Event Planner Salary in St. Petersburg, FL
Event Planners in St. Petersburg, FL, in 2025, earn approximately $24.90 per hour, which translates to about $996.00 per week, $4,316.00 per month, and $51,792.00 per year.
The demand for Event Planners in St. Petersburg is growing steadily at about 6% per year, indicating a positive outlook for opportunities in event coordination and management in the region.
How Much Does an Event Planner Make in St. Petersburg, FL?
The salary of an Event Planner in St. Petersburg varies based on experience and expertise, with clear differences evident across entry-level, mid-level, and top-earning positions.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.00 | $640.00 | $2,773.33 | $33,280.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $24.40 | $976.00 | $4,213.33 | $50,752.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $40.09 | $1,603.60 | $6,931.87 | $83,387.20 |
Do Event Planners in St. Petersburg Earn Tips?
Event Planners typically do not earn tips as their primary compensation comes from their salary or contractual payments rather than gratuities; their role focuses on organization and management rather than direct service that customarily earns tips.
Event Planner Salary in St. Petersburg vs. National Average
Nationally, Event Planners earn an average of around $23.27 per hour, translating to about $48,401.60 per year.
Compared to the national average, Event Planners in St. Petersburg earn slightly more with an hourly wage of $24.90 and an annual salary of $51,792.00.
This higher salary can reflect regional factors such as local demand, cost of living, and economic activity in hospitality and event industries.
Highest-Paying Areas Near St. Petersburg for Event Planners
Nearby areas offer varied compensation for Event Planners as follows:
- Downtown St. Petersburg: $26.50 per hour
- Old Northeast: $25.80 per hour
Those working in Downtown St. Petersburg might enjoy the highest pay, likely due to proximity to major venues and businesses.
What Influences an Event Planner’s Salary in St. Petersburg?
The salary of an Event Planner in St. Petersburg is affected by multiple factors:
- Experience and Education: Event Planners with more years in the field or who hold specialized certifications tend to command higher salaries.
- Skill Set: Skills such as budget management, vendor negotiation, and marketing can enhance earning potential.
- Type of Employer: Working for large hotels, resorts, or event management companies may offer greater pay than smaller firms or freelance work.
- Event Complexity and Scale: Managers handling high-profile or large-scale events often earn more compensation.
- Local Market Demand: The higher the demand for event planning services in St. Petersburg, the better the salary prospects.
How To Become an Event Planner in St. Petersburg
Becoming a successful Event Planner requires a combination of education, experience, and credentials:
- Obtain Relevant Education: Consider programs like the University of South Florida’s Meeting and Event Planning Certificate Program, which offers comprehensive training on budgeting, marketing, and logistics.
- Participate in Hospitality Programs: St. Petersburg College’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Program provides focused education in event planning and coordination.
- Earn Professional Certifications: Certifications such as Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) demonstrate expertise and enhance professional reputation.
- Gain Practical Experience: Internships and entry-level roles in event coordination help build necessary skills and establish networks.
Top Employers Hiring Event Planners in St. Petersburg
Several prominent organizations in St. Petersburg continuously seek skilled Event Planners:
- Marriott International
- Hilton Hotels & Resorts
- The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
Establishments That Event Planners in St. Petersburg Work At
Event Planners work in diverse venues, including:
- Hotels and Resorts: These typically offer structured environments with consistent pay and opportunities for high-profile event planning.
- Conference Centers and Convention Halls: Planners here often deal with larger-scale events and corporate clients, potentially increasing earning potential.
- Wedding and Banquet Facilities: These venues require planners adept at personalizing events, which may influence salary based on event complexity.
- Corporate and Nonprofit Organizations: Working directly for companies or NGOs may offer benefits and salary stability.
The type of establishment greatly impacts salary, with larger venues or corporate employers generally offering higher wages.
Related Hospitality Jobs in St. Petersburg for Event Planners
If you are interested in careers related to Event Planning, consider these similar roles:
These include Event Manager, Event Coordinator, and Restaurant Manager, positions that share overlapping skills and responsibilities in hospitality and event services.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Event Planners in St. Petersburg
Event Planners should be aware of applicable labor laws and tax regulations to ensure compliance and proper financial management.
- Check federal employment standards on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Review state-specific labor market information and employment services at FloridaJobs.org.
- Explore local employment resources via the City of St. Petersburg official website.