Compare Costs
Traditional Picking vs Automation with Range Picker
Use the calculator below to enter how many hours a day your team spends on ball management along with the average hourly wage. These are just estimates, but they'll give you a clear picture of potential monthly savings. Whether you’re just starting to explore automation or ready to make the switch, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
How much could you save?
Fuel/month = gal/hr × hours picking/day × 30 days × $/gal
Traditional costs
Option 1 — Range Picker + Bridge
Option 2 — Range Picker + Ball Pit
Understanding Labor Burden
Do you know how much your employees cost? It’s more than what you may think. Labor burden includes all costs beyond base salary such as payroll taxes (FICA, unemployment), insurance (health, workers comp), benefits, paid time off, training and even workspace costs. Labor burden does not include time spent scrolling, no shows and the stress of hiring and managing seasonal employees.
In 2026, the total labor burden for high-volume ranges (5,000+ balls/day) is projected to range between 42.2% and 47.9%, significantly influenced by localized minimum wage increases and rising health insurance costs. Below are the projected 2026 percentages for Full-Time (FT) staff (including benefits) and Part-Time/Seasonal (PT) staff (taxes and insurance only).
2026 Driving Range Labor Burden by Region
| Region | Full-Time (FT) % | Part-Time (PT) % | Key 2026 Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Average | 44.8% | 17.2% | National healthcare trends and federal FICA. |
| Northeast | 47.9% | 19.8% | Mandatory state disability and paid leave. |
| West | 46.2% | 18.5% | Highest statutory minimum wages increasing tax bases. |
| Midwest | 43.1% | 16.3% | Moderate healthcare costs and SUTA rates. |
| South | 42.2% | 15.1% | Leaner state mandates and lower workers' comp. |
National healthcare trends and federal FICA.
Mandatory state disability and paid leave.
Highest statutory minimum wages increasing tax bases.
Moderate healthcare costs and SUTA rates.
Leaner state mandates and lower workers' comp.
Data & Projections: Estimates synthesized from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) regional cost indices, Mercer's 2026 Health Benefit Trends, and NCCI advisory filings for golf facility classifications.
What Do Labor Savings Really Mean?
We get it. You might not be looking to cut staff. Automation doesn't have to be about eliminating people — let’s give them better things to do.
Freeing up your team from the tedious, repetitive, and sometimes dangerous task of ball picking means now they’ve got time for something better, more impactful, and maybe even enjoyable.
Here's What You Gain:
Range Picker & Bridge System
Ball picking, handled.
Range Picker & Ball Pit System
Picking, washing, and distribution — all covered.
Reassign that time to:
- ✓ Welcoming and assisting customers
- ✓ Upselling lessons, memberships, or gear
- ✓ Keeping bays and machines spotless and stocked
- ✓ Creating content for social media or promotions
- ✓ Helping coaches run clinics or events
Let The Range Picker do the dirty work — your team can do the work that actually moves the needle.
Still Crunching Numbers?
Let us do the math (and the heavy lifting). Whether you are interested in leasing or buying, let's work together to find the right solution for your driving range.