Special events planner vs special events coordinator

The differences between special events planners and special events coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a special events planner and a special events coordinator. Additionally, a special events planner has an average salary of $50,325, which is higher than the $40,063 average annual salary of a special events coordinator.

The top three skills for a special events planner include national security, event planning and event coordination. The most important skills for a special events coordinator are customer service, event planning, and press releases.

Special events planner vs special events coordinator overview

	Special Events Planner	Special Events Coordinator
Yearly salary	$50,325	$40,063
Hourly rate	$24.19	$19.26
Growth rate	18%	18%
Number of jobs	28,688	34,538
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 73%	Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	2	2

Special events planner vs special events coordinator salary

Special events planners and special events coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Special Events Planner	Special Events Coordinator
Average salary	$50,325	$40,063
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $84,000	Between $26,000 And $60,000
Highest paying City	-	New York, NY
Highest paying state	-	New Jersey
Best paying company	-	Smithsonian Institution
Best paying industry	-	Education

Differences between special events planner and special events coordinator education

There are a few differences between a special events planner and a special events coordinator in terms of educational background:

	Special Events Planner	Special Events Coordinator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 73%	Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	San Diego State University	San Diego State University

Special events planner vs special events coordinator demographics

Here are the differences between special events planners' and special events coordinators' demographics:

	Special Events Planner	Special Events Coordinator
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 23.6% Female, 76.4%	Male, 26.4% Female, 73.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 5.8% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between special events planner and special events coordinator duties and responsibilities

Special events planner example 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.
Develop agenda and itinerary, organize and procure all speaker biographies and materials and logistics for successful program execution.
Assist in the development of sponsorship opportunities, themes, and giveaways.

Special events coordinator example responsibilities.

Work closely with MDA families, volunteers, sponsors and fellow staff to achieve MDA objectives.
Maintain business website and manage Facebook account.
Manage reservations and priority seating for VIP diners to ensure customer satisfaction and encourage repeat business.
Compile programs and PowerPoint presentations for day of event.
Check RSVP lines and provide attendee list for day of event.
Create promotional flyers, brochures, and PowerPoint presentations for multiple target markets.

Special events planner vs special events coordinator skills

Common special events planner skills

National Security, 21%
Event Planning, 7%
Event Coordination, 7%
Event Management, 6%
Event Logistics, 5%
Event Budgets, 4%

Common special events coordinator skills

Customer Service, 24%
Event Planning, 11%
Press Releases, 4%
Event Logistics, 4%
Event Management, 4%
PowerPoint, 3%

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Special Events Planner
Special Events Planner vs Special Events Coordinator

Updated January 8, 2025

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