On average, Event Planners in Columbia earn around $25 per hour. However, earnings can significantly differ based on the restaurant or venue, the scale of events, and the Planner’s level of experience and certification.
If you’re curious about which restaurants and venues in Columbia offer the best pay for Event Planners, this article will walk you through the top-paying spots. We’ll also cover how your pay might vary depending on several important factors and share tips on securing a high-paying role.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Event Planners in Columbia, SC
Columbia offers a variety of venues where Event Planners can earn competitive salaries, particularly in upscale restaurants and hotels with dedicated event spaces. The following are some of the best-paying locations where Planners thrive:
1. Motor Supply Co. Bistro
Known for its farm-to-table menu and intimate setting, Motor Supply Co. Bistro hosts various private events. Their commitment to local sourcing often leads to curated, unique event experiences, providing Event Planners with creative opportunities and rewarding compensation.
2. The Grand Ballroom at Embassy Suites
This spacious ballroom is a premier location for weddings, corporate events and large banquets. The Embassy Suites’ reputation for excellent service means Event Planners are entrusted with high-profile events that come with commensurate pay.
3. Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse
As a popular brewery and restaurant, Hunter-Gatherer offers Planners the chance to coordinate events with a relaxed, trendy vibe. Their focus on craft beverages and community often leads to numerous engaging events, supporting reliable income for Planners.
4. Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin, specializing in seafood, regularly hosts private parties and business events. Its coastal theme and vibrant atmosphere enable Event Planners to work in a distinctive environment with attractive earnings.
5. Lexington Event Venue
Located just outside Columbia in Lexington, this venue serves as an event hub combining dining with event spaces. Planners here handle a variety of events, from weddings to corporate mixers, earning strong wages driven by the venue’s popularity.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Event Planner Earnings in Columbia
The type of establishment Event Planners work at in Columbia plays a critical role in their potential earnings. Upscale restaurants and hotels with dedicated event spaces usually offer higher pay compared to casual dining or fast-casual venues with infrequent events.
Certifications, such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation, and experience working with large or specialized events, can significantly boost compensation.
- Upscale restaurants and hotels: These typically pay more due to higher event budgets and more complex planning requirements.
- Casual dining venues: Often provide event planning on a part-time basis with lower hourly rates.
- Event size and type: Larger events such as weddings or corporate galas tend to have bigger budgets, raising Planner earnings.
- Location and clientele: Venues in affluent parts of Columbia attract events with higher spending, directly influencing pay.
Overall, the more specialized the venue and event, the greater the opportunity for Event Planners to earn a premium wage that reflects the scope and complexity of their responsibilities.
How To Find a High Paying Event Planner Job in Columbia
Research Local Upscale Venues
Start by identifying Columbia’s premium restaurants and hotels with dedicated event spaces. Targeting these venues increases your chances of finding roles with higher pay.
Build Your Credentials
Consider earning certifications such as the CMP to enhance credibility and bargaining power during job negotiations.
Network Widely
Attend local hospitality and business events to meet venue managers and decision-makers. Personal connections often lead to better job leads and insider opportunities.
Prepare a Professional Portfolio
Showcase past successful events with testimonials and photographs. A strong portfolio can set you apart during interviews.
Practice Interview Skills
Be ready to discuss event scenarios, budget handling and vendor coordination. Ill-prepared candidates often miss out on high-paying opportunities.
What’s the Outlook for Event Planner Jobs in Columbia in 2025 and Beyond?
The demand for Event Planners in Columbia is expected to grow steadily through 2025 and beyond, supported by the city’s expanding hospitality sector and increasing number of corporate and social events.
According to labor market projections, the need for skilled planning professionals continues to rise, driven by a vibrant local economy and growing tourism.
Specific factors increasing job opportunities include:
- Growth of corporate headquarters and business meetings
- Steady increase in weddings and private celebrations
- Expansion of hospitality venues requiring dedicated event staff
With the continued growth of the event industry in Columbia, qualified Event Planners who keep their skills sharp will find promising prospects awaiting them.
Is an Event Planner’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Columbia?
Event Planners earning an average of $25 per hour can make approximately $52,000 annually, based on full-time employment. This salary can support a comfortable lifestyle in Columbia.
Typical monthly expenses in Columbia include:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (city center): $1,000
- Utilities (electricity, water, internet): $150
- Groceries: $300 - $400
- Transportation: $100 - $150
With prudent budgeting, Event Planners can afford housing, transportation and daily living costs, and possibly save or invest for the future — especially if working at higher-paying venues with opportunities for bonuses based on event success.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Columbia Event Planner Jobs
The venues selected for this list were chosen based on careful analysis of compensation data, employee reviews and market reputation.
Important factors we considered include:
- Competitive Pay: Restaurants and venues known to offer above-average salaries and bonuses for Event Planning roles.
- Event Volume and Size: Locations that regularly host large or high-profile events, supporting Planner income.
- Benefits and Working Environment: Employers with good benefits packages and positive work culture.
- Location: Venues situated in well-trafficked or upscale areas of Columbia, attracting affluent clientele.
These combined factors create prime employment options for Event Planners seeking to maximize their earnings in Columbia.
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