Local government information, including employment regulations and resources, is available at the City of Irvine Official Website.