Employers of GCSAA superintendents continue to reinforce the value they place in these golf course managers as the average salary for the profession in 2013 climbed to more than $82,500 annually, according the GCSAA Compensation and Benefits Report.
The $82,573 average for all head superintendents (Classes A and SM) is an increase of $1,529 (1.9 percent) over 2011 salaries, and continues the trend of increases every year since GCSAA began tracking such data in 1993. The 1993 average was $44,500, meaning the 2013 figure is an 86 percent increase.
Certified golf course superintendents (CGCSs) are those who have achieved the highest level of recognition through education, service and experience. Their average salary of $98,187 in 2013 is a 3.1 percent increase over the 2011 average of $95,264.
“It is heartening to see such positive results from the compensation and benefits report because we all know economic challenges have forced facilities to make cuts in virtually every operational area in recent years,” GCSAA President Pat Finlen, CGCS, director of golf at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, said. “I think it reinforces the value employers place in the golf course as a revenue generator and the GCSAA superintendent as a key member of the leadership team.”
Additional data from the report speaks to the profile of GCSAA superintendents and their operations. Their average age is 46 years, with 15.4 years’ experience as a superintendent. Tenure for their current position is 9.7 years, and they are responsible for an average of 21 employees. In terms of reporting structures, 36.1 percent of respondents report to general managers, 13.1 percent to an owner, 11.4 percent to a green committee/board and 7.7 percent to a director of golf.
GCSAA members who participated in the survey receive free online access to the report. They may also purchase a hard copy for $25 by calling GCSAA at 800-472-7878. Non-participating members may purchase online access for $125, or both online access and a hard copy for $150. Non-members may purchase a hard copy for $525.
More information about and from the 2013 GCSAA Compensation and Benefits Report can be accessed online.
GCSAA www.gcsaa.org