PART I

1973 Salary Study of ILLINOIS Park and Recreation Personnel

By Dr. William O'Brien

In a continuing effort to keep current and knowledgeable relative to salary and fringe benefits to park and recreation personnel, a state-wide survey was conducted in Spring, 1973. Sixty-seven departments were included; there were 249 personnel positions reported. The departments were placed into categories based upon the assessed valuation of the district. All salary data were reported on the basis of High-Low-Mean. Fringe benefit data was reported by percentage. Space precludes a detailed presentation of the findings. Detailed information can be obtained from a full report which is on file at IPRS office.

COMPOSITE SALARY DATA

All leadership positions reflected a salary increase in the High-Low-Mean categories when compared with the 1970 Survey. There positions were: Top Executive, Second Responsible Person, Top Recreation Person, Physical Plant Director, Supervisor, and Specialist. The Mean increase for all positions was $2,533. The data revealed that salary included: a $1,490 to $4,348 gain in the highest salary category for all positions; a high gain of $4,348 in the supervisory category. Even though we have some rather low salaries, often there were fringe benefits added, such as housing and similar perquisites which improved that position. The highest salaries paid were:

(a) $30,000 Top Executive

(b) $20,472 Second Responsible Person

(c) $21,249 Top Recreation Person

(d) $21,500 Physical Plant Director

(e) $17,848 Supervisor

(f) $18,000 Specialist

The lowest salaries paid were:

(a) $7,800 Top Executive

(b) $5,400 Second Responsible Person

(c) $6,000 Top Recreation Person

(d) $5,000 Physical Plant Director

(e) $6,000 Supervisor

(f) $5,796 Specialist

Generally, the salaries were higher in the Chicago Suburb Districts. See Part II. However, the overall salary picture appears to be brighter than in 1970. This is not to imply that all professionals are "overpaid!"

It should be of interest to all professionals to know that a trend is developing in the leadership category of "Specialists." We had reports of the following types of specialists:

(a) Ice Rink Manager

(b) Golf Manager

(c) Greens Keeper

(d) Aquatics

(e) Sports Complex Director

(f) Skating Pro

(g) Museum Director

(h) Zoo Manager

(i) Other

These salaries ranged from $7,098 (Aquatics) to $18,056 (Ice Rink Manager).

The overall salaries generally increased as the assessed valuation of the district increased. Fringe benefits are also an influencing factor in terms of salary consideration.

FRINGE BENEFITS

While nearly all departments reported vacation and sick leave in some form, the policies were not consistent. Most departments grant vacation starting with one week the first year and have some type of progression based upon years of service. Sick leave is generally based upon a one day per month system. The departments usually have an accural system.

A pension system—generally IMRF—is available in most of the departments. Most departments provided either a vehicle or mileage benefits for the top executive and to some extent, these benefits went to the physical plant director, supervisor and specialist.

Nearly all departments provided some form of hospital and life insurance. There was an increase of approximately 20 percent of the departments granting this benefit in 1973 as compared with 1970. Over eighty percent of the departments provided for convention expenses—usually two. The

Illinois Parks and Recreation 22 November/December, 1973

average monies alloted was higher in '73 as compared with 1970.

It would be of great help to have data from all departments in future surveys. Frequently requests for salary-fringe benefits are received and the information is used to assist departments in fiscal planning. This study was based upon 58 percent returns. There were more departments reporting in all categories except under $50,000,000 and $100-150,000,000 valuation. The professional time involved in collecting, analyzing and disseminating the information is donated as a professional contribution—we would appreciate having more data from the professionals in the future. The next survey should take place in 2 years. See Part II for further information.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 24 November/December. 1973