As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Trade Show/Event Planner I in the United States is $57,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Trade Show/Event Planner I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Trade Show/Event Planner I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Trade Show/Event Planner I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Show/Event Planner I | 0-2 years | $57,569 |
| Event Logistics Planner II | 2-4 years | $64,926 |
| Event Logistics Planner III | 4-7 years | $89,216 |
| Event Logistics Planner IV | 7+ years | $109,234 |
| Event Logistics Supervisor | 7+ years | $92,137 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Trade Show/Event Planner Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 13.84% |
| Event Marketing | 1.72% |
| Customer Engagement | 1.39% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Supply Chain
|
$66,804 |
16%
|
|
Merchandising
|
$63,925 |
11%
|
|
Project Management
|
$62,773 |
9%
|
|
Accounting
|
$62,197 |
8%
|
|
Consulting
|
$62,197 |
8%
|
|
Innovation
|
$61,621 |
7%
|
Trade Show/Event Planner I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $64,469. While startup companies pay approximate $54,539.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $54,539 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $57,681 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $62,256 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $64,469 |
For Trade Show/Event Planner I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, Trade Show/Event Planner positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Trade Show/Event Planner I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $70,260 | $34.0 | 22% |
| Internet | $67,956 | $33.0 | 18% |
| Insurance | $64,501 | $31.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $63,349 | $30.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $62,197 | $30.0 | 8% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Trade Show/Event Planner Is enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Trade Show/Event Planner I with a No Diploma is between $60,524 and $64,100).
Trade Show/Event Planner I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 11.8% |
| Associates | 7.6% |
| Bachelors | 72.4% |
| Masters | 7.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.9% |
Understanding how a Trade Show/Event Planner I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For a Trade Show/Event Planner I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Event Logistics Planner II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $65,000 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.
Salaries for a Trade Show/Event Planner I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $59,825 in 2023 to around $57,704 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Trade Show/Event Planner I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $59,825 |
| 2024 | $58,866 |
| 2025 | $57,704 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Trade Show/Event Planner I roles, with salaries approximately 22% above the market median.
On average, Trade Show/Event Planners earn between $58,190 and $70,890 annually, with a mid-salary of $64,390. Their earnings per event can vary significantly based on experience and the scale of the event, but they typically charge within this salary range for their services.
Yes, there is a market for event planners. The Party & Event Planners industry in the US has been growing at a CAGR of 0.1% from 2019 to 2024. Salaries for Trade Show/Event Planners range from $58,190 to $70,890, with a median salary of $64,390, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this field.
The highest position in event planning is the Director of Events. This senior leadership role involves strategic planning and execution of an organization's events. Directors of Events manage budgets, set overall event strategies, and lead their teams to meet business objectives. Salaries for this position typically range from $58,190 to $70,890, with a mid-salary of $64,390.
Event planners in the USA typically earn between $58,190 and $70,890 annually, with a median salary of $64,390. Hourly rates can vary widely, often ranging from under $50 to over $150, influenced by factors such as location, experience, and the specific services offered.
Mindy Weiss is a renowned event planner, famous for her weddings and parties for the Kardashians. She humorously notes her concern about running out of themes for the 13 Kardashian grandkids. Event planners like her typically earn between $58,190 and $70,890, with a median salary of $64,390, reflecting the high demand for their expertise in glamorous events.
The best event planning certifications include Sustainable Event Professional (SEPC), Event Data Analysis Certificate (EDA), Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP), Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM), and Certified Event Planning Specialist (CEPS). With salaries ranging from $58,190 to $70,890, these certifications can enhance your career and earning potential in the event planning industry.
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