HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Event Planner Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$85,210/yr
Typical range: $85,757 – $101,672
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$85,210
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $41/hr
Next Level Target
$93,731
Principal · 14
+$9Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Event Planner salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Event Planners in Chicago, IL earn approximately $85K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Event Planner make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $85K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $41/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Event Planner in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Event Planner in Chicago, IL earns $86K–$102K/yr.