NFL referees earn an average of $250,000 to $270,000 per year for the 2025 season. This covers the head referee or crew chief. Other positions like line judges, back judges, and umpires earn between $150,000 and $200,000.
Most NFL referees are not full-time employees despite earning six-figure salaries.
Salary Breakdown by Position
| Position | Salary Range | Duties |
| Referee (Crew Chief) | $250,000-$270,000 | Leads crew, makes final calls, announces penalties |
| Umpire | $150,000-$200,000 | Watches line of scrimmage, counts players, tracks scores |
| Head Linesman | $150,000-$200,000 | Monitors sideline, calls offsides, manages chains |
| Line Judge | $150,000-$200,000 | Opposite sideline, tracks forward progress, backup timekeeper |
| Field Judge | $150,000-$200,000 | Deep coverage, calls pass interference, tracks play clock |
| Side Judge | $150,000-$200,000 | Deep coverage opposite side, assists field judge |
| Back Judge | $150,000-$200,000 | Middle deep coverage, rules on field goal attempts |
First-year officials earn around $150,000, while those with over a decade on the field often exceed $250,000 per year.
Per-Game Pay
NFL referees earn approximately $10,800 per game on average. Based on past collective bargaining agreements, officials assigned to all 18 contests earn around $11,400 per regular-season game. Some reports suggest around $1,500 per game, though playoff games pay nearly double.
Playoff and Super Bowl Bonuses
Postseason bonuses are performance-based, with officials graded weekly during the regular season. High-stakes games like the Divisional Round, Conference Championships, and Super Bowl earn several thousand extra dollars.
| Game Type | Bonus Range |
| Playoff Games | $1,500-$5,000 per game |
| Conference Championship | $3,000-$5,000 |
| Super Bowl (Head Referee) | $30,000-$50,000 |
| Super Bowl (Other Officials) | $30,000-$40,000 |
Super Bowl referees in 2025 are projected to earn between $40,000 and $50,000 for that single game.
Additional Benefits
Referees are assigned to different cities each week, with travel expenses and accommodations covered by the NFL. Officials typically fly out Friday or Saturday, review game plans with their crews, and return home Monday.
Benefits include:
- Health insurance coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan
- First-class flights and hotels
- Meal allowances during travel
- Weekly performance reviews and coaching
Comparison to Other Sports
| League | Average Salary | Games Per Season | Per-Game Rate |
| NFL | $205,000-$250,000 | 17 games | ~$11,400 |
| NBA | $250,000+ | 82 games | ~$3,000 |
| MLB | $235,000 | 162 games | ~$1,450 |
| NHL | $200,000-$430,000 | 82 games | ~$2,500 |
NFL officials earn the highest per-game rate among major U.S. sports leagues. This reflects fewer games but higher stakes and pressure.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time Status
Despite their six-figure salaries, most NFL referees are not considered full-time employees.
The NFL once experimented with full-time officiating positions, employing about 20% of its referees in year-round roles. However, the league ended that program in 2019.
During the season, referees typically work 20-25 hours per week, not including travel time. Head referees may work closer to 30-35 hours per week.
Most referees maintain other professional careers outside football in law, business, and education.
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How Experience Affects Pay
The NFL referee salary system is designed to reward longevity and performance. Officials advance through merit and tenure. More experienced referees earn higher base pay and receive more postseason assignments.
Experience levels:
- Entry-level: $100,000-$200,000
- Mid-career: $180,000-$230,000
- Veteran (10+ years): $230,000-$270,000
Path to Becoming an NFL Referee
To be an NFL game official, candidates must have at least 10 years’ experience officiating football games, according to the league’s website. That should include at least five years refereeing major college games.
Steps to become an NFL ref:
- Start at high school level (3-5 years)
- Progress to college football (5+ years)
- Join the Mackie Development Program (NFL’s official pathway)
- Pass rigorous NFL evaluation process
- Join the 121-member NFL officiating roster
The NFL runs a referee development program, called the Mackie Development Program, that provides a pathway for college football refs to step up to the national league.
Job Requirements and Demands
Referees are constantly on the move, traveling from city to city to officiate games. They are required to arrive at least 24 hours before a game.
Weekly responsibilities include:
- Review previous game film
- Prepare for upcoming matchups
- Study team tendencies and formations
- Take written rules tests
- Attend training sessions
- Physical conditioning
All seven on-field ref positions are reviewed weekly and refs receive feedback early in the week to address shortcomings.
Top Earners
Top-paid NFL referees include Brad Allen and Walter Anderson. These veterans have multiple postseason assignments and leadership roles. Referees selected for the Super Bowl are among the league’s highest-paid officials.
FAQs
How much does an NFL ref make per game?
NFL referees earn approximately $10,800-$11,400 per regular-season game. Head referees earn at the higher end. Other positions earn slightly less. Playoff games pay nearly double regular-season rates.
What do NFL refs make for the Super Bowl?
The Super Bowl head referee earns $30,000-$50,000 for that single game. Other officials on the crew earn $30,000-$40,000. This one-time payment reflects the global spotlight and heightened scrutiny.
Do NFL referees work full-time?
No. NFL referees are part-time employees despite earning six-figure salaries. Most refs maintain other careers outside football. The NFL ended its full-time referee program in 2019.
How much does a starting NFL referee make?
Entry-level referees typically earn $100,000-$200,000 per season depending on assignments. These officials usually start in lower positions like line judges or side judges before advancing to crew chief.
What’s the highest-paid position on the officiating crew?
The head referee (crew chief) earns the highest salary at $250,000-$270,000 per year. Other crew members earn $150,000-$200,000. Pay increases with seniority and performance.
Are NFL referee salaries public?
No. The NFL and NFL Referees Association do not publicly disclose exact salary figures. Estimates come from past collective bargaining agreements and industry reports. The current CBA is effective through May 2026.
How often do NFL referees work?
Referees are assigned to 17-18 regular-season games per year. Some officials work preseason games and clinics. Performance-based selections determine who works playoff games and the Super Bowl.
Can an NFL referee be fired?
Yes. Poor performance can lead to demotion or dismissal. All seven positions are graded weekly. Consistent underperformance can result in losing game assignments or removal from the rotation.
What benefits do NFL refs receive?
Benefits include health insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, first-class travel, hotel accommodations, meals, and weekly performance coaching. The NFL covers all travel expenses during the season.
How much are playoff game bonuses?
Playoff bonuses range from $1,500-$5,000 per game depending on the round. Conference Championship games pay toward the higher end. Super Bowl assignments earn $30,000-$50,000 bonuses.
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