How Much Does a Special Event Planner Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Special Event Planner in California is $127,628. While Salary.com is seeing that Special Event Planner salary in CA can go up to $153,524 or down to $101,195, but most earn between $113,792 and $141,183. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $113,792 10% $101,195 90% $153,524 75% $141,183 $127,628 50%(Median)
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Similar Job Salaries to Special Event Planner by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
GRETEL
Event Planner
$98,113/yr
$87,200
$109,025
RANGE: $87,200 - $109,025
$86,398/yr
$76,704
$96,092
RANGE: $76,704 - $96,092
The Linux Foundation
Event Content Planner
$100,220/yr
$88,193
$112,247
RANGE: $88,193 - $112,247
Lensa
Funeral - Event Planner
$132,605/yr
$119,355
$145,856
RANGE: $119,355 - $145,856
Destinationone Consulting
Event Planner/Coordinator
$68,873/yr
$60,976
$76,770
RANGE: $60,976 - $76,770
San José State University
Senior Event Planner
$119,553/yr
$105,920
$133,186
RANGE: $105,920 - $133,186
InsideHigherEd
Senior Event Planner
$119,553/yr
$105,920
$133,186
RANGE: $105,920 - $133,186
Mint, Inc
Community Event Planner
$82,639/yr
$72,695
$92,584
RANGE: $72,695 - $92,584
Lake Tahoe Community College
District Event Planner
$76,188/yr
$68,192
$84,183
RANGE: $68,192 - $84,183

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Special Event Planner Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Special Event Planner can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Special Event Planner job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Special Event Planner jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Special Event Planner positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Special Event Planner salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Special Event Planner salary is $145,944 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Special Event Planner salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Special Event Planner in California is $127,628, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Special Event Planner jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Special Event Planner jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $145,944 $12,162 $2,807 $70
Santa Clara $145,944 $12,162 $2,807 $70
Fremont $145,667 $12,139 $2,801 $70
San Francisco $144,510 $12,042 $2,779 $69
Daly City $144,510 $12,042 $2,779 $69
Berkeley $141,304 $11,775 $2,717 $68
Oakland $141,304 $11,775 $2,717 $68
Hayward $141,073 $11,756 $2,713 $68
Antioch $133,321 $11,110 $2,564 $64
Vallejo $130,173 $10,848 $2,503 $63

What Does a Special Event Planner Do?

The special events sector of the industry broadly consists of private events, sporting events, public events, and fairs & festivals.
Updated October 27, 2021
An organized and detail-oriented event planner with more than eight years of experience in planning and executing meetings and events.
Updated October 18, 2021
Therefore, private events can be used to encompass many different types of events; from parties and celebrations, to brand marketing, promotional, and launch events, and also fundraisers and charity galas—all of which are considered private special events.
Updated October 04, 2021
At a local level, there are also many different types of sporting events, such as boat races, rodeos, bike rides, marathons, and equestrian events, all of which come under the umbrella of special events.
Updated December 21, 2021
Similarly, charity events and fundraisers make up another large sector of the events industry, but these also come under the umbrella of special events.
Updated December 21, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Special Event Planner Salaries

What is the average of a Special Event Planner in California?

The Special Event Planner salary range is from $113,792 to $141,183, and the average Special Event Planner salary is $127,628/year in California. The Special Event Planner's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Special Event Planner salary in the United States?

The Special Event Planner salary in San Jose, CA is $145,944 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Special Event Planner's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Special Event Planner.

What is the growth rate of the Special Event Planner's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Special Event Planner or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Special Event Planner.