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Assistant Director, Special Events Salary in California

How much does an Assistant Director, Special Events make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Director, Special Events in California is $141,169 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.

However, an Assistant Director, Special Events's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $155,047
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $129,336 to $148,433
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $118,562
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Assistant Director, Special Events Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Assistant Director, Special Events Salaries

An Assistant Director, Special Events's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Assistant Director, Special Events Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Director, Special Events's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $120,693
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $101,814
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $116,939
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $139,656
  • Expert (over 8 years): $189,338
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Meeting/Event Planner IV less than 1 year $120,693
Meeting/Event Supervisor 1-2 years $101,814
Meeting/Event Manager 2-4 years $116,939
Assistant Director, Special Events 5-8 years $139,656
Meeting/Event Director over 8 years $189,338

How Do Assistant Director, Special Events Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Assistant Director, Special Events. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $141,706.
  • California: $141,169.
  • Massachusetts: $139,287.

Top Paying Cities for Assistant Director, Special Events

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $141,412
  • West Hollywood: $141,309
  • Dodgertown: $141,410

Assistant Director, Special Events Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assistant Director, Special Events roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Assistant Director, Special Events positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Director, Special Events as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Assistant Director, Special Events

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $176,461 $85.0 25%
Software & Networking $176,461 $85.0 25%
Energy & Utilities $162,344 $78.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $155,285 $75.0 10%
Financial Services $155,285 $75.0 10%

Assistant Director, Special Events Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Assistant Director, Special Events's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$129,336
Average $141,169/year
$148,433
$10,778
Average $11,764/month
$12,369
$2,487
Average $2,715/week
$2,854
$62
Average $68/hour
$71
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $148,433 $12,369 $2,854 $71
Average $141,169 $11,764 $2,715 $68
25th Percentile $129,336 $10,778 $2,487 $62

Find Your Next Assistant Director, Special Events Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Assistant Director, Special Events job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Aspen Home Improvements | LANCASTER, PA

    Appointment Generator

    Aspen Home Improvements | LANCASTER, PA

    THIS IS IMPORTANT. If you want to feel valued and appreciated, live with purpose, and refuse to settle for mediocrity, then your search is over—you've foun... more

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  • AMR | YONKERS, NY

    Special Events EMT

    AMR | YONKERS, NY

    American Medical Response (AMR) is actively seeking a dedicated Special Events EMT to join our team, providing essential medical support at various public ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • AMR | BOULEVARD, NY

    Special Events EMT

    AMR | BOULEVARD, NY

    American Medical Response (AMR) is actively seeking a dedicated Special Events EMT to join our team, providing essential medical support at various public ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Marriott | ANNAPOLIS, MD

    Events Specialist

    Marriott | ANNAPOLIS, MD

    Marriott is seeking an Events Specialist to support Event Operations & Coordination within our Hospitality & Travel portfolio. In this role, you will plan,... more

    6 Days Ago

  • ARAMARK | COUNTRY LIFE ACRES, MO

    Events Coordinator

    ARAMARK | COUNTRY LIFE ACRES, MO

    As an Events Coordinator II at Aramark, you’ll plan and execute on-site events for clients across the accommodation and food services industry. You will co... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Marriott | DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI

    Senior Events Manager

    Marriott | DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI

    Marriott is seeking a Senior Events Manager to lead complex meetings, conferences, and social events within our Hospitality & Travel portfolio. This role o... more

    6 Days Ago

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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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