Event planner vs assistant event coordinator

The differences between event planners and assistant event 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 planner and an assistant event coordinator. Additionally, an event planner has an average salary of $51,542, which is higher than the $34,385 average annual salary of an assistant event coordinator.

The top three skills for an event planner include customer service, vendor contracts and plan events. The most important skills for an assistant event coordinator are event planning, event logistics, and alumni.

Event planner vs assistant event coordinator overview

	Event Planner	Assistant Event Coordinator
Yearly salary	$51,542	$34,385
Hourly rate	$24.78	$16.53
Growth rate	18%	18%
Number of jobs	19,793	25,508
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	2	2

What does an event planner do?

An event planner is responsible for organizing events, following the clients' needs, instructions, and budget goals. Event planners must be highly communicative to coordinate and negotiate contracts with suppliers, third-party vendors, and venue rentals. They finalize the guest list, catering services, and assist with marketing materials to promote the event. An event planner should also have a broad knowledge of the current market industry trends, which plays a vital role in planning and organizing future event opportunities.

What does an assistant event coordinator do?

Assistant event coordinators assist event team leaders in any activities that are delegated to them. They ensure that the event will run smoothly by anticipating any challenges that may arise. Assistant event coordinators help in all the preparation needed for the event. They join planning sessions and come up with the best ways to execute plans. They may conduct venue oculars, scout for suppliers, and coordinate with external providers. They also assist in setting up the venue, managing the event's execution, and packing up after the event.

Event planner vs assistant event coordinator salary

Event planners and assistant event coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Event Planner	Assistant Event Coordinator
Average salary	$51,542	$34,385
Salary range	Between $35,000 And $74,000	Between $23,000 And $51,000
Highest paying City	Stamford, CT	-
Highest paying state	Connecticut	-
Best paying company	Intelliswift	-
Best paying industry	Technology	-

Differences between event planner and assistant event coordinator education

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

	Event Planner	Assistant Event Coordinator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	San Diego State University	San Diego State University

Event planner vs assistant event coordinator demographics

Here are the differences between event planners' and assistant event coordinators' demographics:

	Event Planner	Assistant Event Coordinator
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 22.4% Female, 77.6%	Male, 26.6% Female, 73.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between event planner and assistant event coordinator duties and responsibilities

Event planner example responsibilities.

Manage client RFP s, develop detailed proposals & client pitches.
Produce, implement, and manage sales lead forms and online surveys to determine overall ROI.
Manage VIP & bottle service, sell tickets, hire promoters, promotional models, disc jockeys & staff for venues.
Manage and ship all marketing and advertising kits and giveaways for career fairs, on-campus presentations, final rounds and orientations.
Coordinate and host successful client seminars, creating invitations and promotional materials, booking venues, and selecting guest speakers.
Coordinate travel arrangements, including booking airfare, hotel and transportation.

Assistant event coordinator example responsibilities.

Promote and manage business on Facebook page, resulting in customer growth.
Appoint as VIP relations liaison managing all points of communication and event operations, and implementing event marketing strategies.
Lead and manage the Instagram and twitter social media sites, also host numerous interviews with stars and celebrities.
Create invitee list, send out invitations and mange RSVP list.
Create and send out digital invitations, reminders and record RSVP's.
Liaise with sponsors, caterers, and venues to assist in creating unique experiences for celebrity and VIP gifting suites.

Event planner vs assistant event coordinator skills

Common event planner skills

Customer Service, 15%
Vendor Contracts, 12%
Plan Events, 8%
Event Management, 6%
PowerPoint, 5%
Event Logistics, 3%

Common assistant event coordinator skills

Event Planning, 17%
Event Logistics, 5%
Alumni, 5%
Event Materials, 4%
Event Space, 4%
Ticket Sales, 4%

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Event Planner vs Assistant Event Coordinator

Updated January 8, 2025

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