The average hourly wage for Event Planners in El Paso is typically around $22 per hour. However, it’s important to note that this figure can be just the base pay. Many Event Planners also earn significant additional income through bonuses, commissions and gratuities, which can range from an extra $5 to $15 per hour depending on the event and venue.
So, if you're asking, “What restaurants in El Paso do Event Planners make the most money at?” this article has you covered. We'll explore some of the top-paying restaurants, what influences Event Planner salaries and key tips on how to land the best-paying jobs in this field.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Event Planners in El Paso, TX- 1. Cattleman’s Steakhouse
- 2. The Patio on Mesa
- 3. L & J Cafe
- 4. Anson11 Downtown
- 5. Café Central
- 6. The Hoppy Monk
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Event Planner Earnings in El Paso
- How To Find a High Paying Event Planner Job in El Paso
- What’s the Outlook for Event Planner Jobs in El Paso in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is an Event Planner’s Salary Enough to Live Well in El Paso?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying El Paso Event Planner Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Event Planners in El Paso, TX
El Paso has a variety of restaurants that host events, weddings and corporate functions, providing ample earning opportunities for Event Planners. These places often offer competitive salaries and substantial bonuses based on successful event execution.
Let’s take a look at some of the top restaurants known for providing good pay and growth for Event Planners:
1. Cattleman’s Steakhouse
A local favorite known for its rustic ambiance and authentic Texas steakhouse experience, Cattleman’s Steakhouse frequently hosts large events and special occasions. Its expansive venue spaces create abundant planning opportunities and lucrative event contracts.
2. The Patio on Mesa
This beautifully designed outdoor restaurant offers scenic views and charming spaces for weddings and social gatherings. The Patio on Mesa is popular for upscale private events, which typically generate high tips and bonuses for Event Planners.
3. L & J Cafe
Renowned for its historic ambiance and authentic Mexican cuisine, L & J Cafe is beloved by locals and tourists alike. The restaurant often hosts family celebrations and community events, offering steady work for Event Planners with earnings that include event-specific bonuses.
4. Anson11 Downtown
Anson11 offers a modern atmosphere with a versatile event space, perfect for both corporate functions and private parties. Their emphasis on personalized event planning has resulted in competitive compensation packages for skilled Event Planners.
5. Café Central
Café Central combines an elegant dining experience with bespoke event services. Known for weddings and business luncheons, Event Planners here can expect strong base pay plus potential bonuses tied to event success.
6. The Hoppy Monk
A trendy gastropub with private rooms that frequently hosts live events and celebrations. The restaurant’s growing popularity ensures consistent event bookings and rewarding compensation for planners managing multiple simultaneous events.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Event Planner Earnings in El Paso
The type of restaurant greatly influences an Event Planner’s earning potential. Upscale restaurants and exclusive venues generally offer higher pay, preferring planners with experience managing complex, high-budget events.
In contrast, casual dining establishments and smaller local spots might offer lower base salaries, but some provide steady event work and consistent tip opportunities. Here are a few key factors affecting earnings:
- Casual versus upscale venues: Upscale places typically have larger budgets and more elaborate setups, leading to higher base pay and bonuses.
- Location: Restaurants in central or affluent neighborhoods usually attract higher-spending clients, increasing event budgets and planner pay.
- Certification and experience: Event Planners with professional certifications or a strong portfolio can command higher wages or commissions.
Tips and bonuses from successful events can add $5 to $15 per hour to the base salary, depending on the venue’s clientele and event scale. In more casual settings, the tip bonus might be towards the lower end, whereas upscale venues might yield substantially higher payouts through gratuities and performance bonuses.
How To Find a High Paying Event Planner Job in El Paso
1. Build a Strong Resume Highlighting Relevant Experience
Emphasize your background in event coordination, especially within upscale restaurants or hospitality venues. Highlight successful event management, budgeting and client satisfaction skills to stand out.
2. Network Within the Local Hospitality Industry
Attend industry mixers, trade shows and local events to meet key hiring managers and decision-makers. Personal connections can open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
3. Obtain Certifications
Certifications such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) can boost credibility and salary expectations.
4. Target Upscale Venues and Event Spaces
Research and apply specifically to restaurants and venues known for large-scale or high-profile events, where the pay scale is commensurate with experience and event complexity.
5. Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews
Demonstrate your organizational skills, ability to handle stressful situations and creativity in event planning to impress potential employers.
What’s the Outlook for Event Planner Jobs in El Paso in 2025 and Beyond?
The demand for Event Planners in El Paso is expected to grow moderately through 2025 and beyond. This growth is supported by an expanding hospitality sector, increasing tourism and a steady rise in social and corporate events.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, event planning jobs nationally are projected to increase around 10% over the next decade. El Paso’s unique cultural appeal and growing population are factors that suggest continued local demand.
Restaurants and venues are increasingly outsourcing event planning to skilled professionals rather than relying solely on internal staff, reflecting a trend towards specialized planners and higher salary potential.
Is an Event Planner’s Salary Enough to Live Well in El Paso?
Event Planners in El Paso typically earn around $22 per hour plus tips or bonuses from successful events. This can translate to an annual income range of approximately $45,000 to $55,000, depending on hours worked and event frequency.
The cost of living in El Paso is relatively affordable compared to national averages. Key monthly expenses in 2025 include:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $850
- Utilities (electricity, water, etc.): $150
- Groceries (solo adult): $300
- Transportation (gas/public transit): $100– $150
Given these costs, an Event Planner’s salary combined with tip earnings can provide a comfortable lifestyle in El Paso, with potential to save or invest when working consistently at higher-paying venues.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying El Paso Event Planner Jobs
We selected these restaurants based on a thorough review of job listings, employer feedback and industry reputation within El Paso’s hospitality sector.
- Competitive pay and bonus structures: Establishments offering solid base wages complemented by event-related bonuses or gratuities.
- Location: Favoring venues in high-demand, affluent or popular neighborhoods within El Paso.
- Reputation and opportunities: Restaurants known for hosting sizable, frequent events requiring professional event planning staff with growth potential.
These factors help ensure Event Planners can maximize their income while gaining valuable experience in the El Paso market.
