Program planner vs event planner

The differences between program planners and event planners can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a program planner and an event planner. Additionally, a program planner has an average salary of $64,782, which is higher than the $51,542 average annual salary of an event planner.

The top three skills for a program planner include program planning, program management and master schedule. The most important skills for an event planner are customer service, vendor contracts, and plan events.

Program planner vs event planner overview

	Program Planner	Event Planner
Yearly salary	$64,782	$51,542
Hourly rate	$31.15	$24.78
Growth rate	4%	18%
Number of jobs	70,996	19,793
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 69%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age	42	38
Years of experience	2	2

What does a program planner do?

A program planner is responsible for facilitating and developing program agendas according to business requirements and specifications. Program planners manage program activities by following budget limitations, identifying resources, and finalizing the total count of participants. They also coordinate with professional event planners for recovery solutions should any issues arise. A program planner must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in updating the program manager of updates and plan adjustments as needed to achieve program goals and objectives.

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.

Program planner vs event planner salary

Program planners and event planners have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Program Planner	Event Planner
Average salary	$64,782	$51,542
Salary range	Between $49,000 And $84,000	Between $35,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Stamford, CT
Highest paying state	California	Connecticut
Best paying company	SMTC	Intelliswift
Best paying industry	Technology	Technology

Differences between program planner and event planner education

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

	Program Planner	Event Planner
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 69%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	San Diego State University

Program planner vs event planner demographics

Here are the differences between program planners' and event planners' demographics:

	Program Planner	Event Planner
Average age	42	38
Gender ratio	Male, 48.2% Female, 51.8%	Male, 22.4% Female, 77.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 9.5% White, 67.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	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%
LGBT Percentage	13%	16%

Differences between program planner and event planner duties and responsibilities

Program planner example responsibilities.

Create and manage integrated master project plans with detail WBS structures.
Manage part parameters in order to run MRP effectively to maintain a continuous supply chain at the targeted inventory levels.
Display excellent leadership skills in directing the performance of the IPT leads and integrate program level performance for program monthly reviews.
Conduct intensive interfacing with engineering and IPT leads to analyze complex schedules and develop viable action plans for scheduling risk mitigation.
Develop and manage the SharePoint database.
Resolve issues regarding logistics, repair cycles, materials returns and cross-contamination; manage all supply-chain relate escalated issues.

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.

Program planner vs event planner skills

Common program planner skills

Program Planning, 12%
Program Management, 10%
Master Schedule, 9%
Microsoft Project, 9%
Earned Value Management, 8%
Management System, 6%

Common event planner skills

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

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Program Planner
Program Planner vs Event Planner

Updated January 8, 2025

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