Careers in Turf

A career in turfgrass management offers a wide range of exciting opportunities in sports turf, golf course maintenance, landscaping, production, and research. Below are examples of career paths within the turfgrass industry to help you explore your options.

Be sure to also check our alumni page, where you can see where past graduates are working and learn more about their career journeys.

Visit our degrees page to see how to get started in your turfgrass career.

Golf Course Superintendent

What will you do?

Develop and implement maintenance plans
Use data to inform management decisions
Manage staff and budgets
Oversee construction and renovation projects

How much can you earn?

The average salary for a Golf Course Superintendent in the U.S. is $121,238 and $106,492 in Minnesota
The average salary for a GCSAA Certified Golf Course Superintendent is $138,303 in the U.S. and $110,834 in Minnesota
The average salary for an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent in the U.S. is $62,184 and $59,701 in Minnesota
The average salary for an Equipment Manager in the U.S. is $68,154 and $67,088 in Minnesota

Sports Field Manager

What will you do?

Develop and implement field maintenance plans
Prepare fields for game days and special events
Manage staff and budgets
Oversee construction and renovation projects

How much can you earn?

The average salary for a Sports Field Manager in the U.S. is $65,295
- Professional stadiums: $64,489
- College or University: $59,482
- K-12 schools: $65,363
- City Parks and Recreation: $62,922
The average salary for a Certified Sports Field Manager is $71,000
The average salary for an Assistant Sports Field Manager in the U.S. is $44,790

Lawn Care Technician or Manager

What will you do?

Maintain client and vendor relationships
Diagnose lawn issues and provide recommendations
Develop and implement landscape maintenance plans and schedules
Oversee crew members

How much can you earn?

Salary for a lawn care technician in the U.S. ranges from $25,000 - $81,000
The average manager earns $30 per hour in Minnesota
An experienced foreperson earns $26 per hour in Minnesota
Licensed and trained pesticide applicators make $25 per hour in Minnesota

Golf Course Superintendent

Sports Field Manager

Lawn Care Technician or Manager

Seed or Sod Producer

City Parks and Grounds Manager

Seed, Chemical, or Equipment Sales

Academic Researcher

Careers in Turf

Golf Course Superintendent

Sports Field Manager

Lawn Care Technician or Manager

Seed or Sod Producer

City Parks and Grounds Manager

Seed, Chemical, or Equipment Sales

Academic Researcher

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