Normally, when fans are enjoying an NFL game, the attention is fixed on star quarterbacks and their million-dollar contracts. But have you ever considered the referees who officiate the games with fairness, accuracy, and control?
You may be surprised to find out that NFL referees make six-figure salaries that frequently compare to those of senior-level workers in other occupations.
In this article, we will take a look at how much do NFL refs make annually and per game, how pay changes in playoff games and the Super Bowl.
What Does an NFL Referee Actually Do?
Before going deep into an NFL referee’s salary, it’s worth understanding the role of a referee in a match. Each NFL match has a crew of seven referees with specific duties.
Here is the list.
- Referee (Crew Chief) – In charge of the entire crew and final calls.
- Umpire – Umpire oversees line play, holding penalties, and player conduct.
- Line Judge & Down Judge – Tasked with monitoring the scrimmage line and offsides.
- Field Judge & Side Judge – They are there to watch for deep pass interference and out-of-bounds plays.
- Back Judge – The Back Judge is responsible for the secondary and timing.
The officials are trained to maintain fairness, ensure safety, and apply complex NFL rules. They do all that in real time and under intense pressure.
How Much Do NFL Refs Make Per Year?
How much do NFL refs make per year? Well, they are among the highest-paid officials in professional sports. According to estimates and some reports, the average NFL refs make around $205,000 to $250,000 per year.
Here is a breakdown of a typical NFL ref’s salary.
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Description |
| Entry-Level Officials | $150,000 – $180,000 | Newly promoted refs |
| Mid-Level Officials | $200,000 – $230,000 | 5–10 years of NFL experience |
| Senior Referees / Crew Chiefs | $250,000+ | Over a decade of service, leadership roles |
These are not official figures. We’ve combed the internet and created an estimate of how much do NFL referees get paid. These salaries are base contracts of officials with the NFL and do not include per-game payments. They also receive bonuses for playoff games, which can significantly increase their yearly earnings.
How Much Do NFL Referees Make Per Game
How much does an NFL referee make per game? NFL referees earn compensation per game besides their base salary. It is based on each match they officiate in a season. On average, an NFL ref makes around $3,000 to $5,000 per game in the regular season.
For example, if a referee officiates in 17 regular-season games, they are going to earn more in game fees.
- 17 regular-season games × $4,000 per game = $68,000 in game fees
- You can add that to the base salary, and the total yearly pay can exceed $250,000 or $300,000.
The per-game rate of these officials depends on various factors like years of experience, position, and performance ratings from the league.
How Much Do NFL Refs Make in the Playoffs?
How much does an NFL ref make in the playoffs? The fees for playoff games differ from regular games. Only top-rated referees are selected to officiate in the playoff games.
Here is the NFL referee salary in the playoff games.
- Wild Card Round: $5,000 – $7,500 per game
- Divisional Round: $7,500 – $10,000 per game
- Conference Championship: $10,000 – $15,000 per game
To be eligible for playoffs, referees must consistently perform well throughout the season. So, these games allow a few selected referees to earn tens of thousands of dollars in bonus income.
How Much Does a Ref Make for the Super Bowl?
Super Bowl is considered the pinnacle of the NFL games, and the payout for referees reflects that.
The referees in the Super Bowl are handpicked for excellence and experience. The game day pay of these rare referees varies from $40,000 to $50,000 for just one game.
That amount is equal to the average pay of a normal American. These referees earn that in just four quarters of football.
Officials like Bill Vinovich and Carl Cheffers have been selected for multiple Super Bowls. They are often termed as the highest performing and best paid referees in the NFL.
NFL vs. Other Leagues: Salary Comparison
If you are wondering how NFL refs’ salary compares of other sports officials, check out this list of comparisons of refs’ salaries between the top sports played in America.
Comparison Table:
| League | Average Annual Salary | Description |
| NFL | $205,000 – $250,000 | Top-paying officiating league |
| NHL | $200,000 – $300,000 | Comparable to the NFL for top referees |
| NBA | $250,000 – $500,000 | Highest-paying league for officials |
| MLB | $150,000 – $250,000 | Lower base, longer season |
| College Football (NCAA) | $2,500 – $4,000 per game | Significantly lower pay |
As you can see from the above table, the NFL refs’ salaries are at the top. However, NBA officials generally earn more annually due to longer schedules.
Benefits and Bonuses for NFL Referees
Beyond their salaries, NFL refs have several great benefits as well. These benefits add long-term value to employment. Here is the list of benefits and bonuses for NFL referees.
- Retirement Plan – The NFL also contributes to the pension fund after multiple years of service.
- Health and Life Insurance – All officials and families receive comprehensive coverage of health and life insurance.
- Travel Stipends – The travel and hotel costs are covered by NFL.
- Performance Bonuses – Officials also receive extra compensation for top officiating grades.
- Training Pay – Offseason seminars and camps are paid by the league.
These perks make this job highly attractive for part-time roles.
Conclusion
So, how much do NFL refs make?
In short, more than most fans realize. NFL referees make an excellent living based on their performance, with base salaries around $200,000 – $250,000 per year. In addition, they receive bonuses for the playoffs and the Super Bowl.
They might not receive the same attention as the athletes, but each correct call, replay, and penalty flag demonstrates why NFL referees have the reputation as the top officials in all of sports.
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FAQs
1. Do NFL referees pay for travel expenses?
Ans: No, the league takes care of all the travel and hotel needs of the officials of a game.
2. How much do female NFL referees make?
Ans: Female NFL referees earn the same amount of money as their male counterparts, with an average NFL ref salary of around $205,000.
3. How much do NFL refs make per game?
Ans: Around $3,000–$5,000 per game, depending on role and experience.
4. Do NFL refs work full-time?
Ans: Most are part-time; however, some senior officials work full-time for the league in training or review roles.
