What does an event planner do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Meeting, convention and event planners arrange locations, transportation and other details for professional gatherings. A bachelor's degree is typical, and certification is voluntary. BLS reports a median pay of $61,160 per year (May 2025). Figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 13-1121 |
| O*NET code | 13-1121.00 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Median annual wage | $61,160 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 6 percent (faster than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 172,100 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does an event planner do?
BLS says planners meet with clients to understand an event's purpose, plan its time, location and cost, solicit bids from venues and vendors, inspect venues, coordinate rooms, transportation and food, monitor activities during the event, and review bills and approve payments.
Work environment
Planners work in their offices and onsite at hotels or conference centers. Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional and similar organizations employ 14 percent, arts, entertainment and recreation 12 percent, accommodation and food services 12 percent and administrative and support services 11 percent. Self-employed workers account for 10 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says a bachelor's degree in fields such as business, communications or social science is typical, and meeting and event management or hospitality management programs are also available. Voluntary certifications exist but are not required.
Skills that matter
BLS lists communication, interpersonal, negotiation, organizational and problem-solving skills as important qualities for this work.
How much does an event planner make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $61,160 for meeting, convention and event planners (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of meeting, convention and event planners to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels faster than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 16,800 openings are projected each year on average.
How to get hired
- Volunteer to run a real event and document the budget, headcount and vendors you handled.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Administrative services and facilities managers, Food service managers, Lodging managers, Fundraisers, Travel agents.
Frequently asked questions
Do event planners need a degree? BLS says a bachelor's degree in fields such as business, communications or social science is typical, and event or hospitality management programs exist.
Are event planner certifications required? No. BLS says voluntary certifications exist but are not required.
How much do meeting, convention and event planners make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $61,160 for meeting, convention and event planners (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is event planner a good career? BLS projects 6 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (faster than average). About 16,800 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Meeting, convention and event planners: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/meeting-convention-and-event-planners.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 13-1121.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1121.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.