Event Planner Salary in Thornton, CO
Event Planners in Thornton, CO, in 2025, earn approximately $22.14 per hour, which translates to about $885.60 per week, $3,837.60 per month, and $46,051.20 per year.
The demand for Event Planners in Thornton is growing at a healthy rate of 7% per year, indicating an optimistic outlook and increasing opportunities for professionals in this field.
How Much Does an Event Planner Make in Thornton, CO?
The salary of an Event Planner in Thornton varies based on experience and expertise. Below is an overview of earnings for different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $17.20 | $688.00 | $2,968.00 | $35,616.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $22.14 | $885.60 | $3,837.60 | $46,051.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $28.49 | $1,139.60 | $4,930.53 | $59,299.20 |
Do Event Planners in Thornton, CO Earn Tips?
Event Planners generally do not earn tips as their compensation is mainly salary-based or hourly wages, reflecting the professional and administrative nature of this role rather than direct customer service transactions.
Event Planner Salary in Thornton, CO vs. National Average
Across the United States, Event Planners earn an average of about $27.37 per hour, which translates to roughly $56,929.60 per year.
Comparing this with Thornton’s local average of $22.14 per hour and $46,051.20 annually, we see that Event Planners in Thornton currently earn slightly less than the national average. Factors like local cost of living and demand influence this variance.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Thornton, CO for Event Planners
Nearby areas offer varying salary prospects for Event Planners:
- Westminster: $39.18 per hour
- Longmont: $33.25 per hour
Event Planners commuting to Westminster or Longmont can expect significantly higher hourly wages compared to Thornton, reflecting greater demand or more upscale event markets in those areas.
What Influences an Event Planner’s Salary in Thornton, CO?
Several important factors can influence how much an Event Planner earns in Thornton:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Event Planners or those with a track record of managing large, complex events generally command higher salaries.
- Skills and Certifications: Skills in budgeting, negotiation, marketing, and project management, along with certifications like Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), enhance earning potential.
- Type of Event and Clientele: Planners working on corporate events, large weddings, or high-profile social events tend to make more than those focused on small-scale community gatherings.
- Size and Reputation of Employer: Employment with established event management firms, hotels, or catering companies can offer better compensation and perks.
- Geographic Location: Salary levels can vary depending on the demand and living costs of neighboring cities and regions.
How To Become an Event Planner in Thornton, CO
Becoming a successful Event Planner in Thornton involves several strategic steps:
- Educational Programs: Completing an Event Planning Certificate at Metropolitan State University of Denver can provide comprehensive training on event coordination, budgeting, and marketing strategies.
- Higher Education: Pursuing a degree like the Hospitality Management Program at University of Denver offers an excellent foundation in event management and business operations.
- Professional Certifications: Obtaining certifications such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) can validate expertise and improve career prospects.
- Hands-On Experience: Internships or entry-level positions at event companies or venues help build practical skills and networking connections.
Top Employers Hiring Event Planners in Thornton, CO
Some of the key employers recruiting Event Planners in Thornton include:
- Event Rents
- Occasions Catering
- AXS Group
Establishments That Event Planners in Thornton, CO Work At
Event Planners find opportunities across many types of establishments including:
- Hotels and Resorts: Large hospitality venues with frequent events offer stable roles and typically higher salaries due to the scale of events.
- Catering Companies: Catering firms employ planners to coordinate food events and parties, where budgets and complexity affect pay.
- Event Management Companies: Specialized firms focus solely on planning, providing opportunities for growth and diverse project experiences.
- Corporate and Nonprofit Organizations: Internal event teams plan meetings, conferences, and fundraisers with compensation varying by organization size.
The scale and type of the establishment can significantly impact salaries, with corporate and large hospitality venues often offering the highest pay.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Thornton, CO for Event Planners
Those interested in careers similar to Event Planner might consider roles that share skills in organization and coordination.
This includes the roles of Event Planner, Event Manager, and Event Coordinator, which involve related responsibilities with varying levels of oversight and specialization.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Event Planners in Thornton, CO
Event Planners in Thornton should stay informed about labor and tax regulations to ensure compliance and understand their rights.
- For Colorado state labor laws and related guidance, the State of Colorado official website is a valuable resource.
- The U.S. Department of Labor official website provides federal regulations on wages, overtime, and workplace rights.