Lawrence, Kan. (May 11, 2021) – 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 superintendents climbed to $97,354 annually.
The average salary and additional data come from the latest biennial Compensation and Benefits Report from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). The 2021 report showed that the $97,354 average salary was an increase of 4.5 percent over the 2019 report, continuing the trend of increases in every two-year period since GCSAA began tracking the data in 1993. Superintendents’ salaries have more than doubled in three decades since that first report, when the average salary was $44,500.
Certified golf course superintendents, those who have achieved the highest level of recognition through education, experience and service, saw an increase of 7.5 percent over 2019. Their average salary rose to $119,558, an increase of $8,308 over 2019.
Assistant superintendents and golf course equipment managers also saw increases in their incomes. Assistant salaries rose 5.6 percent, and equipment managers saw a 5 percent increase from the average salary two years ago.
“As golf has risen in popularity in the past year, it clear that employers understand the value of these highly educated professionals who oversee the golf facility’s top asset,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO. “In particular they see the positive impact of rewarding those who seek the highest level of knowledge as certified golf course superintendents do.”
The report also gives a good picture of the profile of GCSAA superintendents and their operations. The average age of a superintendent is 47.3 years, and they have spent 16.7 years in the profession. The average number of years superintendents have spent in their current position stayed steady at 10.4 years.
Between December 2020 and January 2021, the association research firm Industry Insights sent the 2021 survey to all GCSAA Class A and Class B members and the response rate was 43 percent, with a margin of error of +/-1.3 percent and a 95 percent level of confidence.
More information about the 2021 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 19,000 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. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
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.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Marketing and Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
Mike Strauss
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 5164
mstrauss@gcsaa.org