Last week, I highlighted the GCSAA career resources available for GCSAA members. The week prior, I highlighted the GCSAA retirement resources. Sticking with the general theme, this week I’m highlighting the GCSAA Compensation and Benefits Report.  

The "Comp and Ben" Report is the comprehensive study of the compensation, benefits, and operations of GCSAA’s superintendent members. This biannual report can be used a myriad of ways and offers GCSAA members the latest trends in the industry. Whether it’s to prepare for contract negotiations, work towards a pay increase, or discuss fringe benefits, the report has you covered.  

Average, mean, and percentile of reported salaries are relayed. Salary information is broken down by state and metro area, by facility demographics, and for fringe benefits, insurance and bonuses.

In 2021, more than 3,320 superintendents participated, which gave the survey a response rate of 43%.

Highlights from the 2021 report:

• More than 69% of all superintendents responding to the 2021 survey worked at 18-hole facilities
• The average base salary for golf course superintendents rose to $97,354, a 4.5% increase over 2019
• The average base salary for certified golf course superintendents rose to $119,558, a 7.5% increase over 2019
• Member superintendents, on average: are 47.3 years old, have spent 16.7 years as a superintendent and have held their current position for an average of 10.4 years

Get it:

The report is available to survey participants or by purchasing online access.

GCSAA members who did not participate in the survey can access the GCSAA Salary Calculator free of charge to obtain top-line information. They may also purchase online access to the results, or online access and a printed version. GCSAA Student members may also purchase online access.

The report also includes salary information for Class C and EM members, as well as pay information for team members such as horticulturists, irrigation techs, and seasonal team members to name a few.

As always, if you have missed any of the previous posts, you can check them out below:

1. GCSAA Association Health Program
2. GCSAA Foundation
3. Awards Anyone?
4. Conference and Tradeshow
5. Melrose Leadership Academy
6. Melrose Equipment Experience
7. Thank a Superintendent Day
8. Golf Course Environmental Profile
9. First Green
10. Affiliated Chapters
11. Disaster Relief Fund
12. Planning for Retirement
13. Career Resources