John,
...."A better image would lead to better budgets, equipment, wages and other incidentals like health care and fringes. The modern super is highly skilled, educated and competent and the sooner the members "get it" the better."
I totally support the second sentence, the first I wonder about.
.........In 2003, 92 percent of GCSAA-member golf course superintendents reported that their employer offered medical insurance as a benefit. At the same time, 53 percent of their employers paid all of the premium for that insurance.
..........Over 60 percent of all GCSAA members receive a bonus, in addition to base compensation. The 2000 and 2003 Reports show the top criteria for bonuses to be merit and performance on the job, profitability of the overall operation and staying within budget. The median annual bonus for all superintendents in 2003 was $2,100.
...........In 2003, the average base salary for golf course superintendents (m) rose to $63,065. The increase in base salary from 2000 to 2003 increased 10.5 percent, or 3.5 percent annually. The observed increase represents an 18.5 percent gain since 1998, or increase of $9,860 in 5 years.
...........The average salary of a certified golf course superintendent rose to $77,023 in 2003, up from $70,134 in 2000, $62,948 in 1998, and $56,994 in 1995. This shows a 35 percent total increase since 1995, or an average annual increase of 4.4 percent.
...........$110,000 = the median (mid-point) salary for those at 18-hole facilities, managing budgets of $1 million or more
............At least 38 percent of all Certified golf course superintendents with a minimum education of a bachelor’s degree make $125,000 or more
.............The average annual maintenance budget, representing mainly 18-hole facilities, rose 4.7 percent to $584,500 in 2003. The average annual maintenance budget, including maintenance, capital equipment and payroll, was $558,000 in 2000. Maintenance comprises 44.7 percent of the total budget controlled by the superintendent, with payroll 45.9 percent, and the remainder spent on capital equipment.
All the above came from the GCSAA website.