10/10/2014 11:10 AM
Let's take a look at a few simple facts and the economic law of supply and demand. There fewer superintendent positions today than there have been in the past due to annual golf course closures and a huge downturn in golf course construction. There was a flood of turf graduates that were placed in the job market ten to fifteen years ago. Golf courses could pay lower salaries to those recent turf graduates because there was a large supply of them and therefore a lower demand. Those turf graduates are now superintendents or assistants waiting for their opportunity to get a superintendent position. In line behind them are the people that came out of turf school within the past ten years that are assistants, second assistants, a.i.t.'s, spray techs, etc. that are also looking to become superintendents. Around fifteen years ago, the average assistant made around $20,000 to $30,000 per year. Today I see ads for assistant positions with salary ranges around the low $30's to $40's. I don't believe that the annual salary has kept up with inflation. Now there is a high demand for turf grads to fill assistant roles and a low supply. Generally what should happen now is the salary level of assistant superintendent positions should increase as well. Superintendents today make higher salaries than ever and assistant salaries have lagged behind. Superintendent salaries have not only kept up with inflation over the past twenty years, but have exceeded it. Turf graduates fifteen to twenty years ago could feel relatively good about getting a superintendent position within a few years of "putting in their dues" as an assistant. This is definitely not the case anymore. In fact it is more difficult than ever to even get an interview for a superintendent position today, let alone get a superintendent job. New people coming into the business now also know the importance of building a quality resume and working for a well-known superintendent that is well connected in the industry. They tend to go to big name golf courses for internships and for their first positions as assistants, a.i.t's, spray techs, etc. They generally are offered housing, meals, and other benefits, as well as, unlimited hours to make a good salary at these clubs that have high budgets. This is difficult for the average course to compete with.
Steve Wright: The "next generation of golf course management leaders" are out there patiently waiting for their chance to become a superintendent, are working long, hard hours, and have been for many years.
Tony Nysse: You are 100% correct in your statement of "you get what you pay for."
Steve Huffstutler: You are correct also, but don't get complacent because there are tons of hungry, well qualified assistants out there just waiting for the opportunity to take a superintendent position for far less than what many superintendents are currently making now.
Other guys that don't believe Tony's statement and what I have to say: Good luck in your future endeavors. Unless you are truly willing to take the time and change your view of the situation, things will remain the same.