May 27, 2015 – Golf courses around the country continue to recognize that an investment in golf course superintendents is an investment in the facility, as the average salary for head superintendents climbed to $85,204 annually.
The average salary and additional data come from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s latest biennial Compensation and Benefits Report. The 2015 Report showed that the $85,204 average salary was an increase of 3.2 percent over the 2013 report, and continues the trend of increases in every two-year period since GCSAA began tracking the data in 1993.
For certified golf course superintendents, those who have achieved the highest level of recognition through education, experience and service, the increase was even higher. Their average salary rose 5.9 percent in the last two years to $103,993.
Additional insights from the report showed that superintendents also report feeling slightly more secure in their jobs: 66 percent compared to 62.7 percent in 2013. The average number of years superintendents have spent in their current position rose from 9.7 to 10.4.
The report also gives a good picture of the profile of GCSAA superintendents and their operations. The average age of a superintendent is 46.2 years and they have spent 15.9 years in the profession.
Between December 2014 and January 2015 association research firm Industry Insights sent the 2015 survey to all GCSAA Class A and Superintendent Members, and the response rate was 41.8 percent with a margin of error of +/-1.3 percent and a 95 percent level of confidence.
More information about the 2015 Compensation and Benefits Report is available at gcsaa.org.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
