Event Planner Salary in Louisville, KY
Event Planners in Louisville, KY, in 2025, earn approximately $21.49 per hour, which translates to about $859.60 per week, $3,724.93 per month, and $44,699.20 per year.
The demand for Event Planners in Louisville is growing positively at about 8% per year, indicating a promising outlook for professionals in the event planning industry within the region.
How Much Does an Event Planner Make in Louisville, KY?
The earnings of an Event Planner in Louisville can vary based on experience, skill level, and employer type. The following table outlines typical salaries based on experience.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $20.86 | $834.40 | $3,615.73 | $43,984.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $21.49 | $859.60 | $3,724.93 | $44,699.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $22.14 | $885.60 | $3,773.47 | $45,955.20 |
Do Event Planners in Louisville Earn Tips?
Event Planners generally do not earn tips. Their compensation typically comes from their salary or hourly wages as they are usually salaried professionals managing event logistics rather than receiving direct gratuities.
Event Planner Salary in Louisville vs. National Average
Nationally, Event Planners make on average around $23.36 per hour, which translates to about $48,588.80 per year.
Compared to the national average, Event Planners in Louisville earn slightly less, at about $21.49 per hour and $44,699.20 annually.
This difference may reflect regional cost of living variances and local market demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Louisville for Event Planners
Nearby areas offer the following average hourly wages for Event Planners:
- Downtown: $22.50 per hour
- East End: $23.00 per hour
The East End leads as the highest-paying area for Event Planners close to Louisville, which can be a consideration for job seekers willing to commute.
What Influences an Event Planner’s Salary in Louisville?
Several key factors influence an Event Planner's salary in Louisville:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Event Planners commanding advanced organizational and negotiation skills generally earn higher wages.
- Type of Events Managed: Specialists in weddings, corporate events, or large-scale conventions may have different earning potential.
- Size and Reputation of Employer: Working for prestigious event management companies or large corporations often leads to better compensation.
- Certifications and Training: Holding recognized credentials can increase earning power.
- Networking and Local Demand: Strong local connections and the current event market growth also play roles.
How To Become an Event Planner in Louisville
Starting a career as an Event Planner in Louisville involves several steps to build skills and credentials:
- Obtain Relevant Education: Programs like Event Management and Design offer foundational knowledge in planning and coordination.
- Earn Certifications: Consider pursuing recognized certifications such as Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) to demonstrate expertise.
- Specialized Training: Courses like the Certified Master Wedding and Event Planner offered by West Kentucky Community & Technical College can provide comprehensive training tailored to the event planning industry.
- Gain Experience: Internships or assistant roles at event planning firms help develop practical skills.
Top Employers Hiring Event Planners in Louisville
Notable companies actively hiring Event Planners in Louisville include:
- ADP
- The Jam Brands
- Brown-Forman
Establishments That Event Planners in Louisville Work At
Event Planners typically find work across a variety of establishments, including:
- Corporate Entities: Planning corporate meetings and conferences, often offering stable pay with benefits.
- Wedding and Banquet Venues: Specialized planning tends to yield diverse pay based on event size and client budget.
- Convention Centers and Hotels: These locations often employ full-time planners with competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement.
- Non-Profit and Community Organizations: May offer varied pay scales often dependent on event funding.
The establishment type affects salary due to varying event complexity, client budgets, and organizational scale.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Louisville for Event Planners
If you're considering related career paths, here are some roles similar to Event Planner:
The listed roles include Event Coordinator, Event Manager, and Event Planner itself, which reflect varying responsibilities and experience levels in the event management field.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Event Planners in Louisville
Event Planners should consider federal, state, and local labor laws to ensure proper compliance with employment regulations.
- Visit the U.S. Department of Labor for federal labor law information.
- For Kentucky-specific employment regulations, consult the Kentucky Career Center.
- Local ordinances and workforce resources can be accessed through the Louisville government website.