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Job outlook for golf course architects in the United States
Are golf course architect jobs in demand?
Golf course architect job and salary trends over time
Golf course architect jobs over time
Golf course architect job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 62 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 74 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 72 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 67 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 68 | 0.00% |
Average golf course architect salary over time
Golf course architect salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $66,622 | $32.03 | +1.8% |
| 2024 | $65,424 | $31.45 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $64,358 | $30.94 | +3.8% |
| 2022 | $62,028 | $29.82 | +3.6% |
| 2021 | $59,877 | $28.79 | --0.5% |
Golf course architect jobs by state
Most common states for golf course architects
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 145 | 19% |
| 2 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 903 | 15% |
| 3 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 98 | 14% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 717 | 13% |
| 5 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,600 | 12% |
| 6 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,227 | 12% |
| 7 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,086 | 12% |
| 8 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 882 | 12% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 651 | 12% |
| 10 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 446 | 12% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 161 | 12% |
| 12 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 126 | 12% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 116 | 12% |
| 14 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,147 | 11% |
| 15 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 62 | 11% |
| 16 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 2,815 | 10% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,304 | 10% |
| 18 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 586 | 10% |
| 19 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 188 | 10% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 180 | 10% |
Golf Course Architect job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of golf course architect experts
University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of Idaho
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University of California, Davis
Dak Kopec Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Coordinator, BA Interior Architecture and Design and Master of Design ProgramUniversity Of Nevada, Las Vegas
School of Architecture
What experience really stands out on Golf Course Architect resumes?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: Experience in the areas where one intends to practice. If someone wants to work in hospitality design, an employer will see what kind of experience they have. This is why selecting one's internship location is so important.
Many employers are also looking to see how well the Interior Designer can think outside the box and develop innovative design ideas.
An area of specialized knowledge that will complement the existing design team. Most firms are looking for future leaders.
What Golf Course Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: Design thinking. This can be done by looking for certificates or attending a series of seminars. The COVID-19 virus has opened up numerous opportunities to shape an Interior Designer's scope. Using Design Thinking as a means to solve problems will enhance a person's marketability.
Additionally, I would recommend learning about disease transmission and pathology. With a stronger foundation in these areas, the interior designer will be better equipped to address the infection control expectations that will likely be required of future Interior Designers.
Randall Randall
Program Head Architecture, ProfessorUniversity of Idaho
Architecture Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Golf Course Architects?
Randall Randall: Adept with hand-drawing, model making, CAD, and graphics software (photoshop, illustrator). Experience with some kind of hands-on-making/construction is a plus.
Michael Brazley Ph.D.
Associate Professor of ArchitectureSouthern Illinois University Carbondale
School of Architecture
What Golf Course Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Brazley Ph.D.: Architectural Graduates will have to have very strong computer skills; not just in drawing but in writing also. Graduates will need to know the latest software, and in many cases, help to introduce the latest software to their new companies. Students are learning to make 3D digital videos and virtual reality models.
What general advice would you give to a Golf Course Architect?
Michael Brazley Ph.D.: Work experience in an architect's office is best.
What type of skills will young Golf Course Architects need?
A. Haven Kiers: While technological competency and hands-on experience will always be in demand within the profession of landscape architecture, more than any technical skills, young graduates will need a positive attitude and the drive to succeed. Because of the pandemic, employers are looking for graduates willing to take the initiative and tackle new projects with confidence and self-sufficiency.
New employees should be willing to take risks, be adaptable, and execute every task they are given to the very best of their abilities (even the boring ones). When faced with a design problem, they need to be able to think creatively, establish a good rapport with the client or community, test (and retest) a range of solutions, and to be able to do so with elegance and style. Technical skills can be learned on the job - the right attitude cannot.