The average hourly wage for Event Planners in Austin is around $25 per hour but their total earnings depend significantly on the venue and event scale. Since tips and bonuses often supplement their salary, Event Planners in Austin can see an additional $5 to $15 per hour through gratuities and performance incentives.
This article will explore which restaurants and venues in Austin pay Event Planners the most and explain how earnings vary depending on several factors. We’ll also cover tips on landing a high-paying Event Planner job and the outlook for these positions in Austin.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Event Planners in Austin, TX- 1. The Driskill
- 2. Truluck’s Seafood Steak and Crab House
- 3. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
- 4. Uchiko
- 5. Jeffrey’s
- 6. Justine’s Brasserie
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Event Planner Earnings
- How To Find a High Paying Event Planner Job in Austin, TX
- What’s the Outlook for Event Planner Jobs in Austin in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Event Planner’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Austin?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Austin Event Planner Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Event Planners in Austin, TX
Austin offers a variety of venues and high-end restaurants where Event Planners can command impressive salaries, bolstered by tip opportunities and performance bonuses. These venues are known for hosting weddings, corporate events and upscale private dinners.
Below are some of the top-paying establishments to consider if you want to maximize your Event Planning income in Austin:
1. The Driskill
Opened in 1886, The Driskill is an iconic luxury Hotel and event venue in downtown Austin. It blends historic charm with upscale amenities, making it a prime location for lavish events and corporate functions, offering great earning potential for skilled Event Planners.
2. Truluck’s Seafood Steak and Crab House
Known for its fresh seafood and steak offerings, Truluck’s offers an elegant atmosphere ideal for high-end private events. Event Planners here benefit from managing upscale gatherings with high budgets and generous client expectations.
3. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
This upscale seafood and steakhouse in Austin is celebrated for its live jazz and refined ambiance. Their Event Planning team frequently coordinates large-scale affairs, from corporate galas to intimate luxury dinners, allowing Planners to earn premium pay.
4. Uchiko
Uchiko serves contemporary Japanese cuisine in a sleek atmosphere famous for innovative dishes. Event Planners here often organize sophisticated and trendy social events, resulting in higher compensation opportunities.
5. Jeffrey’s
Established as one of Austin’s premier fine dining steakhouses, Jeffrey’s hosts private events with high-end clientele seeking top-notch service. Event Planners benefit from the venue’s reputation, often commanding strong salaries and bonuses.
6. Justine’s Brasserie
A charming French brasserie blending a casual yet chic vibe, Justine’s Brasserie is popular for both casual gatherings and upscale private parties. Event Planners enjoy variability in events, combining steady work with lucrative tips.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Event Planner Earnings
The type of Restaurant or venue significantly influences what Event Planners can earn in Austin. Upscale Restaurants and specialty event venues tend to pay higher base wages and provide greater tipping and bonus opportunities than casual dining establishments.
Event Planners working in fine dining establishments or historic venues often handle larger or more complex events, which require advanced project management skills and industry certifications. These establishments typically pay competitively to attract top talent.
Conversely, Planners at more casual or chain Restaurants may experience steadier but generally lower income. Tips and bonuses in these settings generally fall between $5 to $10 per hour while upscale venues can push tip and bonus income to $15 to $30 per hour or more.
How To Find a High Paying Event Planner Job in Austin, TX
Explore Upscale Venues
Research venues known for high-end events such as luxury Hotels, exclusive Restaurants and dedicated event spaces. These locations typically have higher budgets and need experienced Planners to manage their operations.
Build a Strong Portfolio
Showcase previous Event Planning experience, emphasizing high-profile or complex events you’ve managed. Include testimonials and photographs to demonstrate your competence and style.
Network Strategically
Attend Austin hospitality and event industry meetups and conferences. Building relationships with Venue Managers, Caterers and Vendors increases your exposure to premium job openings.
Develop Relevant Certifications
Certifications such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) enhance your credibility and can boost your earning potential at upscale establishments.
Prepare Impactful Applications
Tailor your cover letter and resume to highlight skills and successes relevant to the specific venue or type of events they host. Demonstrate enthusiasm for Austin’s vibrant event scene and describe how you can add value.
What’s the Outlook for Event Planner Jobs in Austin in 2025 and Beyond?
The Event Planning profession in Austin is expected to grow at a steady pace through 2025 and beyond. Austin's booming economy, expanding tech industry and reputation as a vibrant cultural hub contribute to increased demand for high-quality Event Coordination.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Event Planning jobs are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations nationally, driven by corporate meetings, conventions, weddings and special events.
Specific factors fueling Austin’s demand include:
- Rapid population and business growth creating a need for more corporate and social events
- Expansion of conference and event facilities around the city and the convention center
- Emergence of innovative event technologies requiring skilled Planners to leverage them
For Event Planners willing to continuously upgrade their skills and adapt to new trends, Austin offers significant long-term career opportunities.
Is a Event Planner’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Austin?
Combining the average hourly wage of $25 with additional tip and bonus earnings ranging from $5 to $15 per hour, Event Planners in Austin can earn between approximately $62,400 and $84,000 annually assuming full-time work.
Austin's cost of living remains moderate compared to major U.S. metropolitan areas. Here’s a snapshot of estimated monthly expenses in 2025:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $1,400
- Utilities (electricity, water, etc.): $150
- Transportation (public transit or gas): $100–$150
- Groceries (solo adult): $350–$500
Event Planners earning at or above the city average salary often find it feasible to cover rent, utilities, groceries and still save or enjoy discretionary spending in Austin’s vibrant cultural scene.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Austin Event Planner Jobs
We selected venues based on comprehensive research including current job listings, venue reputation and feedback from industry insiders in Austin’s event and hospitality sectors.
Factors prioritized include:
- Competitive Compensation: Establishments offering high base pay plus tipping or bonus opportunities
- Prestigious Venue Reputation: Known for hosting upscale, well-attended events
- Consistent Event Volume: Locations with steady bookings offering reliable work schedules
- Positive Work Environment: Venues recognized for supporting employee growth and good working conditions
These elements combined create the best environments for Event Planners to maximize earnings and build rewarding careers in Austin.
