HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Event Planner Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$51,126/yr
Typical range: $49,592 – $58,796
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Event Planner salary by experience level in Chicago
Event Planner Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $51,126 | $4,261 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $61,067 | $5,089 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $67,694 | $5,641 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $73,848 | $6,154 | +44% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $85,210 | $7,101 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $93,731 | $7,811 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $95,861 | $7,988 | +87% |
Current Salary
$51,126
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $25/hr
Next Level Target
$61,067
Junior · 2
+$10Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Event Planner salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Event Planners in Chicago, IL earn approximately $51K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Event Planner make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $51K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $25/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Event Planner in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Event Planner in Chicago, IL earns $86K–$102K/yr.