GCSAA Member Superintendents See Salary Increase


Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) member superintendent salaries increased an average 6.9 percent from 2007 to an average of $78,898, according to the 2009 GCSAA Compensation, Benefits and Operations report.

The 2009 GCSAA member superintendent median salary also increased 6.1 percent from the median salary in 2007, which compares favorably to the Bureau of Labor's Employment Cost Index national rate of 5.9 percent for similar industries in the same two-year time period.

GCSAA member superintendent salaries have risen every year that GCSAA has conducted its compensation, benefits and operations survey. The average GCSAA member superintendent salary has shown an overall gain of 60.1 percent from $49,269 in 1995, to the 2009 average of $78,898.

"This survey reinforces the feedback we've received from golfers and employers that GCSAA members are key to the enjoyment of the game and the economic success of the facility," GCSAA President Mark D. Kuhns, CGCS, said. "The rising salary indicates that our members continue to be recognized for those contributions."

The 2009 survey invited all Class A and Superintendent Members to participate. GCSAA received a phenomenal response rate of 51.7 percent. GCSAA uses the report to provide personalized salary reports for its members, offer career counseling to members interested in a career in golf course maintenance, and help reinforce the professionalism of superintendents.

In addition to detailed salary information, key demographic information was also gained from the report:

* average age of a golf course superintendent - 44
* average years of experience - 13.5
* average tenure - 8.5 years
* average staff size - 24

All participating GCSAA members receive free online access to the report. They may also purchase a hard copy for $15 by calling GCSAA at 800/472-7878. Non-participating GCSAA members may purchase online access for $125, or both online access and a hard copy for $140. Non-members may purchase online access and a hard copy for $500.