What Restaurants Do Event Planners Make the Most Money at in Los Angeles, CA?

The average hourly wage for Event Planners in Los Angeles is approximately $28 per hour. Earnings for Event Planners can vary widely depending on the venue, the nature of the events and the clientele they serve.

If you're curious about which restaurants pay Event Planners the best in Los Angeles, this article will guide you through some of the city’s top-paying dining establishments and how restaurant type, location and reputation influence compensation. We’ll also discuss tips to help you find a high-paying Event Planner position in LA.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Event Planners in Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles boasts a dynamic event scene supported by restaurants that specialize in hosting prestigious and large-scale events. From elegant rooftop venues to historic landmarks, these establishments offer opportunities for Event Planners to earn competitive salaries due to complex event demands and affluent clientele.

Here are some notable high-paying restaurants and venues where Event Planners thrive:

1. The Bazaar by José Andrés

This Las Vegas-inspired restaurant combines gourmet cuisine with playful décor and an innovative approach to dining. Event Planners here oversee unique and high-profile events that attract celebrities and upscale clients, thanks to its acclaimed Chef and artistic atmosphere.

2. Perch LA

Offering stunning rooftop views of downtown Los Angeles, Perch is popular for weddings, corporate gatherings and private parties. It’s an ideal location for Event Planners looking for a venue that blends urban charm with outdoor elegance.

3. The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

Although technically in Pasadena, this historic Hotel includes multiple elegant dining spaces perfect for lavish celebrations. Its reputation for luxury means Event Planners can command higher rates for coordinating sophisticated events.

4. The Little Door

Known for its quaint, romantic ambiance and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, The Little Door caters to intimate weddings and special events. Event Planners here benefit from a supportive management team focused on creating memorable guest experiences.

5. Faith & Flower

Located in downtown LA, Faith & Flower is famed for its modern Californian cuisine and stylish event spaces. The venue’s central location and contemporary design attract corporate and social events, giving Event Planners great earning potential.

6. Saddlerock Ranch

A unique venue combining vineyard charm with sprawling ranch grounds, Saddlerock Ranch hosts large weddings, corporate retreats and themed celebrations. This versatility provides Event Planners with diverse opportunities to earn well in Los Angeles’ competitive event market.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Event Planner Earnings in Los Angeles

Earnings for Event Planners greatly depend on the type of Restaurant or venue they work for. Upscale restaurants and Hotels generally offer higher pay and more complex event planning roles compared to casual dining establishments which often handle smaller-scale or less formal events.

Luxury banquet halls and fine-dining spots cater to wealthy clientele expecting bespoke and detailed events, which often translates to larger event budgets and increased Planner commissions or bonuses.

Conversely, restaurants focused on casual or mid-range dining may offer steady but generally lower compensation levels. However, these venues sometimes compensate with volume, requiring Planners to juggle multiple events.

Location within Los Angeles also affects earnings since venues in beacon areas such as Beverly Hills, Downtown LA and West Hollywood attract marquee clients and higher ticket events. Credentials such as Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or specialized event certifications can further boost salary potential.

How To Find a High Paying Event Planner Job in Los Angeles

• Build a Strong Portfolio: Highlight past successful events, especially those held at upscale venues or for high-profile clients.
• Gain Relevant Certifications: Pursue certifications like CMP or Certified Special Events Professional to increase marketability.
• Network with Industry Professionals: Attend local event industry meetups, trade shows and seminars to expand your contacts.
• Target Prestigious Venues: Apply directly to high-end restaurants and Hotels with dedicated event spaces known for lucrative planning roles.
• Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Emphasize your ability to manage large budgets, coordinate with vendors and deliver exceptional client experiences.
• Practice Interview Skills: Prepare to discuss event logistics, crisis management, client satisfaction and budgeting fluency.

What’s the Outlook for Event Planner Jobs in Los Angeles in 2025 and Beyond?

Through 2025 and beyond, Event Planner roles in Los Angeles are expected to grow steadily as the city continues to be a major destination for corporate meetings, weddings and large social gatherings.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for meeting, convention and Event Planners is projected to increase by about 11% nationwide over the next decade, slightly faster than the average for all occupations. Los Angeles, with its vibrant event and hospitality scene, will likely see solid demand for experienced Planners.

Contributing factors include:

• Continued tourism growth, especially luxury and destination events
• Expansion of corporate events in industries like tech, entertainment and finance
• Trend toward experiential and bespoke events requiring skilled Planners

Planners who stay current with event technology and sustainability practices will find themselves especially competitive in this evolving market.

Is an Event Planner’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Los Angeles?

With an average hourly wage of around $28, an Event Planner in Los Angeles can earn approximately $58,000 annually before bonuses or commissions. However, actual income can differ significantly depending on the venue and event scale.

Given Los Angeles’ high cost of living, including an average rent of $2,300 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, budget management is important. Utilities, groceries, transportation and entertainment costs add to monthly expenses.

Many Event Planners supplement their base salary with bonuses or contracted event fees, boosting their overall income. Job benefits such as health insurance, paid time off and travel opportunities further contribute to financial well-being.

In summary, Event Planners working at high-end restaurants or venues with regular, large-scale events can comfortably cover essentials and enjoy a desirable lifestyle in Los Angeles.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Los Angeles Event Planner Jobs

Our list of top-paying restaurants and venues was curated based on comprehensive research involving current job listings, employer reputations and industry insights specific to Los Angeles.

Criteria included considerations such as:

Location and Prestige

Venues in prime neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, Downtown LA and Pasadena that cater to affluent and high-profile clientele were prioritized for their capacity to offer better earning potential.

Event Complexity and Volume

Restaurants and event spaces known for frequent, large-scale or highly customizable events scored higher since these demand more skill and coordination, justifying increased Planner compensation.

Compensation and Benefits

Consideration was given to organizations offering competitive base salaries, performance bonuses and additional perks such as health benefits, which contribute to overall job satisfaction and financial security.

We aim to help Event Planners find roles that balance rewarding work environments with attractive pay, opening doors to lasting careers in Los Angeles’ vibrant hospitality industry.