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What is an events and operations manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Eric Olsen

An event operations manager generally performs events, ensuring that all logistics requirements meet the event schedule. He/she oversees project schedules and cooperates with other agencies to ensure they satisfy all functional needs. This role requires you to plan and run advertising, commercial, and social activities of all sorts. You are responsible for every aspect of the event you take in, from the strategy at the beginning to running the event until the entire event gets wrapped up.

While some organizations may hire event operation managers with a high school degree or GED certificate, the vast majority of operation managers possess a bachelor's degree or associate's degree in a field such as sales or business.

According to BLS, the managers who approach this field end up laying claim to annual earnings at $54,173. The current median pay for an event operations manager ranges from $32,000 to $68,000 in the U.S. However, this figure can vary significantly depending upon your experience and skills.

What general advice would you give to an events and operations manager?

Eric OlsenEric Olsen LinkedIn profile

Professor, Industrial Technology and Packaging, Orfalea College of Business

Times of change are also times of great opportunities. We are going to need new technical solutions to address problems we are just learning about. You have to lean into the issues. Don't be a technologist - be a problem solver. That is why we also emphasize soft skills like lean six sigma, teamwork, and change management.
ScoreEvents And Operations ManagerUS Average
Salary
5.1

Avg. Salary $64,929

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
9.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%

Asian 6.34%

Black or African American 6.16%

Hispanic or Latino 15.11%

Unknown 4.33%

White 67.59%

Gender

female 51.60%

male 48.40%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
9.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.2

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.6

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Events and operations manager career paths

Key steps to become an events and operations manager

  1. Explore events and operations manager education requirements

    Most common events and operations manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    77.7 %

    Associate

    8.9 %

    Master's

    7.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific events and operations manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Wine14.43%
    Event Operations13.11%
    Event Management7.25%
    Event Logistics7.18%
    Audio Visual6.35%
  3. Complete relevant events and operations manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New events and operations managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an events and operations manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real events and operations manager resumes.
  4. Research events and operations manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and deepen relationships with VIP's and community relationships.
    • Manage all aspects of these events and act as onsite manager to ensure meeting are delivered effectively and professionally.
    • Direct financial oversight and implement new fiscal management policies, resulting in improve profitability and cash flow reporting accuracy.
    • Track all marketing efforts to determine ROI and customer satisfaction ratings to determine the success of the projects.
  5. Prepare your events and operations manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your events and operations manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an events and operations manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable events and operations manager resume templates

    Build a professional events and operations manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your events and operations manager resume.
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    Events And Operations Manager Resume
    Events And Operations Manager Resume
    Events And Operations Manager Resume
    Events And Operations Manager Resume
    Events And Operations Manager Resume
    Events And Operations Manager Resume
    Events And Operations Manager Resume
    Events And Operations Manager Resume
  6. Apply for events and operations manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an events and operations manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first events and operations manager job

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Average events and operations manager salary

The average events and operations manager salary in the United States is $64,929 per year or $31 per hour. Events and operations manager salaries range between $40,000 and $104,000 per year.

Average events and operations manager salary
$64,929 Yearly
$31.22 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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