CGSA releases the Canadian Golf Maintenance Department Compensation Study

Mississauga, ON - Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) is releasing the most comprehensive Canadian Golf Maintenance Department Compensation Study. The Study was conducted in December 2022 by a third party firm; The Portage Group which is an association consulting group with a specialty in this type of research. The Study encompassed 2,667 maintenance facility employees. CGSA saw an increase in participation of 58% more facilities in this report from the previous survey conducted in 2021.

The Study was done for the first time in conjunction with several regional associations; BCGSA, Alberta GSA, STA, MGSA, OVTA, QGSA and Atlantic GSA. This allowed a much larger reach to superintendents to participate in the survey and seek this valued feedback.

Given the very competitive labour market; CGSA has made the decision to share the full 50-page report with Superintendent and Assistant members as a benefit of membership (value of $700). These results should assist those seeking the much-needed labour for the golf course operation allowing them to create a wage and benefit package that will attract the right people for the job. As well as assisting in negotiation of your individual package. If you wish to receive your complimentary copy of the full report, please join now. Or you can purchase the results by contacting Lori at lmicucci@golfsupers.com or 1-800-387-1056, ext. 27 or complete and return this form LINK.

When it came to the type of clubs that participated in the Study public clubs were the most common among participants accounting for 39%, slightly edging out semi-private clubs at 36%. One in five (19%) of participants represent private clubs and 5% represent resort clubs. Four in five (79%) of participating golf clubs indicated that they operate 18-hole courses, while 8% responded nine-hole courses and 6% said 27 holes.

There was a good mix of Study participants by size of operating budget, operating budgets of $250,000 - $499,999 (25%) and $500,000 - $749,999 (24%) each account for one-quarter of respondents while 34% were between $750,000 and $1.5 million. The average operating budget for 2022 among participant golf clubs was $978,000 while the median was $650,000. Two-thirds (67%) of participating golf clubs report that payroll accounts for 50% - 69% of the operating budget. With the average being 54.4% of the operating budget.

The Study’s value will be seen particularly in the benchmark sections for all positions. In this area you will be able to see the average salary for a number of positions ranging from Superintendent to Labourer with the number of years experience, age, type of facility, operating and capital budgets.

The area on Health and Insurance Benefits is an extremely valuable asset to have when attracting employees in various areas of the maintenance operation. Top health benefits outlined in the Study’s results include Superintendents reporting 60% receive dental care, prescription drugs, family coverage and extended healthcare and the same is reported for Assistant Superintendents. While other maintenance department staff show between 29% and 42%. 

Regional results are being shared with participating associations or you can contact CGSA for details.

CGSA will look to build upon the success of the 2022 survey with the next version and encourages participation by all members.

For questions please contact Kathryn Wood, COO at kwood@golfsupers.com or 416-626-8873, ext 23.

For additional information contact:

Kathryn Wood, CMP
CGSA
1-800-387-1056, ext. 23

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Compensation Survey

The results of the 2019 CGSA compensation survey for superintendents is now available.

The 2019 Compensation Survey was sent to CGSA Superintendent members; we received a 39% response. The data is valid as of December 31, 2019.

Thank you to all superintendents who completed this survey. Your participation ensures that both you and your colleagues receive a valuable resource for future reference.

The 2019 results of the survey have been e-mailed out to all CGSA Superintendent members (a value of $150) and is available to Non-Members for a price of $150.00 plus HST. For a copy of this order form, please click here.

If you have any questions, or you did not receive the e-mail of the survey, please contact Lori Micucci at 1-800-387-1056 / 416-626-8873 ext. 27, or by e-mail at: .

The CGSA represents golf course superintendents from across Canada. Its mission is to promote and support golf superintendents. The association is also committed to environmentally sustainable practices with respect to the management of golf course properties.