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The differences between event interns 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 internship and a special events coordinator. Additionally, a special events coordinator has an average salary of $40,063, which is higher than the $29,693 average annual salary of an event internship.
The top three skills for an event internship include customer service, event planning and event management. The most important skills for a special events coordinator are customer service, event planning, and press releases.
| Event Internship | Special Events Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $29,693 | $40,063 |
| Hourly rate | $14.28 | $19.26 |
| Growth rate | 18% | 18% |
| Number of jobs | 52,914 | 34,538 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 86% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Events interns work directly with development staff to help event coordinators in event planning and promotion. They have varied responsibilities that include communicating with vendors to move event logistics, attending meetings of the planning committee as needed, and organizing and purchasing materials and supplies. A few skills are required for an events intern to accomplish these responsibilities, including being detail-oriented, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Having previous work experience is also an advantage.
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 interns and special events coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Event Internship | Special Events Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $29,693 | $40,063 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $37,000 | Between $26,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | Wakefield, MA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Maine | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | IBM | Smithsonian Institution |
| Best paying industry | Education | Education |
There are a few differences between an event internship and a special events coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Event Internship | Special Events Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 86% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Communication | Business |
| Most common college | San Diego State University | San Diego State University |
Here are the differences between event interns' and special events coordinators' demographics:
| Event Internship | Special Events Coordinator | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 23.7% Female, 76.3% | Male, 26.4% Female, 73.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.6% 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 Percentage | 16% | 16% |