What Restaurants Do Event Planners Make the Most Money at in Nashville, TN?

In Nashville, the average hourly wage for Event Planners working within the restaurant and hospitality sector is around $28 per hour. This figure can fluctuate based on venue type, event scale and planner expertise.

If you’re curious about which restaurants or venues in Nashville offer the best pay for Event Planners, this article has you covered. We’ll explore some of the top-paying spots in the city, the factors influencing salary variations and tips for landing a high-paying Event Planner role.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Event Planners in Nashville, TN

Nashville boasts a vibrant and growing event scene, with opportunities ranging from historic luxury hotels to contemporary restaurants offering private event spaces. Event Planners in the city can find higher wages by aligning with venues known for hosting upscale weddings, corporate events and large-scale gatherings.

Here are some standout venues where Event Planners tend to earn well:

1. The Hermitage Hotel

A symbol of classic Southern elegance, The Hermitage Hotel is a historic luxury property renowned for its grand ballrooms and refined service. Its reputation attracts high-profile events, allowing Event Planners to manage larger budgets and earn higher fees.

2. Bicentennial Capitol Mall Venue

Known for blending Nashville's heritage with modern event production capabilities, this venue hosts diverse events from stylish galas to corporate mixers. Event Planners here benefit from consistent bookings and often complex logistical planning requiring experienced coordination.

3. The Bridge Building

A converted industrial space offering a unique urban vibe, The Bridge Building is popular for modern weddings and creative corporate functions. Event Planners working here enjoy managing trendy, design-forward events that command premium fees.

4. Kayne Prime

A sleek, upscale steakhouse with private dining rooms, Kayne Prime caters to exclusive events and intimate gatherings with top-tier clientele. Event Planners benefit from focused service experiences and the opportunity to coordinate detailed, high-end private functions.

5. Husk Restaurant

Famous for its Southern cuisine and farm-to-table philosophy, Husk provides a charming setting for private events, weddings and Chef’s dinners. Event Planners here often collaborate with culinary teams to deliver unique tastes and memorable experiences, boosting their value.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Event Planner Earnings in Nashville

The nature of the restaurant or event space strongly influences how much Event Planners earn. Venues differ widely in budget size, client expectations and event complexity, impacting pay scales.

Upscale venues such as luxury hotels or fine dining establishments hosting high-end weddings or corporate events generally offer higher pay rates due to the level of coordination and experience required.

Casual restaurants and smaller event spaces might offer less, but steady event bookings can create reliable income for planners who excel at smaller-scale or more frequent events.

Certification and expertise also matter: Event Planners with specialized credentials or extensive experience handling large or high-profile events can command premium pay regardless of venue type.

How To Find a High Paying Event Planner Job in Nashville

Build a Strong Portfolio

Showcase a range of successful events you’ve planned, emphasizing versatility and your ability to handle both large and intimate functions with professionalism.

Network with Venue Managers and Local Vendors

Establish relationships with Nashville venue owners, caterers and other event professionals. This often opens doors to exclusive job opportunities that may not be widely advertised.

Leverage Certifications and Continued Education

Pursue industry-recognized certifications such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation, which can enhance your credentials and earning potential.

Create Tailored Applications

Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight experience relevant to the specific venue or type of event you want to work with, showing your fit and enthusiasm clearly.

Prepare for Interviews Thoroughly

Demonstrate strong organizational skills, knowledge of Nashville’s event landscape and crisis-management strategies during interviews to impress prospective employers.

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

The demand for Event Planners in Nashville is expected to grow steadily through 2025 and beyond, driven by the city's expanding hospitality industry and its popularity as a destination for weddings, conferences and special events.

According to labor market data, roles in event coordination and planning are projected to increase nationally, with Nashville's robust tourism sector supporting local job growth.

Emerging trends shaping the outlook include:

• Increased demand for hybrid and virtual event expertise alongside in-person planning
• Focus on sustainable and customized event experiences that require skilled coordinators
• Growth in corporate events and branded experiences that elevate the need for professional planners

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

With an average hourly wage of $28, Event Planners in Nashville can earn approximately $58,000 annually based on full-time work. This salary offers a comfortable lifestyle in this vibrant city.

Let's consider some average monthly expenses in Nashville:

• 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $1,350
• Utilities (electricity, water, internet): $180
• Transportation (public or gas): $120–$150
• Groceries and dining out: $350–$500

Given these living costs, many Event Planners can manage rent, bills and discretionary spending comfortably, especially if they secure positions at higher paying venues or supplement income with freelance event work.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Nashville Event Planner Jobs

Selecting the best-paying Event Planner jobs involved a thorough evaluation of multiple factors gathered from job boards, industry contacts and local market research.

• Compensation & Benefits: Priority was given to venues offering competitive hourly rates and additional benefits such as bonuses or health coverage.
• Venue Reputation and Clientele: Restaurants and hotels known for high-profile events with affluent clients were highlighted for their earning potential.
• Location: Proximity to Nashville’s bustling downtown and entertainment districts was considered, as this often aligns with higher event budgets.

By blending these elements, the featured venues provide prime opportunities for Event Planners aiming to maximize their income and career progression in Nashville’s thriving hospitality market.