How Much Does an NFL Official Make?
How much does an NFL official make? Here’s a look at the average salary and pay scale for officials in the National Football League.
NFL Officials’ Salaries
How much do NFL officials make?
NFL officials are some of the best-paid referees in all of professional sports. According to a report from ESPN, the average salary for an NFL official was $205,000 in 2019. That figure does not include benefits or per diem payments, which can add several thousand dollars more to an official’s annual income. NFL officials are paid on a per-game basis, and they also receive bonuses for working playoff games and the Super Bowl. The highest-paid officials can earn upwards of $500,000 per year.
What is the average salary for an NFL official?
Salaries for NFL officials range from $110,000 to $205,000 per year, according to a report from Forbes. The average salary for an NFL official is $173,000.
NFL officials are paid on a per-game basis, and they also receive a small amount of money for each playoff game they work. NFL officials are not paid during the off-season.
How do NFL officials’ salaries compare to other professional sports leagues?
In general, NFL officials make less money than officials in other professional sports leagues. For example, MLB umpires earn an average salary of $204,000 per year, while NBA referees earn an average salary of $375,000 per year. However, NFL officials are paid relatively well compared to other professionals with comparable levels of experience and education. The average salary for an NFL official is $173,000 per year.
NFL Officials’ Perks and Benefits
Aside from a solid pay check, NFL officials enjoy plenty of other perks and benefits. For one, they get to travel to some of the most exciting places in the country. They also get to be a part of one of the most popular sports leagues in the world. NFL officials also receive great benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans.
What are some of the perks and benefits that NFL officials receive?
In addition to their salaries, NFL officials are provided with a number of perks and benefits. These benefits include:
-A per diem of $325 for every game they work
-One first-class plane ticket to and from the city where the game is taking place
-Ground transportation to and from the airport
-Lodging accommodations for the night before the game
-Meals on the day of the game
-A playoff bonus of $2,000 for each divisional playoff game they work and $3,000 for each conference championship game they work
-Super Bowl officials receive a bonus of $7,500
How do these perks and benefits compare to those of other professional sports leagues?
In comparison to other professional sports leagues, NFL officials’ salaries and benefits are very competitive. Officials in the NFL receive an annual salary, as well as a per-game fee for each game they work. They also receive reimbursement for travel expenses incurred while working games. In addition to their salaries, NFL officials also receive a pension plan and 401(k) retirement savings plan.
In addition to their salaries and benefits, NFL officials also receive a number of perks and privileges. These include free tickets to all regular season and playoff games, as well as access to VIP hospitality suites at all NFL stadiums. NFL officials also have access to a variety of discounts on travel and lodging expenses.
NFL Officials’ Retirement Plans
Many NFL officials are not aware of the pension and retirement benefits that are available to them. It is important to know what these benefits are and how they can be accessed. The NFL has a retirement plan for its officials, which is a 401k.
What are the retirement plans for NFL officials?
NFL officials are eligible for a pension plan and 401(k) savings plan. The pension plan is a defined benefit retirement plan that provides a monthly benefit payments based on credited seasons of service and average salary. There is no vesting period for NFL officials. Eligibility for benefits begins at age 50.
The 401(k) savings plan is a defined contribution retirement savings plan. NFL officials can contribute up to $18,000 per year (or $24,000 if age 50 or older). The NFL match is 100% on the first 3% of compensation deferred, and 50% on the next 2% of compensation deferred.
How do these retirement plans compare to those of other professional sports leagues?
While the NFL does offer a solid retirement plan for its officials, it is not as generous as those offered by some other professional sports leagues. For example, MLB umpires are eligible for a pension after just five years of service, and NHL officials can start collecting a pension after just 10 years. NBA officials are also eligible for a pension after 10 years, but they also have the option of putting some of their salary into a 401(k) plan.
