The average hourly wage for Event Planners in Portland is about $25 per hour, slightly above the national median due to the city's vibrant event scene and growing hospitality industry. However, actual earnings can vary greatly based on the restaurant, type of events managed and the Planner's experience.
If you're curious about which restaurants in Portland pay Event Planners the best, this article will guide you through the top establishments to consider. We’ll explore how salary potential differs and what factors impact your income as an Event Planner in this city.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Event Planners in Portland, OR- 1. Le Pigeon
- 2. The Heathman Restaurant
- 3. Departure Restaurant + Lounge
- 4. Andina Restaurant
- 5. The Nines Hotel - Urban Farmer
- 6. Beast
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Event Planner Earnings
- How To Find a High Paying Event Planner Job in Portland, OR
- What’s the Outlook for Event Planner Jobs in Portland in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is an Event Planner’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Portland?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Portland Event Planner Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Event Planners in Portland, OR
In Portland, the restaurant and hospitality scene is rich with diverse culinary experiences and unique event spaces. Many restaurants have expanded into full event hosting, offering lucrative opportunities for Event Planners who can execute top-tier gatherings.
Below are some of the restaurants known for offering competitive pay and exciting Event Planning roles:
1. Le Pigeon
Known for its inventive French-inspired cuisine, Le Pigeon boasts an intimate atmosphere perfect for exclusive events. Its reputation for culinary creativity often means Event Planners manage highly customized and upscale private dinners.
2. The Heathman Restaurant
Located inside the historic Heathman Hotel, this restaurant features an elegant event space that hosts weddings and corporate functions. Event Planners here enjoy working with a refined clientele and managing large-scale stylish events.
3. Departure Restaurant + Lounge
With its modern Asian-inspired menu and rooftop views, Departure is a favorite for trendy events and social gatherings. Planners benefit from vibrant versatile event spaces with a strong emphasis on guest experience and innovation.
4. Andina Restaurant
Celebrated for its authentic Peruvian cuisine, Andina offers unique cultural events and private dining experiences. Its lively event calendar presents excellent opportunities for Planners focused on themed and high-energy events.
5. The Nines Hotel - Urban Farmer
The Urban Farmer steakhouse inside The Nines Hotel is popular for upscale events and business functions. Event Planners here coordinate polished corporate gatherings with high expectations and generous budgets.
6. Beast
Beast is a celebrated farm-to-table restaurant that often hosts bespoke dinners and intimate group experiences. Planners working here are involved in coordinating personalized seasonal events centered around a communal dining approach.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Event Planner Earnings
Event Planner salaries vary notably depending on the kind of restaurant they work for. Restaurants with upscale or specialty offerings tend to have larger event budgets, which can translate into higher pay and more complex planning responsibilities.
Consider the following factors that impact earnings:
- Upscale vs Casual Dining: High-end restaurants managing luxury weddings or corporate events typically pay more than casual dining venues with basic private parties.
- Event Frequency and Size: Restaurants hosting frequent large events offer Planners steadier work and often bonuses for successful execution.
- Location: Central Portland and trendy neighborhoods attract wealthier clients, increasing Planner earnings potential.
- Required Certifications and Experience: Planners with certifications like CMP or expertise in catering management often command better salaries.
Ultimately, Planners working in venues that emphasize exclusive experiences and premium service benefit from both higher base pay and tip incentives or performance bonuses.
How To Find a High Paying Event Planner Job in Portland, OR
Tailor Your Application and Resume
Highlight your event management experience, certifications and familiarity with upscale events. Use keywords related to the Portland hospitality scene to resonate with local employers.
Network Within Portland’s Hospitality Community
Attend industry mixers, join local Event Planner associations, and consider volunteering at high-profile events to build relationships and gain insider knowledge on openings.
Research and Target High-End Venues
Focus your job search on restaurants known for their event spaces and premium clientele. Monitor openings directly on restaurant websites and specialized job boards.
Develop a Strong Portfolio
Assemble a portfolio showcasing events you've planned, including photos, client testimonials and budget management examples. This helps demonstrate your capabilities effectively.
Prepare for Interviews
Be ready to discuss how you handle challenges, manage vendor relationships and work under pressure. Also, familiarize yourself with the restaurant's style, menu and typical event types.
What’s the Outlook for Event Planner Jobs in Portland in 2025 and Beyond?
Portland's event planning market is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, fueled by the city's reputation as a cultural and culinary hub. Demand is rising for skilled Planners capable of organizing both intimate gatherings and large-scale corporate events.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and local economic forecasts, hospitality roles including Event Planners are projected to see a moderate increase in openings through 2028. This trend is supported by:
- Increase in destination weddings and social celebrations in the region
- Growth in corporate events, conferences and networking gatherings
- Expansion of experiential dining and pop-up events within popular restaurants
Planners with specialized skills in event technology, sustainability and hybrid event formats will likely see the best opportunities.
Is an Event Planner’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Portland?
With an average hourly wage of about $25, Portland Event Planners can earn approximately $52,000 annually assuming full-time hours. While this is a competitive rate within the local market, cost of living factors play an important role.
Typical monthly expenses in Portland in 2025 include:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $1,400–$1,700
- Utilities (electricity, heating, water): $150–$200
- Public transit / Gas: $100–$150
- Groceries and dining: $350–$500
For Event Planners working at higher-paying venues or supplementing income with bonuses, living comfortably in Portland is feasible. Careful budgeting and securing roles at top restaurants can make the difference between just getting by and thriving.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Portland Event Planner Jobs
We selected the featured restaurants by analyzing multiple sources, including job listings, salary surveys and feedback from Portland-based hospitality professionals. Our goal was to identify locations providing both competitive pay and rewarding career paths.
Factors that influenced our selection include:
- Compensation: Base salaries and bonus potential that stand out in Portland’s hospitality environment
- Venue Quality: Restaurants with established reputations for exceptional event hosting capabilities
- Job Stability and Growth: Employers offering consistent event scheduling and opportunities for advancement
- Location: Venues strategically located in neighborhoods with affluent clientele and event demand
These combined factors provide Event Planners with prime opportunities to earn well and build robust Event Planning careers.
