--- title: Range Picker Cost Comparison Calculator | OnPar Automation description: Compare the cost of leasing an automated range picker vs manual ball picking. Use OnPar’s free calculator to see how much your driving range could save. --- [![OnPar Automation Primary Logo](https://www.onparautomation.com/hubfs/Marketing/OPA%20Logos/OPA-Primary-RGB-Logo.svg "OnPar Automation Primary Logo")](https://www.onparautomation.com?hsLang=en) - Range Picker - [Overview](https://www.onparautomation.com/rangepicker) - [Drop-Off Solutions](https://www.onparautomation.com/range-picker-drop-off-solutions) - [Cost Calculator](https://www.onparautomation.com/cost-comparison-calculator) - [Locations](https://www.onparautomation.com/range-picker-locations) - [Quiet Operation](https://www.onparautomation.com/quiet-robotic-golf-ball-range-picker) - [FAQ](https://www.onparautomation.com/faq) - Inrange® Golf - [Inrange Technology](https://www.onparautomation.com/inrange-golf) - [FAQ](https://www.onparautomation.com/inrange-faq) - Support - [Support Services](https://www.onparautomation.com/support-services) - [Customer Portal](https://www.onparautomation.com/support) - About Us - [Our Team](https://www.onparautomation.com/about-us) - [Blog](https://www.onparautomation.com/blog) - [Job Posts](https://www.onparautomation.com/career) - [Contact Us](https://www.onparautomation.com/contact) - [Resources](https://www.onparautomation.com/driving-range-automation) [Get In Touch](https://www.onparautomation.com/contact?hsLang=en) # 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? Hours picking / day Washing & distribution hours / day Hourly rate ($) Labor burden (%) US avg 20–50%. Includes taxes, insurance, benefits. Fuel price ($/gal) Fuel consumption (gal/hr) Spare parts / month ($) Includes picker cart & attachment Fuel/month = gal/hr × hours picking/day × 30 days × $/gal Estimates exclude freight & taxes Calculate ### Traditional costs Manual ball collection— Washing & distribution— Spare parts / month— --- Total monthly cost — ### Option 1 — Range Picker + Bridge Monthly lease— Monthly spare parts— --- Total monthly cost — ↓ — vs. traditional (ball collection only) ### Option 2 — Range Picker + Ball Pit Monthly lease— Monthly spare parts— --- Total monthly cost — ↓ — vs. complete traditional cost ## 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. | U.S. Average Full-Time 44.8% Part-Time 17.2% Key Driver National healthcare trends and federal FICA. Northeast Full-Time 47.9% Part-Time 19.8% Key Driver Mandatory state disability and paid leave. West Full-Time 46.2% Part-Time 18.5% Key Driver Highest statutory minimum wages increasing tax bases. Midwest Full-Time 43.1% Part-Time 16.3% Key Driver Moderate healthcare costs and SUTA rates. South Full-Time 42.2% Part-Time 15.1% Key Driver 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. A**utomation 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: Option 1 Range Picker & Bridge System ⏱ Up to 5 hrs / day of labor savings Ball picking, handled. Option 2 Range Picker & Ball Pit System ⏱ Up to 8 hrs / day of labor savings 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. [Connect with OnPar](https://www.onparautomation.com/contact?hsLang=en) ## OnPar Automation LLC **Contact Us:** [sales@onparautomation.com](mailto:sales@onparautomation.com) ###### Products - [Range Picker](https://www.onparautomation.com/rangepicker) - [Drop-Off Solutions](https://www.onparautomation.com/range-picker-drop-off-solutions) - [Inrange Golf](https://www.onparautomation.com/inrange-golf) ###### Information - [Support Services](https://www.onparautomation.com/support-services) - [Customer Portal](https://www.onparautomation.com/support) - [Range Picker Locations](https://www.onparautomation.com/range-picker-locations) - [Cost Calculator](https://www.onparautomation.com/cost-comparison-calculator) ###### About OPA - [Our Team](https://www.onparautomation.com/about-us) - [Blog](https://www.onparautomation.com/blog) - [PGA Show 2027](https://www.onparautomation.com/pga) - [Job Posts](https://www.onparautomation.com/career) --- © OnPar Automation, LLC. All Rights Reserved. [Privacy](https://www.onparautomation.com/privacy-policy?hsLang=en) | [Terms of Service](https://www.onparautomation.com/terms?hsLang=en) | [SMS](https://www.onparautomation.com/sms?hsLang=en) 12081 W Alameda Pkwy PB 134 Lakewood, CO 80228 ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Corporation", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "USA", "addressLocality" : "Lakewood", "addressRegion" : "CO", "postalCode" : "80228", "streetAddress" : "12081 Alameda Pkwy PB 134" }, "alternateName" : "OnPar", "description" : "OnPar Automation is a U.S.-based driving range technology partner providing planning, installation, training, and long-term support for automated ball collection and ball-handling systems, while helping golf facilities evaluate additional range technologies.", "email" : "sales@onparautomation.com", "image" : "https://46721880.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/46721880/OPA-Primary-RGB-Logo.svg", "logo" : "https://46721880.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/46721880/Marketing/OPA%20Logos/OPA-Primary-RGB-Logo.svg", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.onparautomation.com/cost-comparison-calculator", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "Compare the cost of leasing an automated range picker vs manual ball picking. 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