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Job outlook for event specialists in the United States
Event specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected event specialist job growth rate is 18% from 2018-2028.
About 22,900 new jobs for event specialists are projected over the next decade.
Event specialist salaries have increased 9% for event specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 5,874 event specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 12,130 active event specialist job openings in the US.
The average event specialist salary is $41,294.
Are event specialist jobs in demand?
Event specialist job and salary trends over time
Event specialist jobs over time
Event specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,874 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 6,571 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 7,039 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 6,591 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 6,130 | 0.00% |
Average event specialist salary over time
Event specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $41,294 | $19.85 | +1.9% |
| 2024 | $40,525 | $19.48 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $39,540 | $19.01 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $38,675 | $18.59 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $37,923 | $18.23 | +1.1% |
Event specialist jobs by state
Most common states for event specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | 961,939 | 105 | 11% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 75 | 11% |
| 3 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 295 | 9% |
| 4 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 129 | 7% |
| 5 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 52 | 7% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 43 | 7% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 43 | 7% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 399 | 6% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 337 | 6% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 329 | 6% |
| 11 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 325 | 6% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 76 | 6% |
| 13 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 59 | 6% |
| 14 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 51 | 6% |
| 15 | Alaska | 739,795 | 46 | 6% |
| 16 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 551 | 5% |
| 17 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 405 | 5% |
| 18 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 201 | 5% |
| 19 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 70 | 5% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 52 | 5% |
Most common cities for event specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea | 2 | 5% | $47,056 |
| 2 | Fishers | 3 | 4% | $33,696 |
| 3 | Everett | 2 | 4% | $47,026 |
| 4 | Allentown | 2 | 2% | $46,967 |
| 5 | Boston | 9 | 1% | $47,274 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 6 | 1% | $35,275 |
| 7 | Washington | 4 | 1% | $51,651 |
| 8 | Raleigh | 3 | 1% | $36,822 |
| 9 | Chesapeake | 2 | 1% | $46,391 |
| 10 | Chicago | 6 | 0% | $32,687 |
| 11 | Philadelphia | 5 | 0% | $47,549 |
| 12 | New York | 4 | 0% | $61,052 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 4 | 0% | $33,381 |
| 14 | Baltimore | 2 | 0% | $42,741 |
| 15 | Dallas | 2 | 0% | $36,644 |
| 16 | Detroit | 2 | 0% | $37,809 |
| 17 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $33,480 |
Event Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of event specialist experts
Seattle University
Marshall University
Spokane Community College
Missouri State University
Rowan University
Brigham Young University–Hawaii
The Ohio State University at Lima
Events Industry
Lasell University
North Carolina Central University
American Public University System
Forsyth County, Georgia
Jim Clune
InstructorSeattle University
Communication Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Event Specialists?
Jim Clune: Virtual work is certainly here to stay. Interest in remote work has skyrocketed. This is good news as geography is less restrictive than it used to be, particularly in the information industry. LinkedIn reports that members are more likely to connect with others outside of the area where they live. One positive aspect of remote work is that it can shift the focus from how employees present themselves - for example, what they are wearing - to how employees demonstrate their expertise through what they say and what they can do.
What type of skills will young Event Specialists need?
Jim Clune: Beyond technical skills, another key skill continues to be an ability to work in teams, particularly with people who are different than yourself. This requires even more skill in how you communicate. How you communicate defines who you are in the eyes of your coworkers, and this is just as important, if not more important, when working virtually. This means not just an ability to clearly and concisely express your ideas but also your ability to project confidence and competence.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Event Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Mark Zanter: Not much change in the music education market. There are fewer positions this year because of the uncertainty.
What soft skills should all Event Specialists possess?
Mark Zanter: All graduates should be able to write and express themselves clearly and communicate effectively in their discipline.
What's a day at work look like for an Event Specialist?
Mark Zanter: Most of Bachelor's students obtain a Masters degree since that is entry level for teaching in Higher ed. In recent years they have set themselves up as entrepreneurs in music business (writing jingles etc.), working as liturgical musicians, teaching privately, teaching in Higher ed, or working for an Arts Institution. Some will go into other fields like law, medicine, computer science, or public school teaching.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Event Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Duane Sunwold: Curb-side To Go, Food Trucks, Personal Catering, Family Farming, Farmers Markets. The meeting and convention market is expected to see an increase by 2022.
What Event Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Duane Sunwold: Personal Communication Skills, Vocational Math, Food Science
Dr. Jokima Hiller
Assistant ProfessorMissouri State University
Department of Hospitality Leadership
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Event Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Jokima Hiller: -Virtual interviews as the final interview. In the past, an interview via phone or Skype may have served as the initial screening interview prior to having the candidate come out for an in-person interview. Now, the virtual interview may be the pre-screening and final interview prior to offer.
-Virtual job fairs. There are a few online platforms such as Handshake that are being used for recruitment purposes. This prevents applicants from having to come on-property or to gather to see who is hiring. Job seekers can create a profile, log on to the platform, and go from employer to employer to see what opportunities they have available.
-Virtual tours. Candidates that are doing their own research on a business will definitely review the company's website. A hospitality company most likely has already provided photos and videos of their location for their guests. Now, these resources are being utilized by job seekers versus showing up or coming in for a tour.
In addition, there is more reliance today on social media as a way to get to know candidates.
What skills stand out on Event Specialist resumes?
Dr. Jokima Hiller: Employers are seeking candidates who are:
- Adaptable, Flexible
- Have transferable skills such as customer service, financial management, problem solving, critical thinking, etc.
- Self-starter
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Event Specialists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Jokima Hiller: Look at secondary markets for opportunities. Unfortunately, many of your major markets have been hit hard resulting in closings or in closings, reopenings, and then closings again because there hasn't been enough business to sustain them. But, you will find that the next town over had hospitality businesses that scaled back but never closed thereby meeting the needs of their regulars and attracting displaced business from the larger markets. For example, Indianapolis is a major market where their downtown area was greatly impacted. However, some hotels in Fishers remained open and are now actively seeking candidates as they ramp back up.
Dr. Kate Seltzer Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorRowan University
Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural education
How would you rate the starting salaries for Event Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Dr. Kate Seltzer Ph.D.: Educators are not paid nearly enough. However, working in a state with strong teachers' unions helps to ensure a starting salary that recent graduates can live off of and growth opportunities, albeit modest, over their careers.
What general advice would you give to an Event Specialist?
Joel Reece Ph.D.: Review job postings of career jobs you want to see what types of skills and experience they are looking for in applicants, then go find opportunities to gain those skills and experience.
Look for opportunities to get involved. It is ok to be a volunteer or have an entry level job.
Think of your job as a place you can get paid to learn. Work with the attitude to add value to the company.
What will help Event Specialists increase their earning potential?
Joel Reece Ph.D.: Be willing to serve on extra committees. Anticipate the needs of your supervisor. Be dependable. Add value to the organization.
What Event Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joel Reece Ph.D.: Communication skills related to cultural sensitivity
Hosting skills to coordinate and put on events to maximize facility use and revenue
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Event Specialists to find work opportunities?
Leah Herner-Patnode: Usually, urban areas of bigger cities and southern states, such as North Carolina, have many openings. Maine, Florida, California, Hawaii, Washington, and Texas are the most open positions.
Barbara Connell
Chair of Events Industry Council’s CMP Governance Commission and CEO at the American Society for Gastrointestinal EndoscopyEvents Industry
What type of skills will young Event Specialists need?
Barbara Connell: Depending on the position that is available, various items draw attention. If a manager or junior role is being filled, an experience that shows continued alignment within a field or type of activity and learning within that field or activity is appealing. Dedication and consistency are always attractive. If a senior role is being filled, deep levels of varied responsibility and achievement are indicators that an individual is committed, focused, and likely to be a successful leader. Tenure is also attractive; staying in a position for 3-5 years or more is a positive trait and shows that the organization's investment will be protected.
How do you envision technology impacting Event Specialists in the next 5 years?
Barbara Connell: The pandemic has shown us that we can deliver events and programming in a variety of ways with technology. Frankly, the field has been expanding in this direction over the past ten years; it was necessary to make a hard decision to move virtually more quickly and with greater breadth than originally anticipated. Delivering content virtually, testing remotely, and engaging learners or participants by using technology in a broader sense is promising. The face-to-face element of education and interaction will never go away, but organizations and associations have the opportunity to reach audiences they previously never envisioned. Each organization has a chance to be truly global now, as warranted, if they provide relevant content that is tailored for the remote learner and make it valuable. Shorter, more digestible content with clear objectives and outcomes will make organizations approachable. Don't try to do too much; however, use technology to do what you do best and reach previously unreachable constituents.
Siddharth Mobar
Assistant ProfessorLasell University
Department of Hospitality & Event Management
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Event Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Siddharth Mobar: There will be a reset of wages, cross-training as hotels will pivot to more efficient operations and there will be a demand for graduates with more specialized skills, professional hospitality industry certifications.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Event Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Siddharth Mobar: More brands will invest in check in and check out kiosks and apps will be more promoted than before. Better air quality and other ultraviolet cleaning tools.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Event Specialists in the next 5 years?
Siddharth Mobar: There will be an increase, will go back to pre-pandemic levels when demand increases.
Elisha Blankson
Program Director NCCU, Assistant ProfessorNorth Carolina Central University
Communication Disorders Department
What type of skills will young Event Specialists need?
Elisha Blankson: Graduates will need a skill set about the field in which they received training and additional skills useful to the job market. For example, with the changing demographics in the United States, extra skills in information technology and foreign languages will be a plus when entering the job market.
Dr. Elizabeth Keavney Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorAmerican Public University System
Public Administration Department
What type of skills will young Event Specialists need?
Dr. Elizabeth Keavney Ph.D.: The ability to examine all sides of an issue, to include long-term consequences and short-term consequences and unintended consequences and intended outcomes is vital. A focus on goals and objectives, instead of depending on an emotional response, will help lead to the best solutions. Public servants should be adaptable and able to work with people from various cultures. They need to have an understanding of how to work with and motivate individuals and groups. Those who can stay engaged and exercise good judgment will fare best in fluid and changing times.
How do you envision technology impacting Event Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Elizabeth Keavney Ph.D.: COVID-19 has increased the number of people who are working at home. This means a solid basic knowledge of telecommuting, and the ability to work unsupervised will be necessary. The ability to use remote security protocols, the cloud, and various software platforms will be required.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Event Specialists to find work opportunities?
Donna Kukarola: This one, not so sure of, the southeast continues to see options as well as mid-western states.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Event Specialists?
Donna Kukarola: The procurement field is an opportunity; each day will have its own set of challenges and opportunities. Obtaining the right item/service at the right time, at the right price, is not all that procurement does. They are strategic members, sourcing, timing, keeping up with trends, laws, best practices, and advising that the resource desired is already available!
This year, entering the workforce will be different for many interviews to be held electronically - even, perhaps, teleworking when they get the job. Training is a bit more of a challenge then, and it can be hard to get a real feel of the "attitude." Keeping an open mind and being flexible is a must; during this pandemic, we have all had to learn how to do our jobs differently and navigate our careers.