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Event coordinator vs special events coordinator

The differences between event coordinators and special events coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an event coordinator and a special events coordinator. Additionally, an event coordinator has an average salary of $41,918, which is higher than the $40,063 average annual salary of a special events coordinator.

The top three skills for an event coordinator include customer service, event management and powerpoint. The most important skills for a special events coordinator are customer service, event planning, and press releases.

Event coordinator vs special events coordinator overview

Event CoordinatorSpecial Events Coordinator
Yearly salary$41,918$40,063
Hourly rate$20.15$19.26
Growth rate18%18%
Number of jobs26,27734,538
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

What does an event coordinator do?

An event coordinator is responsible for planning and working out on special events based on the client's specifications. Event coordinators' duties include suggesting appropriate venues, providing cost estimates and financial reports, selecting best vendors for the event's needs, and working on the client's approval for any adjustments to be made. An event coordinator must have excellent communication, time-management, organizational, and critical-thinking skills to address any concerns and possible inconsistencies that might affect the event's performance.

What does a special events coordinator do?

A special events coordinator is in charge of organizing and devising plans for an event, even monitoring all progress to ensure everything is running smoothly. They are typically responsible for consulting with clients and understanding the event's purpose, offering a selection of venues and caterers, providing cost estimates, and booking various services such as speakers, equipment, location, photographers, videographers, and other essential factors. Moreover, a special events coordinator manages all processes involved in setting up and down an event, all while maintaining client satisfaction.

Event coordinator vs special events coordinator salary

Event coordinators and special events coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Event CoordinatorSpecial Events Coordinator
Average salary$41,918$40,063
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $56,000Between $26,000 And $60,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateMaineNew Jersey
Best paying companyPacific Northwest National LaboratorySmithsonian Institution
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between event coordinator and special events coordinator education

There are a few differences between an event coordinator and a special events coordinator in terms of educational background:

Event CoordinatorSpecial Events Coordinator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University

Event coordinator vs special events coordinator demographics

Here are the differences between event coordinators' and special events coordinators' demographics:

Event CoordinatorSpecial Events Coordinator
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 28.7% Female, 71.3%Male, 26.4% Female, 73.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 5.9% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between event coordinator and special events coordinator duties and responsibilities

Event coordinator example responsibilities.

  • Lead and manage the Instagram and twitter social media sites, also host numerous interviews with stars and celebrities.
  • Create a list of invitees for the events, ensuring that invitations are deliver and managing the RSVP list.
  • Develop and create venues Instagram account and run on daily basis.
  • Create and update continuing education for staff to ensure they have needed resources for upselling.
  • Calculate and provide clients with estimates of potential cost in completing an event though BEO's.
  • Design layouts, invitations, and other print materials for various events using Photoshop and InDesign.
    • Show more

Special events coordinator example responsibilities.

  • Work closely with MDA families, volunteers, sponsors and fellow staff to achieve MDA objectives.
  • Maintain business website and manage Facebook account.
  • Manage reservations and priority seating for VIP diners to ensure customer satisfaction and encourage repeat business.
  • Compile programs and PowerPoint presentations for day of event.
  • Check RSVP lines and provide attendee list for day of event.
  • Create promotional flyers, brochures, and PowerPoint presentations for multiple target markets.
    • Show more

Event coordinator vs special events coordinator skills

Common event coordinator skills
  • Customer Service, 23%
  • Event Management, 6%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Event Logistics, 6%
  • Plan Events, 4%
  • Audio Visual, 4%
Common special events coordinator skills
  • Customer Service, 24%
  • Event Planning, 11%
  • Press Releases, 4%
  • Event Logistics, 4%
  • Event Management, 4%
  • PowerPoint, 3%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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