
How do event planner salaries stack up?
Are event planners underpaid compared to other roles that may have similar responsibilities in terms of contributing to their associations’ bottom line? We took a look at average and median salaries from a number of other sources for meeting planners/directors and membership directors. We also threw in average salaries for project managers, although this role is not specific to associations but often requires a similar set of skills as those employed by event planners.
The salaries are all over the map, demonstrating that averages depend on a great many factors, including regions, sectors, experience levels, supervisory responsibilities, and more.
Salary.com
Membership director $107,000
Meeting and convention planner $52,000
Meeting/event director $171,382
Project manager $82,100
ZipRecruiter
Director member engagement $91,600
Meeting convention planner $65,702
Meeting event director $78,450
Project manager $102,682
Glassdoor
Director of membership $86,802
Meeting planner $62,000
Director of events $96,000
Project manager $105,000
ASAE Association and Compensation & Benefits Study, 2024-2025
Membership Director median $110,066
Marketing Director median $111,500
Meetings/Conventions Director median $114,085
Indeed
Membership director $58,383
Meeting planner $66,932
Director of events $83,785
Project manager $113,360
Michelle Russell is editor in chief of Convene