Event Planner Jobs in California
Event Planner jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand from entry-level coordinators through senior directors across corporate, hospitality, entertainment, and nonprofit sectors. The largest concentrations of openings are in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where established employers such as Live Nation Entertainment, Hyatt Hotels, and the University of California system regularly hire event planning professionals. In-demand specialties include corporate meetings and conferences, experiential marketing events, and large-scale entertainment productions. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Event Planner JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 6+ Event Planner jobs
Event Planner
Location: Commerce, CA ( On-site)
Full-time
Pay: $28.00 – $30.50/hour
At Ernest, every event is an opportunity to celebrate our people, our culture, and our shared success. We’re looking for an Event Planner who thrives on bringing ideas to life, someone who can create memorable experiences that reflect who we are and what we stand for. This role is responsible for the full event lifecycle, from concept to clean-up, planning, coordinating, and executing social and corporate events that engage, inspire, and connect our employees.
Job Responsibilities
- Plan and execute a variety of corporate and social employee events including award ceremonies, picnics, sales training events, sporting events, incentive events, holiday parties, national management events, and more.
- Manage the entire event lifecycle, from planning and budgeting to on-site coordination and post-event wrap-up.
- Secure venues and locations, negotiate contracts, and manage vendor selection.
- Create and manage communications and announcements for event attendees.
- Brainstorm and implement event concepts and themes that align with company culture and goals.
- Prepare event budgets, track expenses, and process invoices.
- Research, evaluate, and book venues suitable for each event’s needs and scale.
- Organize and coordinate suppliers, caterers, staff, and entertainment to ensure seamless execution.
- Manage all logistical elements of each event, including transportation, setup, and timing.
- Oversee set-up, tear-down, and clean-up operations.
- Anticipate attendee needs and plan ahead to mitigate potential issues or risks.
- Collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and senior-level executives throughout the planning process.
- Troubleshoot and resolve any issues that arise before or during events to ensure smooth execution.
Management Responsibilities
- Vendor Management: Maintain strong partnerships with vendors and oversee the setup, execution, and cleanup of events. Negotiate competitive rates and contracts for venues and services.
- Calendar Management: Coordinate event schedules and appointments, ensuring all event-related activities, before, during, and after are properly documented for clear internal and external communication.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Excellent and effective communication skills, verbal and written.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
- Proven ability to negotiate and focus on cost savings when working with vendors.
- Outstanding coordination, organization, and time management abilities.
- Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in event planning (preferred).
- Degree in hospitality, public relations, management, or a related field (a plus).
- Exceptional ability to multitask under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.
- Creative thinker with a knack for innovative, out-of-the-box event ideas.
- Demonstrated ability to manage small and large events, delegating tasks effectively.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and make quick, sound decisions.
- Proven on-site/day-of event management experience.
Why Ernest
At Ernest, we believe that every event tells a story — one that connects people, builds relationships, and celebrates progress. If you’re passionate about creating meaningful experiences and thrive in a dynamic, hands-on environment, this role is your chance to shine.
Event Planner
Location: Commerce, CA ( On-site)
Full-time
Pay: $28.00 – $30.50/hour
At Ernest, every event is an opportunity to celebrate our people, our culture, and our shared success. We’re looking for an Event Planner who thrives on bringing ideas to life, someone who can create memorable experiences that reflect who we are and what we stand for. This role is responsible for the full event lifecycle, from concept to clean-up, planning, coordinating, and executing social and corporate events that engage, inspire, and connect our employees.
Job Responsibilities
- Plan and execute a variety of corporate and social employee events including award ceremonies, picnics, sales training events, sporting events, incentive events, holiday parties, national management events, and more.
- Manage the entire event lifecycle, from planning and budgeting to on-site coordination and post-event wrap-up.
- Secure venues and locations, negotiate contracts, and manage vendor selection.
- Create and manage communications and announcements for event attendees.
- Brainstorm and implement event concepts and themes that align with company culture and goals.
- Prepare event budgets, track expenses, and process invoices.
- Research, evaluate, and book venues suitable for each event’s needs and scale.
- Organize and coordinate suppliers, caterers, staff, and entertainment to ensure seamless execution.
- Manage all logistical elements of each event, including transportation, setup, and timing.
- Oversee set-up, tear-down, and clean-up operations.
- Anticipate attendee needs and plan ahead to mitigate potential issues or risks.
- Collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and senior-level executives throughout the planning process.
- Troubleshoot and resolve any issues that arise before or during events to ensure smooth execution.
Management Responsibilities
- Vendor Management: Maintain strong partnerships with vendors and oversee the setup, execution, and cleanup of events. Negotiate competitive rates and contracts for venues and services.
- Calendar Management: Coordinate event schedules and appointments, ensuring all event-related activities, before, during, and after are properly documented for clear internal and external communication.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Excellent and effective communication skills, verbal and written.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
- Proven ability to negotiate and focus on cost savings when working with vendors.
- Outstanding coordination, organization, and time management abilities.
- Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in event planning (preferred).
- Degree in hospitality, public relations, management, or a related field (a plus).
- Exceptional ability to multitask under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.
- Creative thinker with a knack for innovative, out-of-the-box event ideas.
- Demonstrated ability to manage small and large events, delegating tasks effectively.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and make quick, sound decisions.
- Proven on-site/day-of event management experience.
Why Ernest
At Ernest, we believe that every event tells a story — one that connects people, builds relationships, and celebrates progress. If you’re passionate about creating meaningful experiences and thrive in a dynamic, hands-on environment, this role is your chance to shine.
See All 6 Event Planner Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Event Planner JobsEvent Planner Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Event Planner Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- CBRE1
- Ernest1
- Figure1
- Mattel1
- Sci Shared Resources1
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate1
- Consulting & Professional Services1
- Food & Beverage1
- Investment & Asset Management1
- Manufacturing1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in event planner jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, communications, or a related field
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential preferred by most California employers
- Demonstrated experience managing multi-vendor logistics and on-site event execution
- Proficiency with event management software such as Cvent, Eventbrite, or Salesforce
- Strong vendor and venue negotiation skills specific to California markets
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent events across California locations simultaneously
Event Planner Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a event planner in California?
California does not require a state-issued license to work as an event planner, so the path centers on education and professional credentials. Most California employers expect at least a bachelor's degree in hospitality management, communications, or a related field. Earning the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential through the Events Industry Council significantly strengthens applications for mid-level and senior roles. Starting as an event coordinator or administrative assistant at a hotel, convention center, or corporate events team is the most common entry route.
How much do event planners make in California?
Event planners in California earn a median of about $71,120 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $44,850 for the lowest 10% to over $121,310 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire event planners in California?
Employers hiring event planners in California right now include CBRE, Ernest, and Figure, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of major entertainment companies, large hotel groups, and Fortune 500 headquarters means consistent demand for experienced event planners across both corporate and live-event settings.
Which California cities have the most event planner jobs?
Commerce, Los Angeles, and Milpitas have the most event planner openings in California. Los Angeles drives the largest share due to its entertainment industry, convention venues, and corporate headquarters, while San Francisco's technology sector generates steady demand for corporate event professionals, and San Diego's tourism infrastructure and biotech conference circuit support a strong hospitality-focused market.
Are there remote event planner jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of event planner openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how much of the role depends on on-site venue coordination and vendor management. The tasks most likely to be handled remotely are pre-event logistics, vendor sourcing, and budget administration rather than day-of execution.
How can I get hired as a event planner in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an event coordinator or event assistant role at a California hotel, university, or convention center. Large California employers such as Marriott properties, the University of California campuses, and Moscone Center in San Francisco regularly hire for entry-level positions that build hands-on experience. Volunteering with nonprofits or assisting at community events builds a portfolio, and completing the Certificate in Meeting Management offered through industry associations adds a credential that compensates for limited professional history.
Where can I find and apply to event planner jobs in California?
You can find and apply to event planner jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across corporate, hospitality, entertainment, and nonprofit employers. Find the roles that fit your experience and specialty, then apply directly to each one.
See All 6 Event Planner Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Event Planner Jobs