How to Become a Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners in California
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners in California earn a median salary of $66,990/year, which is 13% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~3.7%. After taxes and rent, a meeting, convention, and event planners takes home approximately $3,009/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a meeting, convention, and event planners can afford in California
Becoming a meeting, convention, and event planners in California
Meet education requirements
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many meeting, convention, and event planners positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for meeting, convention, and event plannerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 17,800 meeting, convention, and event planners. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $81K | $39/hr | 830 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $79K | $38.02/hr | 3,130 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $72K | $34.44/hr | 100 |
| Napa | $68K | $32.59/hr | 200 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $68K | $32.57/hr | 780 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $67K | $32/hr | 6,050 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $66K | $31.63/hr | 2,310 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $65K | $31.15/hr | 310 |
| Vallejo | $61K | $29.31/hr | 70 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $61K | $29.24/hr | 1,060 |
| Salinas | $60K | $28.88/hr | 190 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $60K | $28.63/hr | 130 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $59K | $28.5/hr | 270 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $59K | $28.27/hr | 130 |
| Modesto | $59K | $28.24/hr | 100 |
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners salary range in California
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a meeting, convention, and event planners make in California?▼
The median meeting, convention, and event planners salary in California is $66,990 per year ($32.21/hr). This is 13% above the national median of $59,440. Salaries range from $41,630 to $112,240.
What are the requirements to become a meeting, convention, and event planners in California?▼
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a meeting, convention, and event planners afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $66,990, a meeting, convention, and event planners in California would take home approximately $4,421/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 31.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for meeting, convention, and event planners in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for meeting, convention, and event planners in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($81,120), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($79,070), Santa Cruz-Watsonville ($71,630). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for meeting, convention, and event planners?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.7%. On a $66,990 salary, this means roughly $2,457/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.