How To Become A Special Events Planner: What It Is and Career Path

What is a special events planner and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted experts

Joel Reece Ph.D.,

Mark Zanter

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a special events planner. For example, did you know that they make an average of $24.19 an hour? That's $50,325 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 18% and produce 22,900 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a special events planner?

Joel Reece Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Brigham Young University–Hawaii

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.

ScoreSpecial Events PlannerUS Average

Salary

3.9

Avg. Salary $50,325

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.6

Growth rate 18%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.24%

Asian 5.83%

Black or African American 11.14%

Hispanic or Latino 16.07%

Unknown 4.69%

White 62.02%

Gender

female 76.45%

male 23.55%

Age - 36

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 - 36

Stress level

7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.0

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a special events planner

Explore special events planner education requirements

Most common special events planner degrees

Bachelor's

73.4 %

Associate

13.5 %

Master's

6.9 %

Start to develop specific special events planner skills

Skills	Percentages
National Security	20.95%
Event Planning	7.23%
Event Coordination	6.92%
Event Management	5.74%
Event Logistics	4.51%

Complete relevant special events planner training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New special events planners 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 a special events planner based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real special events planner resumes.

Research special events planner duties and responsibilities

Select and manage live entertainment for VIP parties, special events and weekend entertainment.
Maintain business website and manage Facebook account.
Create and present PowerPoint presentations at trades shows and workshops.
Orchestrate seamless industry VIP and charity events worldwide involving up to 800 guests and budgets of up to $12K.

Prepare your special events planner resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your special events planner 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 a special events planner resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable special events planner resume templates

Build a professional special events planner 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 special events planner resume.

Apply for special events planner jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a special events planner job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

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

How do special events planners rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Special events planner reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2021

Pros

I was a theater major who received my CMP and realized I could put on a production in the corporate world. Event Planning allows me to utilize my skillset in a way I didn't know was possible. I also have the opportunity to travel and most venues treat you well when you're the planner (if you're the one in charge of the event).

Cons

There is nothing more stressful then this job. As you get closer to an event, the days get longer and the job can become 24/7, especially while the event is happening. If you're looking for a job you clock out from at 5pm, this is not the job for you. You're also in charge of budgets, F&B, Centerpieces, Entertainment, Speakers, Content, App Development, Registration, the list is endless. If you aren't good under pressure, this is not the job for you.