15 Types of Event Staff Jobs (Including Average Salaries)

Updated 25 July 2023

There are a variety of jobs that you can apply for within the events industry. Some roles have varying qualification and expertise requirements. Understanding some of the different career paths in events can help you determine which pathway suits your personality and skills. In this article, we discuss 15 jobs in the events industry, along with their national average salaries, the skills necessary and how to progress in the roles.

15 types of event staff jobs

Below are 15 types of event staff jobs, along with their primary duties and national average salary:

1. Event crew member

National average salary: $44,949 per year

Primary duties: An event crew member is responsible for the assembly and disassembly of event infrastructure. This can include stages, seating arrangements and crowd control barriers. During the event, a crew member may help supervise event activities. They may also observe attendees and ensure their safety and enjoyment during the event.

2. Event assistant

National average salary: $57,514 per year

Primary duties: An event assistant often works closely with event planners and event coordinators. Depending on the professional they're assisting, they may have different responsibilities. An assistant to an event planner may focus on the logistics and planning of an event. An assistant to an event coordinator may have duties during the event itself. These responsibilities can include managing the timing of event activities and ensuring they occur in the correct sequence.

3. Chef

National average salary: $60,670 per year

Primary duties: A chef is a professional who often works in the hospitality and events industry. They have a wide range of knowledge about cooking techniques, flavours and food preparation. Chefs adhere to strict codes of conduct that ensure they meet health standards within the kitchen. They often work with other culinary professionals and receive instruction from a head chef.

4. Event planner

National average salary: $62,409 per year

Primary duties: Event planners may have a wide range of responsibilities, depending on the size of the event. Event planners may be responsible for the coordination and execution of the event, but in most situations, they focus on the planning phase. An event planner can work closely with event managers and event coordinators. During the planning phase, event planners organise and schedule event activities. They may plan budgets and allocate resources to different areas of the event. Planners may also work with a director of events to ensure their planning meets the event goals.

5. Server

National average salary: $63,995 per year

Primary duties: Servers usually work in a restaurant. They may also provide service to private events. Servers receive food and drink orders, serve food and drinks, process payments, clean, and answer customer questions. Some servers may specialise in a type of event that requires unique serving skills and knowledge. For example, a server at a prestigious event may require an understanding of dining etiquette and customer service procedures.

6. Caterer

National average salary: $66,621 per year

Primary duties: A caterer provides mobile food and drinks services to events. They usually conduct a mobile operation where they can prepare and cook fresh food at the event. Caterers often provide their services at weddings, business events and conferences. A caterer employed by a catering company may prepare and cook food in an established kitchen, which is packaged and then delivered to the event.

7. Bartender

National average salary: $68,083 per year

Primary duties: A bartender is a server who specialises in making drinks. They use mixology skills to create cocktails. A bartender may plan the drink selection and design the cocktail list for an event. They also observe patrons and ensure they consume a safe amount of alcohol. During an event, bartenders may maintain the cleanliness of drinking glasses and the general bar area.

8. Catering manager

National average salary: $68,406 per year

Primary duties: A catering manager oversees food and drink services at a catered event. They may liaise with clients to plan the menu and determine the required quantities of food and drink to be available. A catering manager often completes their managerial duties in an office environment. These duties can include the scheduling, recruitment and training of employees.

9. Event coordinator

National average salary: $68,557 per year

Primary duties: Event coordinators oversee the management of activities during an event. Coordinators manage many types of events, such as weddings, conferences and conventions. They use their time management skills to ensure the correct scheduling of event activities. An event coordinator may also oversee event aspects such as catering, entertainment and décor.

10. Special events manager

National average salary: $70,259 per year

Primary duties: A special events manager oversees the planning of social, entertainment and community events. These events are typically large scale with many attendees. When planning a special event, the manager may consider many factors that can affect the event activities. This can include the number of attendees, the size of the venue and the required facilities. Special events often include community charities, sporting events, public parades and ceremonies.

11. Head chef

National average salary: $78,254 per year

Primary duties: A head chef manages a team of chefs and kitchen hands to cook food for customers. They often plan meal courses and menu items to suit the restaurant and event cuisine. A head chef may ensure their staff upholds health regulations and hygiene standards. They often evaluate the quality of a prepared meal before the customer receives it. Event managers sometimes hire a head chef to plan and prepare the food menu for corporate conferences and client meetings.

12. Event manager

National average salary: $82,020 per year

Primary duties: An event manager oversees most aspects of an event, from planning activities to coordinating event staff. They work closely with a director of events to ensure the theme and services are appropriate for the target audience. Event managers help prepare the budget, recruitment and scheduling of an event. During the event, they may receive updates from coordinators and provide instruction to event staff necessary.

13. Communication specialist

National average salary: $96,531 per year

Primary duties: Communication specialists are professionals with skills in public speaking and writing. They help businesses foster relationships between the public, clients and business partners. Communication specialists may assist marketing managers when planning content for events. Depending on the type of event, a communication specialist may draft a speech for someone else or deliver it themselves. They often plan the speech to reflect the values of the company while engaging the public.

14. Marketing manager

National average salary: $100,833 per year

Primary duties: Marketing managers oversee a team of marketing professionals to produce content and plan events. They liaise with event managers to create events that relate to the community and engage their interests. Marketing managers may also develop marketing strategies to promote events and increase public awareness.

15. Director of events

National average salary: $111,511 per year

Primary duties: A director of events is usually one of the highest senior executive roles within event management. They oversee a variety of event professionals to plan and coordinate events. A director of events considers the logistics of an event to plan a budget and allocate resources. They typically liaise with other departments within a corporation, including marketing and finance. A director of events may communicate with government authorities to gain approval for large-scale community events.

Useful skills for event staff

The responsibilities of event staff may vary, but they usually share skills that can help them carry out their duties. Below, you can find some of the beneficial skills for event staff:

Time management: During an event, there are usually many activities and services that require you to manage your time. Event staff may utilise their time management skills to ensure the scheduling of these activities is correct and adhere to deadlines.
Communication: Those working at events frequently communicate with other professionals and event attendees. Communication skills can help them provide simple instructions and directions when required.
Teamwork: Event employees often work within a team of marketing and event professionals. Good teamwork skills can help them communicate with team members and delegate tasks efficiently.
Social awareness: Event staff can determine the success of an event by reviewing the attendees' enjoyment. Social awareness can help event staff identify aspects of an event that may not be enjoyable for their attendees.

Career progression in the events industry

There is usually potential for you to advance your career within the events industry. To gain a managerial role, you may require extensive work experience. Hiring managers may occasionally prefer candidates with qualifications, but it's rarely a formal requirement.

If you're considering starting a career in events, you might gain employment in an entry-level role. From an entry-level events job, you may improve your skills and knowledge in the events industry. There are many areas in events you can choose to specialise in. If you hope to become a director of events, you may focus on advancing your career towards the planning and coordination phase of events.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at the time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.

15 Types of Event Staff Jobs (Including Average Salaries)