The average hourly wage for Event Planners in Memphis is approximately $24 per hour, reflecting the city's mix of hospitality venues and event spaces. However, earnings can vary widely depending on the specific restaurant or event venue, the scope of events and Planner experience.
If you’re curious about which restaurants in Memphis offer the highest-paying roles for Event Planners, this article will explore some top places to work. We’ll also look at how different factors affect salary potential and share tips on how to secure lucrative event planning positions in the city.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Event Planners in Memphis, TN- 1. The Beauty Shop
- 2. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar
- 3. Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen
- 4. The Second Line
- 5. Felicia Suzanne's
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Event Planner Earnings in Memphis
- How To Find a High Paying Event Planner Job in Memphis
- What’s the Outlook for Event Planner Jobs in Memphis in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is an Event Planner’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Memphis?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Memphis, TN Event Planner Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Event Planners in Memphis, TN
Memphis offers a variety of venues where Event Planners can earn competitive wages, especially at restaurants that host large events, weddings and corporate functions. Often, earnings are higher when managing upscale or high-volume venues.
Below are some popular restaurants in Memphis known for providing good opportunities for Event Planners:
1. The Beauty Shop
Housed in a former beauty salon, this trendy restaurant features retro décor and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s well-known for hosting unique private events, offering Event Planners room to coordinate creative gatherings with strong earning potential.
2. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar
Flight boasts an extensive wine selection and a menu designed for shared plates, making it a favorite for corporate events and social gatherings. Event Planners here often benefit from managing large bookings and high-end clientele.
3. Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen
A modern Italian eatery emphasizing fresh and local ingredients, Andrew Michael offers elegant private dining spaces popular for celebrations and business events. The upscale nature of this venue enhances compensation for skilled Event Planners.
4. The Second Line
Known for its New Orleans-inspired cuisine and festive ambiance, The Second Line is a popular spot for lively events and parties. The restaurant’s active event schedule creates opportunities for Event Planners to earn through complex and well-attended functions.
5. Felicia Suzanne's
This elegant restaurant and event space is frequently chosen for weddings and upscale private parties. Event Planners benefit from working in a professional environment where attention to detail and large event coordination skills are highly valued.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Event Planner Earnings in Memphis
The type of restaurant or venue plays a significant role in Event Planner compensation. Upscale restaurants with dedicated event spaces tend to pay higher wages due to the complexity and scale of the events they host.
Conversely, casual dining venues or those without ample private event capacity typically offer lower salaries as the events tend to be smaller or less frequent.
Factors that affect Event Planner earnings include:
- Event Size and Complexity: Large weddings or corporate galas generally bring larger budgets and higher pay for Planners.
- Location and Clientele: Restaurants in affluent neighborhoods attract higher-paying clients which can directly enhance Planner compensation.
- Required Certifications and Experience: Some venues favor Planners with certifications in event management, hospitality or alcohol service, leading to better pay.
- Volume of Events: High-volume venues with frequent bookings can provide steadier income streams.
How To Find a High Paying Event Planner Job in Memphis
Research Expertise Areas
Focus your search on restaurants known for hosting large, upscale events. Reviewing online event calendars and client reviews can help identify venues where Planners earn more due to event size and prestige.
Build Relevant Experience
Gain experience in event logistics, vendor coordination and customer service, ideally in venues that host weddings, corporate parties or other large functions. Highlighting these skills on your resume is essential.
Network Locally
Attend industry meetups and connect with hospitality professionals in Memphis. Building relationships with venue Managers and vendors can uncover hidden job opportunities and referral channels.
Prepare Your Application
Ensure your resume and cover letter emphasize successful projects, your organization skills and ability to manage multiple events. Tailoring each application to fit the venue’s style and clientele boosts your chances.
Ace the Interview
Demonstrate your knowledge of event trends, budgeting and local vendor relationships. Offering examples of past challenges solved smoothly will highlight your capability.
What’s the Outlook for Event Planner Jobs in Memphis in 2025 and Beyond?
The demand for skilled Event Planners in Memphis is expected to grow steadily through 2025 and beyond, fueled by increased event activity as the city’s hospitality and tourism sectors rebound.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the event planning field nationwide is projected to grow faster than average over the next decade. Memphis, with its rich music and cultural scenes, is well-positioned to benefit from this trend with more restaurants and venues expanding event services.
Key drivers for growth include:
- An ongoing desire for personalized and large-scale celebrations such as weddings and milestone events
- Growth in corporate events, meetings and conferences anchored in Memphis’s convention facilities
- Increased investment in restaurant event spaces, resulting in more job opportunities for Planners
Is an Event Planner’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Memphis?
The typical Event Planner in Memphis earns about $24 per hour, which amounts to roughly $50,000 annually depending on hours worked and tips or bonuses earned.
Memphis has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other U.S. cities, making this salary quite viable. For example, average monthly expenses include:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $900
- Utilities (electricity, water, etc.): $150
- Groceries (single person): $300
- Monthly Transportation: $80 – $100
These figures suggest that Event Planners earning the average wage can cover their living costs, save and enjoy social activities comfortably in Memphis. Additionally, Planners working at upscale venues or coordinating large events often receive bonuses or commissions boosting their income.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Memphis, TN Event Planner Jobs
We selected these top-paying Event Planner jobs based on careful analysis of multiple job boards, user feedback and local hospitality industry reports in Memphis.
The main factors we considered were:
Competitive Compensation
Only restaurants and venues offering above-average hourly wages or salary structures were included to ensure we highlight the best earning potential.
Reputation and Location
Restaurants well-regarded for hosting large or upscale events in convenient or prestigious parts of Memphis were prioritized due to their higher revenue-generating clientele.
Work Environment and Benefits
Venues with positive employee reviews, strong support for event teams and added benefits such as bonuses, training or advancement opportunities made our list.
These criteria together provide readers with a solid starting point when seeking lucrative Event Planner roles in Memphis’s vibrant hospitality scene.
