General Tips, Your Event Career

The 10 Most Profitable Careers in Event Planning

Do you have a passion for event planning and want a career that’s both creative and lucrative? If so, then you may want to consider becoming a professional planner! There are many different career paths you can take within this exciting field, and each one has its own unique set of benefits. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 of the most popular and profitable careers in event planning.

We’ll also answer some common FAQs so that you can gain a better insight into the industry as a whole. So, if you’re ready to learn more about these exciting career options, keep reading!

Before we get started, did you know that we’ve written the ULTIMATE guide on how to become an event planner? It’s true—and you can read it here!

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we reveal the top 10 careers in event planning that you should seriously consider pursuing this year, let’s first address some of the most commonly asked questions. This way, you’ll have a better idea of what working as a professional event planner is like in the real world!

What Is the Career Path for an Event Planner?

The career path of an event planner can vary depending on where they work. For example, some planners may work for a specific company or organization while others may be self-employed. There are also many different types of events that one can specialize in, such as weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, and more.

What Is the Best Degree for Event Planning?

Event planning is an unregulated industry. This means that you don’t technically “need” any type of training or certification in order to work with clients. That said, it’d be a major mistake to start your career without proper training and a reputable certification under your belt!

After all, would you hire a doctor who didn’t have a medical degree? We highly doubt it.

Being certified by an accredited institution—such as QC Event School—will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this competitive industry. Moreover, it’ll make you much more attractive to potential clients and potential industry collaborators. Not to mention, you’ll make a much better impression on prospective employers, too (should you decide not to start your own business).

Check out QC Event School’s full list of self-paced, online certification courses here!

What Does the Average Salary Look Like in Event Planning?

How much you’ll make as an event planner depends on a few factors. As with any other career, your success will depend largely on the amount of effort and dedication you put into your work. However, if you’re successful in building a thriving business, you can expect to earn a very comfortable salary.

Average Event Planner Salary by Country

As a point of reference, here are some up-to-date salary ranges for event planning professionals, based on a few example countries:

• United States: Between approx. $34,000 USD and $74,000 USD per year. (Source: Payscale)
• Canada: Between approx. $39,000 CAD and $67,000 CAD per year. (Source: Payscale)
• United Kingdom: Between approx. £19,000 GBP and £32,000 GBP per year. (Source: Payscale)
• New Zealand: Between approx. $54,000 NZD and $91,100 NZD per year. (Source: Salary Expert)
• Australia: Between approx. $46,000 AUD and $84,000 AUD per year. (Source: Payscale)

Factors That’ll Impact Your Event Planning Salary

When looking at the numbers above, keep in mind that where you fall on the scale will ultimately depend on a number of other factors. Such factors include, but aren’t limited to:

• Where you live
• Your level of experience
• The quality of your event planning portfolio
• The demand for event planning services in your area
• Your local competitors
• The type of services you offer (i.e. event planning, wedding planning, virtual planning, corporate planning, etc.)
• Any complementary services you may offer as well (i.e. event decorating, floral design, etc.)
• The quality of your website and social media channels
• Your business brand
• The level of effort you put into your marketing, networking, and overall business strategies
• And more!

Where Do Event Planners Make the Most Money?

Another common question we hear a lot is, “Which field in event planning is the most profitable?”

The answer to this question is a little bit complicated because, as we mentioned earlier, event planners can specialize in all sorts of different types of events. For example, some event planners focus on weddings while others prefer to work with corporate clients. Some planners even choose to specialize in virtual events!

So, the most profitable field in event planning really depends on your own interests, skillset, and goals.

With That Said…

…Here are a few examples of fields that tend to be more profitable than others:

• Luxury wedding/event planning
• Destination wedding/event planning
• Wedding planning
• Virtual event planning
• Corporate event planning

What Does an Event Planner Do?

An event planner is responsible for the organization and coordination of all aspects of a wide variety of events, such as:

• Weddings
• Parties
• Concerts
• Funerals
• Festivals
• Conferences
• Meetings
• Retreats
• And more!

Common Job Duties of an Event Planner

The world of event planning comes with lots of tasks and responsibilities!

In a nutshell, event planners work closely with their clients to determine the nature and purpose of the event, and then they proceed to handle all of the logistics involved in making it happen. This includes tasks such as:

• Conducting client consultations
• Creating the event concept
• Establishing and then working with budgets
• Finding and booking venues
• Hiring caterers and other vendors
• Handling invitations and RSVPs
• Coordinating transportation and parking
• Managing schedules
• Overseeing set up and break down on the day of the event
• And much more.

In some cases, event planners may also be responsible for designing and decorating the event space, managing audio/visual equipment, and overseeing security. Event planners typically work full time. Furthermore, they may often have to work long hours, weekends, and evenings in order to accommodate their clients’ schedules.

How to Find Opportunities of Event Planning

Now that we’ve answered some of the most common questions about event planning careers, let’s talk about how you can actually get started in this field! The first step—after getting trained and certified, of course—is to simply begin searching for event planning opportunities in your area.

Here are a few places to look:

• Online job boards (e.g., Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder)
• Local classified ads (i.e. Craigslist, Kijiji)
• Print newspapers
• Word of mouth

Another great way to find work as an event planner is to start your own business! This option gives you the freedom and flexibility to work on the types of events that interest you the most. Plus, it allows you to be in charge of your own career growth and development.

An additional suggestion we strongly recommend is to get out there and start networking with other professionals in the industry. For example, you can see if anyone would be interested in working with you on a stylized photoshoot. From there, you can put all your knowledge to real-world use by organizing and executing this project.

Pro Tip: If you’re interested in starting your own event planning business, be sure to check out our article on how to start an event planning business from scratch!

What Are the Best Careers in Event Planning?

Alright, now that we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions, let’s move on to the main event: the top 10 careers in event planning!

Career #1: Private Event Planning

This is one of the most popular types of event planning careers, as it offers a high degree of flexibility and creativity. Private event planners typically work with individuals or small groups to plan and execute special and/or important occasions, such as:

• Birthdays
• Anniversaries
• Gender reveal parties
• Milestone parties
• Baby showers
• Engagement parties
• Funerals
• Bachelor/bachelorette parties
• Bridal showers

In terms of salary, private event planners typically charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. That said, the average hourly rate for a private event planner is $50-$100, while the average flat fee is $500-$2000 (depending on the scale of the event).

Fun Fact: In as little as 3 to 6 months, become an International Event and Wedding Planning Professional™ (IEWP®) by completing QC Event School’s wildly popular Event & Wedding Planning Course!

Career #2: Wedding Planning

As the name suggests, wedding planners specialize in planning and executing weddings. In this role, you’ll be responsible for tasks such as:

• Conducting client consultations
• Creating the concept for the wedding day
• Helping your client create (and then stay within) their budget
• Finding and booking venues
• Hiring caterers and other vendors
• Handling invitations and RSVPs
• Coordinating transportation and parking
• Managing timelines and schedules
• Overseeing set up and break down on the day of the event
• Collecting payment(s), etc.

A full-time wedding planner can easily earn $50,000+ per year. However, keep in mind that your earnings will largely depend on factors such as your experience level, geographical location, and whether you work for a company or run your own business.

Thinking of specializing in wedding planning? Check out this ULTIMATE Guide on becoming a wedding planner in 6 simple steps!

Career #3: Corporate Event Planning

Easily, one of the most popular (and profitable) types of event planning careers is corporate event planning. In this role, you’ll be responsible for organizing and executing events for businesses and organizations. These events could include:

• Conferences
• Seminars
• Trade shows
• Product launches
• Holiday parties
• Company retreats
• And more!

The average salary for a corporate event planner falls in the ballpark of approx. $60,000 per year. That said, as we mentioned before, your earnings will largely depend on a variety of impacting factors. Where you live, what you charge, and how strongly you stand out from the competition will all play a big part.

Furthermore, your income can also be affected by how you conduct business. For instance, you may make a different salary as a freelance corporate planner (outsourcing your skills to multiple companies), compared to an in-house corporate planner who works solely for one enterprise.

Did you know that QC Event School also offers a Corporate Event Planning Course? In just a few short months, you can become a certified International Corporate Event Planning Professional™ (ICPP®)!

Career #4: Luxury Wedding/Event Planning

Luxury wedding and event planning is a type of event planning that focuses on high-end, extravagant events. As a luxury planner, you’ll be responsible for organizing and executing events that are over-the-top and often quite lavish. These could include:

• Celebrity weddings
• Red carpet events
• Galas
• Award ceremonies
• And more!

Due to the nature of this role, luxury planners typically earn a higher salary than other types of event planners. In fact, the average salary for a luxury event planner is $80,000+. Of course, as with any career in event planning (or any career at all), your earnings will largely depend on things like experience level, geographical location, and the size/scale of the events you typically work on.

Career #5: Destination Wedding/Event Planning

Destination wedding and event planning is very similar to luxury event planning, with one key exception—as the name suggests, destination planners focus on events that take place in destinations outside of the city or town where they live. This could mean anything from a small beachside ceremony to a grandiose affair in a foreign country.

No matter the location, however, destination planners are responsible for all aspects of the event, from start to finish. This includes tasks such as:

• Conducting client consultations
• Helping clients choose their perfect venue
• Making travel arrangements for guests
• Coordinating transportation
• Working with local vendors
• And more!

The average destination wedding/event planner can rake in $75,000+ per year! Of course, as we’ve already stated a few times already, how much you make will depend on where you’re located, how many clients you’re regularly booking, etc.

Guess what? That’s right—QC Event School has self-paced, online programs for these fields as well! Learn all about our Destination Wedding Planning Course here, and our Luxury Wedding & Event Planning Course here.

Career #6: Virtual Event Planning

Virtual event planning is a type of event planning that, as the name suggests, revolves around events that take place online rather than in-person. With the pandemic still affecting many areas of the world, virtual events have become majorly popular over the past couple of years. In fact, according to recent studies, this trend is here to stay, even after things return to some semblance of normalcy!

So, what exactly is a virtual event? Well, there are many different types, but some common examples include:

• Webinars
• Online conferences
• Virtual weddings
• Hybrid weddings (a.k.a. weddings that have both in-person and virtual elements)
• Virtual trade shows
• Live stream concerts
• And more!

As a virtual event planner, you’ll be responsible for organizing and executing these types of events from start to finish. This will include tasks such as:

• Conducting client consultations
• Helping clients choose their perfect venue
• Making travel arrangements for guests
• Coordinating transportation
• Working with local vendors
• And more!

The average salary for a virtual event planner can range anywhere between $50,000 to $70,000+. If you’re interested in taking your events online, QC Event School offers a Virtual Events Training Mini course that covers all aspects of virtual event planning… AND can be completed in less than a month!

Career #7: Event Decorating

Event decorating is a field that falls under the umbrella of event planning. However, unlike most other fields of event planning, event decorators typically don’t handle things like vendor coordination, budget management, etc.

Instead, their focus is on the aesthetic and overall look of the event space. This includes tasks such as:

• Choosing/selecting appropriate event decor items
• Setting up/decorating the event venue
• Overseeing/managing decor teams
• Working with florists, etc.

Now, it’s worth mentioning that while many event planners include decorating as part of their services, there are also plenty who don’t. By adding event decor services to your business, you’ll prevent many of your clients from outsourcing this particular service from someone else. Meaning, more money for your business—and more room for you to show off your skills and wow your customers!

If you have an eye for detail and enjoy working with your hands (literally), a career in event decorating could be perfect for you! Plus, since the average salary for an event decorator is $50,000 to $70,000, you’ll make a pretty penny as well.

Want to become an International Event Decorating Professional™ (IEDP™)? Enroll in QC’s Event Decor Course today and graduate in as little as 3-6 months!

Career #8: Floral Designing

Much like with event decorating, floral design is another career you can either pursue on its own or in addition to your planning services. Not to mention, floral designers are in high demand—especially during the peak wedding season!

As a floral designer, you’ll be responsible for creating and arranging beautiful bouquets and other types of flower arrangements. This will include tasks such as:

• Meeting with clients to discuss their vision/ideas
• Selecting appropriate flowers/greenery
• Putting together stunning bouquets and centerpieces
• Working with a team of florists (if necessary)
• Delivering finished products to clients

The average salary for a floral designer is typically anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000. However, if you’re able to land some high-paying gigs (i.e. celebrity weddings, corporate events, etc.), you could easily make much more than that.

QC’s Floral Design Course will teach you everything you need to know about floristry, from the basics of flower care and arrangement to more advanced techniques like wiring and corsage making!

Career #9: Promotional Planning

Promotional planning is a type of event planning that, as the name suggests, revolves around promotional events. These are typically small-scale events (e.g. product launches, grand openings, media events, etc.) that are meant to generate buzz and excitement around a particular brand or product.

As a promotional planner, your responsibilities will include tasks such as:

• Researching and selecting promotional event venues
• Booking said venues
• Working with a team of event professionals (i.e. caterers, decorators, florists, etc.) to bring the client’s vision to life
• Managing budgets
• Handling all pre-event logistics
• And more!

As a full-time promotional event planner (and granted that you’re consistently booking clients), you can expect to earn anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000 annually.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in promotional planning, QC’s Promotional Event Planning Course covers everything from the basics of event planning to more advanced topics like marketing and branding. You’ll also learn how to create and execute successful promotional events from start to finish!

Enroll today and graduate in as little as 12 weeks!

Career #10: Festival and Live Event Planning

The answer to what festival and live event planning is lies in the very name itself. Basically, you’ll be responsible for organizing and executing—you guessed it—festivals and live events. This can include anything from small-scale music festivals to large-scale conventions and everything in-between.

Some common responsibilities of a festival/live event planner include:

• Researching and booking venues
• Working with a team of event professionals
• Managing budgets
• Creating schedules
• Coordinating transportation/logistics
• And more!

The average salary for a festival/live event planner typically lands somewhere between $60,000 to $80,000 per year. However, if you’re able to land some higher-paying gigs (i.e. corporate events, celebrity weddings, etc.), you could easily make way more than that.

QC’s Festivals and Live Events Workshop will teach you everything you need to know about planning successful events, from the basics of event management to more advanced topics like crowd control and on-site coordination!

Conclusion

By now, you should have a pretty good idea of the different types of careers available to event planners. We hope this article has given you some food for thought and helped you narrow down your options. This way, you can dive head-first into your dream career with a clear game plan already in mind!

Remember: no matter which path you decide to take, QC Event School can help you get there with our comprehensive certification programs. So, what are you waiting for?

Enroll today and let’s get your journey started!

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