The average hourly wage for Event Planners in Milwaukee is around $25 per hour. However, salaries can differ significantly depending on the employer, type of events organized and location within the city. Specialized experience and certifications often influence earning potential as well.
If you're curious about which restaurants or venues in Milwaukee offer the best pay for Event Planners, this article will guide you through some of the top-paying establishments. We’ll explore which venues maximize Event Planner earnings and what factors contribute to those differences.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Event Planners in Milwaukee, WI- 1. Sanford Restaurant
- 2. La Merenda
- 3. Bacchus Restaurant & Bar
- 4. The Outsider Restaurant & Bar
- 5. Ardent
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Event Planner Earnings in Milwaukee
- How To Find a High Paying Event Planner Job in Milwaukee
- What’s the Outlook for Event Planner Jobs in Milwaukee in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is an Event Planner’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Milwaukee?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Milwaukee Event Planner Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Event Planners in Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee offers a variety of restaurants and venues known for hosting memorable events, which translates into attractive pay for Event Planners. Venues with upscale dining, large capacities or specialty event services often pay higher wages to skilled planners.
Here are some notable spots where Event Planners can earn competitive salaries:
1. Sanford Restaurant
Sanford is a landmark in Milwaukee’s fine dining scene with a reputation for exquisite menus and elegant private event spaces. Known for personalized service and attention to detail, it offers planners great opportunities to engage with high-end clientele.
2. La Merenda
This small plates restaurant emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients and intimate gatherings. Event Planners here benefit from coordinating creative, customized experiences in a cozy and vibrant setting.
3. Bacchus Restaurant & Bar
Bacchus specializes in upscale American cuisine with European influences and regularly hosts weddings and private celebrations. Its flexible event spaces and polished service allow planners to coordinate intricate and large-scale events.
4. The Outsider Restaurant & Bar
Located in Milwaukee’s historic Pabst Brewery, The Outsider offers sweeping city views and multiple event spaces. It’s popular for corporate gatherings and social events, rewarding planners who deliver on-site coordination and client satisfaction.
5. Ardent
Ardent provides a contemporary fine dining experience with an emphasis on local ingredients and artistic presentation. Its intimate dining rooms serve as unique event venues, offering planners the chance to design personalized and upscale affairs.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Event Planner Earnings in Milwaukee
The restaurant or venue type significantly affects an Event Planner’s earning potential. Factors such as the style of dining, event capacities and the complexity of event services influence salaries.
Typically, fine dining establishments and high-end banquet halls offer:
- Higher base salaries due to demanding service expectations and larger event budgets.
- More complex event logistics requiring planners with specialized skills in coordinating luxury events.
In contrast, casual dining or smaller restaurants may offer:
- Lower hourly wages but steadier work hours via smaller-scale catering or social events.
- Opportunities to build experience coordinating diverse types of events in a less formal environment.
Additionally:
- Location within Milwaukee affects earnings, with downtown venues generally paying better due to higher event demand.
- Certifications and experience in event management or hospitality increase an Event Planner’s desirability, allowing negotiation for better salaries.
How To Find a High Paying Event Planner Job in Milwaukee
Target Upscale Venues and Restaurants
Focus your job search on high-end venues known for hosting frequent and upscale events, since these spots tend to pay Event Planners more.
Build Relevant Experience and Certifications
Obtaining certifications like CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) or CSEP (Certified Special Events Professional) can boost your marketability and earnings.
Network with Industry Professionals
Attend local hospitality and event industry meetups to connect with venue managers and Event Coordinators who can inform you about openings before they’re widely advertised.
Tailor Your Resume and Portfolio
Highlight successful events you’ve managed, organizational skills and any unique contributions to event themes or logistics. A strong portfolio impresses hiring managers in Milwaukee’s competitive market.
Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews
Research prospective venues extensively, practice answering common event planning interview questions and demonstrate your ability to handle both creativity and logistics under pressure.
What’s the Outlook for Event Planner Jobs in Milwaukee in 2025 and Beyond?
The outlook for Event Planners in Milwaukee is positive, fueled by increased demand for both corporate and private events as the city continues to grow its hospitality and tourism sectors.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and local market surveys, Event Planner roles are expected to see moderate growth through 2025 and beyond, particularly in metropolitan hubs like Milwaukee.
Growth factors include:
- Expansion of Milwaukee’s convention and event facilities.
- Increased demand for customized and boutique events.
- Greater emphasis on event technology and client experience.
The evolving event landscape demands skilled planners who adapt to new trends such as hybrid virtual-in-person events, making this an exciting time to pursue Event Planner roles in Milwaukee.
Is an Event Planner’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Milwaukee?
With an average hourly wage of around $25, Event Planners in Milwaukee can generally earn about $52,000 annually assuming full-time work.
Milwaukee offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many U.S. cities. Here are typical monthly expenses:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): approximately $1,100
- Utilities (electricity, heating, internet): about $150
- Transportation (monthly pass or fuel): $80–$120
- Groceries (single adult): around $300–$400
For Event Planners working at well-paying restaurants or venues with regular events, this salary is sufficient to cover living expenses comfortably, save and enjoy recreational activities in the city.
Earnings can increase further through bonuses or profit sharing from successful event execution, especially in upscale establishments with large-scale functions.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Milwaukee Event Planner Jobs
We selected the featured restaurants and venues based on their proven history of offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits to Event Planners in Milwaukee. Locations known for hosting large or upscale events were prioritized.
Other important factors included:
- Reputation: Venues with strong client satisfaction and brand recognition.
- Location: Preference for restaurants and event spaces in central or high-traffic Milwaukee neighborhoods.
- Event Scope: Establishments that handle diverse event types, providing planners with meaningful challenges and higher rewards.
These criteria helped us highlight venues where experienced Event Planners can maximize their earning potential and career growth opportunities.
