Post job

Event manager vs special events coordinator

The differences between event managers 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 manager and a special events coordinator. Additionally, an event manager has an average salary of $51,117, which is higher than the $40,063 average annual salary of a special events coordinator.

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

Event manager vs special events coordinator overview

Event ManagerSpecial Events Coordinator
Yearly salary$51,117$40,063
Hourly rate$24.58$19.26
Growth rate18%18%
Number of jobs8,23034,538
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

What does an event manager do?

An event manager is an individual who is in charge of planning an organization's event and coordinating meetings with clients to determine details about the event. Event managers must look and compare different vendors such as food caterers, decorators, or musicians while working within the planned budget. They interview and hire personnel to assist them during the event and evaluate their performance after the event. Event managers must also distribute post-event surveys so that customers can provide feedback on the event.

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 manager vs special events coordinator salary

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

Event ManagerSpecial Events Coordinator
Average salary$51,117$40,063
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $77,000Between $26,000 And $60,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYNew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew JerseyNew Jersey
Best paying companyVMwareSmithsonian Institution
Best paying industryTechnologyEducation

Differences between event manager and special events coordinator education

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

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

Event manager vs special events coordinator demographics

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

Event ManagerSpecial Events Coordinator
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 36.2% Female, 63.8%Male, 26.4% Female, 73.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 6.0% White, 61.5% 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 manager and special events coordinator duties and responsibilities

Event manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage FOH staff during the lunch rush - correctly handle any customer complaints or issues.
  • Manage successful closing of NYC block to control traffic flow and allow celebrity red carpet entrances.
  • Coordinate and manage maintenance, bartending, catering, schedules, calendars, and supervise staff.
  • Create BEO's and lead weekly team meetings for support team laying out the direction and objective of upcoming events.
  • Manage delivery schedules, outside vendor orders, and budget requirements for the sales, operations, and culinary staff.
  • Manage all logistics and communications from beginning to end with clients, including sending invitations, monitoring RSVP, and hosting.
  • 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 manager vs special events coordinator skills

Common event manager skills
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Event Logistics, 10%
  • Event Planning, 9%
  • Audio Visual, 6%
  • Onsite, 5%
  • PowerPoint, 4%
Common special events coordinator skills
  • Customer Service, 24%
  • Event Planning, 11%
  • Press Releases, 4%
  • Event Logistics, 4%
  • Event Management, 4%
  • PowerPoint, 3%

Browse business and financial jobs