How Much Does an NFL Referee Make?

How Much Does an NFL Referee Make?

An NFL referee makes an average of $173,000 a year. The salary for an NFL referee can range from $110,000 to $205,000 a year, depending on experience and seniority.

NFL Referee Salaries

NFL referees make a base salary of $173,000, which is higher than the average salary for all American workers. They also receive additional compensation for each game they officiate, which can range from $1,000 to $10,000 per game. This means that NFL referees can make a total of $200,000 to $300,000 per year.

NFL Referee Salary Ranges

NFL Referee salaries range from $173,000 to $205,000 per year, according to a report from CBS Sports. The average salary for an NFL Referee is $189,000. NFL Referees also receive a pension and benefits package from the league.

NFL Referees are responsible for officiating games and enforcing the rules of the game. They are also responsible for maintaining order on the field and dealing with player protests and complaints. NFL Referees must be able to stay calm under pressure and make quick decisions.

NFL Referee Salary by Position

Salaries for NFL referees vary by position, with the head referee making the most money. In the 2018 season, the average salary for an NFL referee was $205,000.

-Head referee: $205,000
-Umpire: $149,000
-Down judge: $149,000
-Line judge: $149,000
-Back judge: $149,000
-Side judge: $139,000

How NFL Referees are Paid

NFL referees are paid handsomely for their services. In fact, the average NFL referee makes around $173,000 per year. That’s not including the extra money they make for working playoff games and the Super Bowl. So, how are NFL referees paid? Let’s take a look.

Per Game

NFL referees are paid on a per-game basis. In addition, they receive a small amount for each playoff game they work. The pay scale for NFL officials ranges from $25,000 per year for first-year referees to $70,000 per year for senior officials.

The NFL also has a pension plan for its officials. The pension plan is funded by the NFL and the officials’ association. Officials are vested in the plan after three years of service.

Postseason Games

In addition to their salaries, NFL referees also receive a per-game fee for each game they work during the preseason, regular season, and postseason. For the 2020 season, that fee is $6,000 per game for preseason games, $9,250 per game for regular season games, and $11,900 per game for postseason games. So, if an NFL referee works all 16 regular season games and two playoff games, they would earn an additional $200 in Game Fees for a total of $211,900.

Bonuses

In addition to their annual salary, NFL referees also receive a number of bonuses. These bonuses are generally paid out for working key games or playoffs and can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. For example, Super Bowl referees earn an additional $11,900 in bonus pay, while those officiating the Conference Championship games earn an extra $7,600.

How to Become an NFL Referee

NFL referees officiate games at the professional level. They are responsible for making sure the game is played fair and within the rules. NFL referees are also responsible for enforcing penalties when necessary. To become an NFL referee, you must first complete an training program.

Education and Training

In order to become an NFL referee, you will first need to complete a training program approved by the NFL. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common is by attending one of the NFL Officiating Development Programs.

These programs are typically eight weeks long and take place during the offseason. During these eight weeks, you will learn everything you need to know about officiating an NFL game, from the rules of the game to proper on-field mechanics.

At the end of the training program, you will be required to take and pass a written exam as well as an on-field practical exam. Once you have passed these exams, you will be officially certified as an NFL referee and will be placed on a list of potential officials for hire.

Certification

To become an NFL referee, you must first become certified by the National Football League. There are two ways to do this:

-Complete the certification process through the National Football League Officials Association (NFLOA). This includes passing a written test, officiating at least five college football games, and passing an on-field evaluation.
-Complete the certification process through the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO). This includes passing a written test and officiating at least five high school football games.

Once you have been certified, you can then apply to become an NFL referee. The application process includes a written exam, an interview, and a background check.

Other Requirements

Aside from the physical and mental requirements, NFL officials must also adhere to a few other non-negotiable guidelines. In order to be an NFL referee, you must:

Be a United States citizen
Be at least 21 years old
Have experience officiating at the high school or collegiate level (professional experience is not required)
Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Have a thorough knowledge of the rule book and an understanding of proper game administration
Complete an annual training program