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Special Events Manager Salary in the United States

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What is the salary range of a Special Events Manager?

As of August 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Special Events Manager in the United States ranges from $49,253 (25th percentile) to $63,056 (75th percentile), with a median annual salary of $57,239 and an hourly rate of $28. A Special Events Manager's salary is shaped by several key factors, including experience level, specific skills, industry differences, company size, and more. Below, we'll explore how each of these influences compensation.

View as table View as graph 25% $49,253 10% $41,982 90% $68,352 75% $63,056 $57,239 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Special Events Manager Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $63,056 $5,255 $1,213 $30
Average $57,239 $4,770 $1,101 $28
25th Percentile $49,253 $4,104 $947 $24
500+ Special Events Manager job openings Go >
Check out Special Events Manager Job Openings in the United States
Marketing & Events Coordinator

Chamber of Commerce Sandusky County - Fremont, OH

AFSIM AMMO Special Events Coordinator with Security Clearance

Makai LLC - Wright Patterson AFB, OH

Sr. Events Manager Cleveland

BrightEdge - Cleveland, OH

Sales and Events Manager

Cedar Grove Lodging & Events - Hocking Hills, Ohio - Logan, OH

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How much does a Special Events Manager make by hour, week, month, and year?

Salary.com provides you with accurate and diversified Special Events Manager salary data based on specialized databases to help you get a fairer salary. Click the switch button below to see more details about Special Events Manager hourly pay, weekly pay, monthly pay and so on.

Last Updated on August 01, 2025

How does experience level affect a Special Events Manager's Salary?

An entry-level Special Events Manager with less than 1 year of experience earns about $54,259. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $54,617. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $55,809. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $57,239, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $58,715.

Levels Salary
Entry Level Special Events Manager $54,259
Intermediate Level Special Events Manager $54,617
Senior Level Special Events Manager $55,809
Specialist Level Special Events Manager $57,239
Expert Level Special Events Manager $58,715
$54,259 0 yr
$54,617 < 2 yrs
$55,809 2-4 yrs
$57,239 5-8 yrs
$58,715 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How much does salary of Special Events Manager vary from city to city?

Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.

For example, as of August 01, 2025:
  • In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary for a Special Events Manager is $71,486.
  • In New York, NY, the average annual salary is $66,334.
  • In Boston, MA, a Special Events Manager earns $63,839 per year.

What are the salaries of a Special Events Manager with different levels of education?

Salaries for Special Events Manager with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

According to our 100% employer reported salary sources the median salary for a Special Events Manager with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is $58,706 - $61,939. Please try our salary wizard to explore how other factors like location, Years of experience and number of direct reports can impact your base pay and bonus.

Special Events Manager Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Special Events Manager
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
High School 5.6%
Associates 11.3%
Bachelors 70.4%
Masters 12.7%
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What is the salary trend of Special Events Manager?

As of August 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Special Events Manager compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $54,280 in 2023 to approximately $54,539 in 2025. (For a detailed analysis of Special Events Manager salary trends, click here.)

Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.

Average Annual Salary of Special Events Manager Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$54,280
2024
$54,542
2025
$54,539
2026
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022 View More
2023 $54,280
2024 $54,542
2025 $54,539
2026 View More

Special Events Manager bonus and incentive rates

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 57.6%
Bonuses 14.1%
Social Security 5.5%
401k/403b 3.4%
Disability 0.6%
Healthcare 6.1%
Pension 3.9%
Time Off 8.8%
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Median % of Total
Base Salary $57,239 57.6%
Bonus $14,024 14.1%
Median % of Total
Social Security $5,452 5.5%
401K/403B $3,349 3.4%
Disability $570 0.6%
Healthcare $6,056 6.1%
Pension $3,919 3.9%
Time Off $8,771 8.8%
Total Compensation $99,380 100%

Most common benefits for Special Events Manager

Common company salaries for Special Events Manager

Here are companies hiring for Special Events Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

Job openings of Special Events Manager

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FAQ about Special Events Manager

1. What is the average salary of a Special Events Manager?

The average annual salary of Special Events Manager is $57,239. In case you are finding an easy salary calculator, the average hourly pay of Special Events Manager is $28; the average weekly pay of Special Events Manager is $1,101; the average monthly pay of Special Events Manager is $4,770.

2. Where can a Special Events Manager earn the most?

A Special Events Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Special Events Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Special Events Manager is $72,196.

3. What is the highest pay for Special Events Manager?

The highest pay for Special Events Manager is $68,352.

4. What is the lowest pay for Special Events Manager?

The lowest pay for Special Events Manager is $41,982.

5. What are the responsibilities of Special Events Manager?

Responsible for planning, organizing, and managing all aspects of special events from conception through execution. Defines the event goals, manages budget, selects venues, and oversees logistics such as seating, dining, decorations, and catering. Negotiates contracts and obtains competitive bids from vendors to ensure the lowest bid with the highest quality of service and products. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

About Our Data

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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