Event Planner Salary in San Mateo, CA
Event Planners in San Mateo, CA, in 2026, earn approximately $30.50 per hour, which translates to about $1,220.00 per week, $5,286.67 per month, and $63,440.00 per year.
The demand for Event Planners in San Mateo is growing positively at about 7% per year, indicating a strong and expanding market for event coordination services in the area.
How Much Does an Event Planner Make in San Mateo, CA?
The salary of an Event Planner in San Mateo varies with experience and employer but generally follows this structure across different levels of expertise.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $17.11 | $684.40 | $2,961.73 | $35,540.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $30.50 | $1,220.00 | $5,286.67 | $63,440.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $55.48 | $2,219.20 | $9,578.13 | $114,998.40 |
Do Event Planners in San Mateo Earn Tips?
Event Planners typically do not earn tips as their role centers on organizing and managing events rather than direct service that involves gratuity. Their compensation is usually derived solely from their salaried or hourly pay.
Event Planner Salary in San Mateo vs. National Average
Nationally, Event Planners earn around $27.36 per hour, which results in approximately $56,908.80 per year.
Compared to the national average, Event Planners in San Mateo earn a higher hourly wage at $30.50 and significantly higher annual pay at $63,440.00 per year. This difference reflects the local market demand and the cost of living in San Mateo.
Highest-Paying Areas Near San Mateo for Event Planners
Nearby areas with higher pay rates for Event Planners include:
- Downtown San Mateo: $32.00 per hour
- Baywood-Aragon: $31.50 per hour
Professionals working in Downtown San Mateo can expect slightly higher earnings, making it a lucrative location within the vicinity.
What Influences an Event Planner’s Salary in San Mateo?
Several factors contribute to variations in an Event Planner's salary in San Mateo:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Event Planners tend to command higher wages due to their proven abilities in managing diverse and complex events.
- Skills and Certifications: Proficiency in project management, negotiation, and technology use, along with recognized certifications, can increase earning potential.
- Type of Employer: Working for large corporations, luxury venues, or high-profile clients often results in better compensation than smaller companies or nonprofits.
- Event Scale and Complexity: Managing larger or more elaborate events usually correlates with higher pay.
- Geographic Location: Salaries are influenced by the local economy and living costs within San Mateo and neighboring regions.
How To Become an Event Planner in San Mateo
Becoming an Event Planner in San Mateo involves several clear steps that can help secure a successful career:
- Education and Training: Pursuing relevant programs like the San Francisco State University Event Planning Certificate or the University of California, Berkeley Extension Event and Meeting Planning course provides essential knowledge on budgeting, marketing, and logistics.
- Professional Certifications: Consider obtaining industry-recognized credentials such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) offered by the Events Industry Council or the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) from the International Live Events Association to enhance credibility and career advancement prospects.
- Gain Experience: Starting with internships or assistant roles in event organizations helps build practical skills.
- Networking: Joining professional event planning associations or attending industry events can create valuable connections for job opportunities.
Top Employers Hiring Event Planners in San Mateo
Some of the top companies actively hiring Event Planners in San Mateo include:
- Apple
- Salesforce
Establishments That Event Planners in San Mateo Work At
Event Planners are employed across a diverse range of establishments in San Mateo:
- Corporate Offices: Planning meetings, product launches, and corporate events often command competitive salaries.
- Hotels and Convention Centers: Larger venues with frequent events may offer higher pay due to the event scale and complexity.
- Event Planning Firms: Specialized agencies provide varied experiences and salaries depending on client base and reputation.
- Nonprofit Organizations and Educational Institutions: These roles may offer less pay but critical experience in event coordination.
Differences in salary arise from the size, location, and clientele of the establishment where the Event Planner is employed.
Related Hospitality Jobs in San Mateo for Event Planners
Those interested in roles similar to Event Planning might also consider these related careers:
These include Event Coordinator, Event Manager, and Event Planner positions, each offering distinct responsibilities within the event management field.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Event Planners in San Mateo
Event Planners need to stay informed on relevant employment laws and tax obligations. Useful resources include: