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Event Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Populous

Event Architecture Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$70K - $80K/yr

Event Architectural Designer I Location: Los Angeles, CA Who We Are: We design places where people love to be together. Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw ...

Populous

Event Architecture Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Event Architectural Designer I Location: Los Angeles, CA Who We Are: We design places where people love to be together. Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw ...

Exa

Brand Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $280K/yr

Designers at Exa have broad creative license, and the freedom to lead new initiatives to express ... Develop creative direction across Exa's brand, campaigns, website, events, and product marketing

UNAVAILABLE

Sr. Brand Designer, Events

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$146 - $235/hr

Translate event strategies into high-fidelity designs for digital, environmental, experiential, and marketing touchpoints (e.g., signage, wayfinding, stage design, expo/experiential zones ...

Alten

Event Coordinator / Event Specialist

San Jose, CA · On-site

... on designs and directions for events Establish standardized event procedures and train staff to properly execute them Build and adhere to an event budget to avoid project overruns Reconcile budgets ...

ElevenLabs

Events Lead - North America

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

As Event Manager, you'll own the end-to-end execution of events--designing strategies, securing sponsorships, managing logistics, and leading on-site activations. You'll play a pivotal role in ...

Sturdy

Spatial Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Reporting to the Creative Director, the Spatial Designer works closely with Creative, Production ... This role spans both live events (concerts, tours, activations, stage design) and brand ...

STURDY.CO

Spatial Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95 - $125/hr

We are currently looking for a Spatial Designer to help shape the physical and spatial experience ... This role spans both live events (concerts, tours, activations, stage design) and brand ...

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All JobsEvent Designer JobsEvent Designer Jobs in California

Event Designer information

See California salary details

$35K

$82.1K

$108.6K

How much do event designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for event designer in California is $82,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an event designer?

Event designers are professionals who specialize in creating the visual and thematic elements of events, such as weddings, corporate gatherings, conferences, and parties. They work closely with clients to develop a cohesive look and feel, including decor, lighting, color schemes, floral arrangements, and layout. Their goal is to transform venues and spaces to reflect the desired atmosphere and ensure a memorable experience for attendees. Event designers often collaborate with vendors, planners, and production teams to bring their creative vision to life.

What does an event designer do?

The job duties of an event designer involve overseeing the planning, design, and decoration for an event. Your responsibilities vary depending on the client or employer. As an event designer, you work within a venue to plan the decor and layout of the event space. You may direct workers as they set up and oversee breakdown after the event. You may work on corporate events, conferences, and trade shows, or you may manage decoration for weddings, parties, or private events. You can operate as a freelancer, work for an event planning company or venue, or plan events for a single corporation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an event designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Event Designer, you need a strong background in design principles, spatial planning, and event logistics, often supported by a degree in design, hospitality, or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, CAD programs, and event management platforms is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set top professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure that events are visually impressive, seamlessly executed, and tailored to client needs, resulting in memorable and successful experiences.

How does an event designer typically collaborate with clients and vendors throughout the event planning process?

Event Designers work closely with clients to understand their vision, preferences, and goals for an event. They often facilitate regular meetings or presentations to share design concepts, mood boards, and mock-ups, ensuring client feedback is incorporated at every stage. Additionally, Event Designers coordinate with vendors such as florists, lighting specialists, and furniture rental companies to bring the design to life, ensuring seamless communication and execution. This collaborative approach helps maintain consistency and quality while addressing any challenges that arise during the planning process.

What is the difference between Event Designer vs Event Coordinator?

AspectEvent DesignerEvent Coordinator
Primary FocusCreative concept, theme, and aesthetic design of eventsLogistics, planning, and execution of event details
Skills & CertificationsDesign skills, creativity, project management, certifications in event design or planningOrganizational skills, communication, vendor management, certifications in event planning
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, client meetings, on-site event setupOn-site event locations, vendor coordination, client communication
Industry UsageUsed in event planning, wedding, and corporate event industriesUsed across all event types for execution and coordination

While both roles are essential in event planning, an Event Designer primarily focuses on the creative and aesthetic aspects of an event, developing themes and visual concepts. An Event Coordinator handles the logistical details, ensuring the event runs smoothly. Understanding these differences helps clients and employers find the right professional for their event needs.

How to become an event designer without a degree?

Event designers can enter the field through self-education, gaining skills in design, organization, and project management, often using online courses or tutorials. Building a strong portfolio and gaining practical experience through internships or freelance work can also help establish credibility without a formal degree.
More about Event Designer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Event Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Event Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Event Designer jobs in California?

For Event Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Event Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Event Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Event Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Event Designer job openings:

Event Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Event Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,059 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

AV Technical Event Producer

Got Light

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design and document audio and video systems for events, including creating system diagrams, coverage plots, and schematic drawings.

  • Generate and manage warehouse pick/pack/pull lists, sub-rental orders, and all required audio materials and supplies for each event.

  • Support onsite field teams with guidance on system setup, troubleshooting, and addressing technical challenges.

Job description

ABOUT US:  

Got Light applies a fresh approach to lighting, audio, video, staging, and drape in the special event and wedding industry. We produce hundreds of events each year including some of the most notable events in the City, including major opening parties and social galas. Our company promotes team-building and maintains high employee retention rates by consistently creating a fun and dynamic work environment. 

Make Art. Have Fun. Be Proud

ABOUT THIS JOB:

As part of our Event Production team, Producers are the engine that powers every event, turning client vision into a real-world show that actually works, sounds great, and looks intentional.

The Audio Visual (AV) Technical Event Producer sits right at the heart of that process, acting as the bridge between Sales and the final audio experience that shows up on site. This role takes a high volume of booked events and turns them into the technical backbone of production, including detailed audio system designs, signal flow diagrams, network schematics, and clean, database-driven pick, pack, and pull lists.

Working closely with Sales, Design, and Warehouse teams, this role owns the full pre-production workflow for audio and video elements. From CAD drawings to sub-rental coordination, you are building the foundation that lets the field team walk in confident, prepared, and ready to make it all happen without surprises.

In short, you take big ideas, translate them into precise systems, and make sure every piece is ready to perform before the first cable gets plugged in!

JOB DESCRIPTION:

  • Design and document audio and video systems for events, including speaker and display or projection coverage plots, signal flow diagrams, network schematics, and patch lists using Vectorworks and other design tools.
  • Generate and manage warehouse pick/pack/pull lists, sub-rental orders, and all required audio materials and supplies for each event.
  • Revise and update designs and equipment lists based on last-minute changes or client demands.
  • Maintain open communication with warehouse, field, and office teams to streamline audio production. Collaborate daily with warehouse staff and management to ensure clear and accurate audio equipment orders, serving as a key resource for event-related audio questions.
  • Support onsite field teams with guidance on system setup, troubleshooting, and creative solutions for emergencies or challenges.
  • Assist Sales with audio visual logistics, pricing, and technical considerations.
  • Test and validate client-provided content and show files; respond to client inquiries on behalf of the Event Designer Team.
  • Participate in weekly meetings to review upcoming events, production needs, and audio challenges.
  • Lead pre-production meetings with Event Designers and field crew to ensure successful execution, discussing system designs, signal routing, backup options, and technical challenges. Update designs based on meeting feedback.
  • Advise on staffing needs, ensuring the right crew and expertise for specific events and clients.
  • Coordinate with co-vendors and venues to obtain critical structural data for safe and accurate rigging and placement.
  • Manage relationships with sub-rental vendors of A/V equipment, ensuring clear and timely communication about order changes and timelines.
  • Communicate with the event crew via phone or in-person to ensure seamless event execution.
  • Review and accommodate client technical riders for audio and video, negotiating substitutions when needed while ensuring alignment with venue and event requirements.
  • Research and recommend new equipment purchases to reduce rental costs and expand Got Light’s offerings.
  • Assist with equipment quality control in the warehouse as needed.
 

REQUIREMENTS:

  • 3-5 years of experience in live event production, theatre, or special events OR 2 years at Got Light doing audio and or video production.
  • Advanced knowledge of professional systems, including system design, signal flow, and troubleshooting.
  • Experience with Behringer digital mixing consoles (X32/M32/WING series) and related ecosystems.
  • Experience with Yamaha digital mixing consoles (CL/QL/DM series) and their workflows.
  • Hands-on experience designing and deploying line array systems for large-format events.
  • Experience with video switcher capabilities and limitations, including but not limited to Blackmagic, Barco, and Analog Way.
  • Experience with planning multi-camera broadcasts.
  • Proficiency with networking, including device routing, redundancy, and troubleshooting.
  • Experience planning creative video setups with LED or projection a major plus. 
  • Experience with AV over IP protocols (Dante, AES67, AVB, NDI) and related infrastructure a plus.
  • CAD/Vectorworks experience a plus (but can be trained).
  • Familiarity with the San Francisco Bay Area market, venues, and players is a huge plus.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with frequent task-switching.

WHAT WE OFFER: 

  • A dynamic and creative work environment within a thriving event production company.
  • Opportunities for growth and development in a high-energy industry.
  • Competitive pay and benefits package 
    • 15 days PTO per year plus 11  paid holidays.
    • Medical, dental, vision, and chiropractic benefits.
    • For qualified employees, we currently offer a matching 401K.
  • A collaborative team culture where your contributions directly impact the success of our events.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

  • Regular bending, lifting, stretching, and reaching both below the waist and above the head.
  • Ability to push/pull/lift up to 30 pounds 
  • Engage in full manual dexterity in both hands and wrists

SCHEDULE:

  • Regular schedule Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, with weekend support as needed based on business or event demands.
  • This is primarily an office-based position, with flexibility for hybrid work.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENT:

  • Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a background check. 

COMPENSATION:

  • $ 85,000-90,000 per year

Got Light is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, protected medical condition or any other basis as defined by state, federal or local law. Got Light provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in both the hiring process and during employment as required by applicable federal, state and local laws.  Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment any qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
 

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