Umpires and Referees: Salary Guide 2025 – $40,710 median, 5.7% job growth
The median annual salary for Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials in the U.S. is $40,710, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics – that's roughly $20 per hour. The mean salary reaches $53,010, with the highest 10% earning $82,960 or more. This guide covers pay variations by state, the typical career path, and the job outlook through 2034.
How much Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials earn
National median: $40,710. The middle 50% earns between $26,540 (10th percentile) and $82,960 (90th percentile). Mean salary is $53,010. About 15,780 people work in this occupation nationwide.
Pay depends heavily on the sport, level of competition, and location. Professional leagues pay more, but most officials work part-time, often evenings and weekends.
Pay by state
Highest-paying states: New Jersey ($67,600), North Dakota ($63,920), South Carolina ($61,290), Wisconsin ($57,000), Ohio ($55,040).
Lower-paying states: North Carolina ($26,540), Kansas ($25,780), Oklahoma ($21,900). Differences reflect cost of living, but also demand and how states report part-time or youth-sport officials.
How to become Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Official
No single path. Most start by officiating youth or recreational sports. Typical steps:
• Gain knowledge of the sport through playing or studying rules. Many officials attend training clinics offered by state high school associations or national governing bodies. • Obtain required certification or licensing. For high school sports, you usually need state association registration and a background check. College and pro levels demand experience and often specialized exams. • Develop physical fitness and conflict-resolution skills. Games can be high-pressure. • Many officials work other jobs; only a fraction officiate full-time.
- Learn rules: take officiating classes online or in person.
- Get certified: register with your state's high school athletic association.
- Start at lower levels: youth leagues, rec sports, then high school.
- Network: join local officials associations for assignments and mentorship.
Job outlook
Employment of umpires, referees, and other sports officials is projected to grow 5.7% from 2024 to 2034 – faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to about 4,600 job openings each year, mostly due to people leaving the occupation.
Growth is driven by increasing participation in organized sports at all ages. However, competition for higher-paying assignments (college, professional) is intense. Many officials supplement with other income.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary range for Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials?
The BLS reports a typical range from $26,540 (10th percentile) to $82,960 (90th percentile). Median is $40,710.
How do I become a sports official?
Start by officiating youth or recreational leagues. Get certified through your state high school association or sport-specific body (e.g., NFHS for high school, NCAA for college). Gain experience and build a reputation for reliability and impartiality.
What is the job growth for this career?
The BLS projects 5.7% growth from 2024 to 2034, faster than average, with about 4,600 openings annually.
Which states pay the highest?
New Jersey ($67,600), North Dakota ($63,920), South Carolina ($61,290), Wisconsin ($57,000), Ohio ($55,040).
Is this a full-time occupation?
Most officials work part-time; only about 15,780 total are employed in this occupation nationwide, per BLS. Many also hold other jobs.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials data.