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Job outlook for events and operations managers in the United States
Are events and operations manager jobs in demand?
Events and operations manager job and salary trends over time
Events and operations manager jobs over time
Events and operations manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 752 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 592 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 605 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 577 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 557 | 0.00% |
Average events and operations manager salary over time
Events and operations manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $64,929 | $31.22 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $63,131 | $30.35 | --0.1% |
| 2024 | $63,225 | $30.40 | +0.5% |
| 2023 | $62,899 | $30.24 | +1.1% |
| 2022 | $62,210 | $29.91 | +1.6% |
Events and operations manager jobs by state
Most common states for events and operations managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 392 | 56% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 199 | 32% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 282 | 27% |
| 4 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 820 | 26% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 148 | 26% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,393 | 25% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,780 | 24% |
| 8 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,427 | 23% |
| 9 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 966 | 23% |
| 10 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 733 | 23% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 222 | 23% |
| 12 | Alaska | 739,795 | 170 | 23% |
| 13 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 232 | 22% |
| 14 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 193 | 22% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,202 | 21% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,896 | 21% |
| 17 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,423 | 21% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 397 | 21% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 277 | 21% |
| 20 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,388 | 20% |
Most common cities for events and operations managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Lauderdale | 2 | 1% | $44,678 |
| 2 | Irvine | 2 | 1% | $72,468 |
| 3 | Ann Arbor | 1 | 1% | $53,046 |
| 4 | Bloomington | 1 | 1% | $58,636 |
| 5 | Daly City | 1 | 1% | $87,239 |
| 6 | Fort Myers | 1 | 1% | $44,596 |
| 7 | Gainesville | 1 | 1% | $44,015 |
| 8 | Grand Rapids | 1 | 1% | $51,155 |
| 9 | Greenville | 1 | 1% | $49,365 |
| 10 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $85,903 |
| 11 | Chicago | 4 | 0% | $59,480 |
| 12 | San Diego | 3 | 0% | $70,238 |
| 13 | Washington | 3 | 0% | $85,687 |
| 14 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $46,913 |
| 15 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $83,898 |
| 16 | Los Angeles | 2 | 0% | $74,080 |
| 17 | Birmingham | 1 | 0% | $53,270 |
| 18 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $53,365 |
| 19 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $53,929 |
Events And Operations Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of events and operations manager experts
Ohio State University - Marion Campus
Murray State University
University of North Alabama
Montgomery College
Creighton University
Pepperdine University, Seaver College
Sam Houston State University
Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College - City University of New York
Farmingdale State College
Appalachian State University
SUNY Potsdam
The City College of New York
Belmont University
Sonoma State University
Orfalea College of Business
What general advice would you give to an Events And Operations Manager?
Dr. Rachel Skaggs PhD: In the entertainment industries, there are few barriers to entry, be proactive to build community with others in the field, focus on occupational community for job opportunities and collaborations.
What Events And Operations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Rachel Skaggs PhD: Specialize in a skill that commands a higher salary, consider skills in demand in the industry, learn technical skills like recording, editing, or production.
What will help Events And Operations Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Rachel Skaggs PhD: Business, financial or entrepreneurial skills, project management skills, technology skills, networking or relationship building skills.
Dr. Ben Littlepage
ProfessorMurray State University
Educational Administration And Supervision
What will help Events And Operations Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ben Littlepage: Salary is maximized when leaders are sought after. Leaders who pursue meaningful experiences and remain 'market ready' are viewed as an asset to any organization. Leaders must carefully consider where the field is moving and respond.
What skills stand out on Events And Operations Manager resumes?
Alex Wittscheck: Most artist manager positions in the music industry are not filled with a traditional job search where a resume is submitted. However, there are skills that a potential manager needs to demonstrate to earn a job. A manager's job is to represent the artist in all aspects of their career, so a manager must be organized, persuasive, a great communicator, and a quick learner.
My personal experience is with tour management which involves executing a plan for an artist's tour. Most artists want a tour manager to have verifiable experience or a good track record with related positions. Having a personal reference from a mutually trusted professional is always a plus as well.
A manager must know when they can handle a job themselves and when to delegate the work to someone with more knowledge. So, self-awareness is a valued trait. Along with that, the manager needs to have a vast network of other entertainment professionals to call upon when needed. A great manager is always building relationships.
What skills will help Events And Operations Managers earn the most?
Alex Wittscheck: Managers make their money off of a commission of their client's income. To make more money as a manager, the manager must find more lucrative income streams for the client. The most important piece of the relationship between an artist and their manager is trust. The artist must be sure that their manager believes in them. The manager must cultivate this trust from the artist over time and prove that the trust is warranted by making great decisions. The manager must be forward-thinking and persuasive. Above all else, the manager has to be someone that the artist wants to partner with.
R. Scott Hengen
Technical Theatre Faculty/Production CoordinatorMontgomery College
Department of Performing Arts
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Events And Operations Managers?
R. Scott Hengen: Yes. The virus has prompted the industry to look at the production process. How the process and performances can economize, and the performative aspects can be translated into a remotely viewed but still lively environment. While creative personnel may not meet in person, they could even collaborate, albeit remotely. While the production can always be artistic, the experience will be streamlined. This translates into an economization in staffing needs and production scale and an update to needs in technology and content.
Moreover, it has caused a reassessment of the performative aspects and the need to find ways for the communal experience to be still present while bridging the confining boundaries of a digital screen. When in-person performances reconvene and at some point, the introspection of this time will echo into a transformed aesthetic, both in production and performance. The theatre-going experience may not be as grand, but it may further reach a broader audience.
This discussion also coincides with a more paramount and possibly more compelling argument of whose voices we will hear as this analysis of performative aspects commences. We are experiencing a forceful re-evaluation of leadership and themes of stories untold and sounds unheard, of behavior unrecognized and impacts undervalued. The next few years will show that the theatre industry will be forever transformed as a representation of the underserved and unheard will gain prominence to the effect of empowering the disenfranchised. Over the next decade, we may find a predominance of the modern perspective or economized re-examination of classic tales in a contemporary light rather than the pure enjoyment of retold classics.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Events And Operations Managers?
Ravi Nath Ph.D.: Clearly, having professional licenses/certificates distinguishes a graduate from others in searching and securing a position in the MIS and Analytics fields. Thus, I would highly recommend that students craft a professional portfolio of accomplishments, such as certificates, unique courses taken, class project details, and other extra curricula activities in order for them to stand out. Further, there is no substitute for internship experiences while in college as this proves to a prospective employer that the candidate demonstrates a proven record of real-world experience.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Events And Operations Managers?
Steven Bauer: The coronavirus has accelerated the transformation to a digital world, and this effect will continue after the pandemic is behind us. Graduates will need to be able to navigate a hybrid business environment, with in-person and virtual meetings, interactions and platforms. There will also be increased opportunities to be entrepreneurial and innovative in the digital area. In addition, graduates will have to become more skilled at navigating a global environment since greater digitization will draw countries closer to each other.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Events And Operations Managers?
Steven Bauer: Business Analytics is becoming increasingly important across all functions in order to be able to identify and capture value. Thus a certification in this area, e.g., in Python, is particularly impactful. As far as courses, students should make sure they gain an exposure to all aspects of the business world, e.g., marketing, management, finance, accounting, strategic planning, law, etc., in order to prepare them for the wide array of challenges they will face.
What soft skills should all Events And Operations Managers possess?
Steven Bauer: The new hybrid world will make leading teams more challenging. This reality will put a premium on interpersonal skills. When the NASA astronaut, Richard Arnold, spoke at Pepperdine in 2019, he mentioned that team building was the single most important ability undergraduates could develop to become a good astronaut. The same holds for graduates wanting to go into business, particularly in the post coronavirus era. As part of their skills in this area, graduates will also need to be able and committed to addressing issues in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Carliss Miller Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of ManagementSam Houston State University
Department of Management & Marketing
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Events And Operations Manager job market given the pandemic?
Carliss Miller Ph.D.: Flexible working arrangements were considered a perk or benefit, but given the pandemic more and more jobs will be designed with flexible work arrangements in mind. We will continue to see trends in the labor market with a push towards personal services (e.g. virtual assistants, professional organizers) and professional services. There will also continue to be a demand for knowledge work. More and more, employers are looking to hire applicants that can provide concrete evidence of being "Day 1" ready.
Employers will focus more on identifying prospects with certain "soft skills" which were a nice-to-have pre-pandemic, but are now critical for organizational survival. These skills include: critical thinking, agility, ability to adapt to change, resilience, virtual team effectiveness, crisis management, emotional intelligence, empathy, and inclusive leadership. Additionally, data analysis and interpretation is a highly sought after skill even for jobs that historically did not require analytical ability.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Events And Operations Managers?
Carliss Miller Ph.D.: Any certifications/licenses/courses that specifically relate to the job function, industry, desired skills of a job, or the individuals' desired career trajectory will have a major impact on attracting job prospects. For example, for someone seeking a sales position, courses that target professional selling, CRM, data management and analysis, sales forecasting, strategic management, business communications, social media marketing, leadership and project management would be beneficial.
What's a good job out of college for Events And Operations Managers?
Carliss Miller Ph.D.: Good jobs out of college are those that offer structured training, development, and job rotation. While some college students identified their career at age 5 and never veered away, some are still figuring out what they want to do after college. A job opportunity that recognizes the potential of new talent, willing to invest in training and development, and provides opportunities for new employees to experience different job functions enables new graduates to gain a realistic job preview that pays and allows them to identify an opportunity within the company that best aligns with skills and interests. Positions that are for a specific job function but have an apprenticeship model, like a "sales trainee" position, are also great for career stepping stones right out of college.
Dr. Mary Kern Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorZicklin School of Business at Baruch College - City University of New York
Narendra P. Loomba Department of Management
What's a good job out of college for Events And Operations Managers?
Dr. Mary Kern Ph.D.: - Any job where you have an opportunity to learn is a good job. Ideally, I hope to see my students working in organizations that prioritize professional development opportunities and mentoring relationships, as these provide the opportunities and feedback critical for growth.
Xu Zhang Ph.D.
ChairFarmingdale State College
Department of Economics
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Events And Operations Manager job market given the pandemic?
Xu Zhang Ph.D.: There are a few trends in the current job maket.
- Slow recovery. Based on the December job market reports released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market slowly recovered since April, but about 44% of the prepandemic jobs have not been gained back. Between March and April, about 22.16 million jobs were lost. The U.S. labor market started to revive in May, and since then until December the market experienced 23.32 million job gains, roughly 56% of pre-pandemic level. The unemployment rate decreased gradually from April (14.8%) to December (6.7%), but still almost twice its pre-pandemic level in February (3.5%). Additionally, although the number of unemployed persons dropped from 23.11million in April to 10.74 million in December 2020, there is still a huge gap compared to 5.72 million in February.
- Uneven impacts by industries. While overall economy was hard hit by the pandemic, the job losses disproportionally impacted industry sectors. Service industries such as educational service, elective healthcare, arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services, have been hurt the most due to social distancing. Other job losses in retail service sector were related to a boom on online shopping. In addition, teenagers experienced record high unemployment rate which is associated with lack of experiences and working in hard-hit service industries.
- More employers embracing remote work. The perception of remote work has totally changed during the pandemic. After experiencing sudden changes to remote work and managing the obstacles working at home, more and more workers and employers embrace remote work, which would expand the layouts of job hunting and talent search to larger geographic areas.
What skills stand out on Events And Operations Manager resumes?
Xu Zhang Ph.D.: I believe the most important attributes employers seek on a resume remain the same-problem solving skills, team work skills, analytical/quantitative skills, verbal and written communication skills. However, given the pandemic or any other unexpected shock to work environment, how to quickly and efficiently adapt to new work modes can be a very valuable attribute standing out on resume.
What Events And Operations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lubna Nafees Ph.D.: If a graduate needs to take a gap year, they could do what some of the companies who lost business during the pandemic are doing. They are in an introspection and "reset" mode. Sometimes to move forward, you first need to step back. Graduates can use this time to better understand the transition happening in the marketplace so that when they do join the workforce, they are a good fit for the new workplace. There is definitely merit in aligning with the growing market trends and focussing on Digital Marketing and business analytics skills.
What skills stand out on Events And Operations Manager resumes?
Karen Kus: Employers hiring candidates with a history degree are seeking transferable skills that can be applied in various roles and settings. These skills include writing, communication, research, organization, computer-based skills, and problem-solving. The best thing a candidate can do to increase marketability is to elaborate on how they obtained or utilized those skills, rather than simply listing them. Employers need to have an understanding of how you made use of your skill and what results came from your actions. Make these skills shine on your resume by giving them substance.
What type of skills will young Events And Operations Managers need?
Prabal Kumar De Ph.D.: I think the necessary skills remain the same. One modification that would stay is greater virtual engagement. Therefore, newly essential skills such as acing a virtual interview, making a mark during a Zoom meeting, or managing or being a valuable part of a remote working group would be useful long after the immediate threats from the COVID-19 crisis be gone.
Nina Woodard
Senior Career Development SpecialistBelmont University
Office of Career & Professional Development
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Events And Operations Manager job market given the pandemic?
Nina Woodard: The pandemic hasn't impacted all areas of the entertainment industry in the same way. Anything related to live events and touring has been placed on an extended pause, which has been very difficult for graduates hoping to work in those fields. On an encouraging note, consumers will always find a way back to live experiences, so that segment of the industry will absolutely recover; the timing is just still a bit unknown. Other areas such as record or publishing companies have held steady. And, digital marketing and content creation companies are as busy, if not busier, than they've ever been as artists seek alternative ways to stay connected to their fans. Technology has intersected with entertainment in exciting, creative ways that will continue even as some of the more traditional avenues become available again. For many companies, ideas that started as pivots are now vibrant components of their long-term strategies.
The way we work may have also permanently changed. Companies have realized that remote working is a truly viable option for most businesses. While maintaining company culture, and the social nature of an entertainment-based organization, may still require some level of in-person interaction, it seems likely that many organizations may continue with remote/hybrid office models.
What Events And Operations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Nina Woodard: For entertainment, digital marketing and content creation skills are critical. Even if a role isn't specifically connected to digital marketing, social media is almost always involved in most entry-level roles. We strongly encourage students and recent graduates to learn basic graphic design platforms, video editing and audio editing. Learning how to maximize impact on social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram or TikTok is also a worthy investment of time. There's a wide range of self-paced training resources online, many available for free or at reduced costs for students.
Craig Nathanson Ph.D.
Adjunct LecturerSonoma State University
School of Business & Economics
What type of skills will young Events And Operations Managers need?
Craig Nathanson Ph.D.: I see the essential human skills gaining importance to build a new post-covid work life. These include creativity, leading and working in teams, writing, speaking, being self-aware, and lowering bias and networking; career branding as critical areas for graduates to focus on now.
What experience really stands out on Events And Operations Manager resumes?
Craig Nathanson Ph.D.: Most important on resumes to only show accomplishments you are proud of and reflect measurable success and completion of past work. These accomplishments should be a snapshot of what we have done and can do in the future. The most important two lines of a resume are in the objectives, to list what the person is seeking. These two lines give the reader a quick view of what the person wants.
Now is a great time to start the new year to build a portable work portfolio to represent an alignment of what a person is excited about and enjoys in their work.
Eric Olsen
Professor, Industrial Technology and PackagingOrfalea College of Business
Industrial Technology & Packaging
What general advice would you give to an Events And Operations Manager?
Eric Olsen: 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.