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The players make big bucks. But how much do refs make in the NFL?
The high-stress job pays substantially, and considering how a single slip-up could ruin a team’s season, referees certainly earn that paycheck.
We take a look at the average NFL referee salary and determine who earns the most.
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NFL Referee Salaries
NFL referee salary scales are a regular talking point. Millions of eyes are on their every decision, so the pressure to make correct calls is immense from the teams, fans, and anyone with a wager with one of the NFL sportsbooks.
So, how much do NFL refs make a year?
Unfortunately, we can only make estimates around how much money NFL refs make because the official salaries have never been made public.
We do know that under the last agreement between the NFL and NFL Referees Association (NFLRA), a referee’s salary was $205,000.
That agreement expired in 2020 and was replaced by a new one that runs out in 2026.
This is an excellent salary, no doubt, but nowhere near the amount the highest-paid players in the NFL can make.
Naturally, more experienced refs on the NFL officiating roster will earn more while new refs could earn much less.
This estimation includes a base salary plus additional money paid per game a referee officiates. We have also learned that NFL refs receive additional perks, such as a handsome pension plan.
To clarify, there are several officiating roles – such as line judges and umpires – but we are only considering referees who manage the officiating team and have the final say on calls.
How Much Do NFL Refs Make Per Game?
However, not every ref will adjudicate every round, so these numbers are still an estimation.
The amount of money a ref earns per game will depend on their experience as well, just like their base salary.
Our research reveals that:
- Referees who have been in the NFL for less than two years will earn about $1,000 per game. It’s a small change compared to the players and senior officials, but a fair day’s pay when compared to how much NFL cheerleaders earn.
- Referees with two to five years of experience earn about $3,000 per game.
- Seasoned referees will earn around $10,000 if they have more than five years’ experience.
Who Is the Highest-Paid NFL Ref in History?
There are several highly experienced NFL referees who are likely to command the highest salaries.
However, since we cannot confirm the pay structure nor the exact contracts of the refs, it is impossible to determine who is the single highest-paid NFL referee.
Walt Anderson is likely the highest-paid NFL referee in history. By the end of his career in 2019, Anderson was reportedly earning $250,000 with a $185,000 base salary, and his additional money was earned per game.
Referee Walt Anderson leads tonight’s crew for #NOvsDAL. pic.twitter.com/9GMdaiSQrc
— NFL Officiating (@NFLOfficiating) November 30, 2018
General estimations put Brad Allen’s 2020-21 salary at around $250,000, and he has been officiating NFL games for 10 years.
NFL assigns Brad Allen as referee for Rams vs. Saints https://t.co/BH8KlJ0cgv pic.twitter.com/esiEYk6jOU
— TheSaintsWire (@TheSaintsWire) November 28, 2024
| NFL Referee | Years active | Estimated Highest Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Walt Anderson | 1996- 2019 | $250,000 |
| Brad Allen | 2014 – current | $250,000 |
| Craig Wrolstad | 2003 – current | $250,000 |
| Tony Corrente | 1995 – 2021 | $230,000 |
| Mark Steinkerchner | 1999 – 2021 | $205,000 |
How Much Do Female NFL Referees Make?
Now that there are three female on-field NFL referees, it is only natural to ask how much female NFL refs make.
However, as NFL ref salaries are entirely dependent on experience, being female does not affect a referee’s salary in any way.
In the NFL, Sarah Thomas is the most noteworthy female ref. In 2021, Thomas became the first woman to officiate a playoff game and the Super Bowl.
#OnThisDay in 2021, Sarah Thomas made history as the very first woman to officiate a Super Bowl.
She’s still the only female NFL referee to do so, to this day.🫤 pic.twitter.com/gQFZvyChjj
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) February 7, 2024
Other notorious female NFL referees are:
- Robin DeLorenzo joined the NFL in 2022 after officiating in college football’s Big Ten Conference.
- Karina Tovar was hired as a deep official. Tovar joined Sarah Thomas and Robin DeLorenzo as the three female on-field officials in the NFL.
- Maia Chaka made history as the first Black woman to officiate an NFL game, joining the league in 2021. After officiating in the NFL for three seasons, Chaka did not return to the league for 2024.
How Much Do NFL Referees Get Paid for the Super Bowl?
As one of the biggest sporting events in sports, the pressure the officiating team must feel is similar to that of the two teams contesting for the Lombardi Trophy.
As such, NFL referees make more money for officiating the Super Bowl than any other game.
So, how much do NFL refs make on Super Bowl Sunday?
How Hard Is It to Become an NFL Referee?
We’ve all watched a game on TV or placed an in-play wager at one of the US betting sites and angrily critiqued a referee’s call, believing we could do a better job.
However, NFL refs are highly trained, and it is no easy feat to reach the top officiating position.
Firstly, the NFL expects referees to have a college education in the form of a bachelor’s degree. As you can imagine, most study sports science or sports management.
You’ll then need a minimum of 10 years’ officiating experience, which must include five years of officiating college games. This can be tough as college referees earn significantly less that their NFL counterparts.
Estimates put their salaries at around $50,000 per year, so the road to the NFL is hardly paved with gold.
Along the way, referees will gain certifications and further qualifications for officiating, which can be handy once they finally get noticed.
Refs need to do a fantastic job officiating big college games to be seen and then considered for the NFL.
Finally, while not as physically demanding as being a linebacker, officiating also requires good physical fitness. So refs will need to keep in shape to excel in their role.
An NFL referee ordinarily works between 20 and 30 hours per week between the actual games, completing paperwork such as game reports, traveling, and attending meetings.
Referee Assignments & Sports Betting
We all look for little insights to improve our betting before we head to our favorite offshore sportsbooks.
However, you may be surprised to learn that referee assignments can have a rather profound impact on your betting. Referees can hide or shine a light on certain performance trends based on how they officiate.
For example, imagine how different a score line could be if one ref really likes to focus on defensive holding but next week another referee in the same crew really focuses on pass interference.
Sometimes it really pays to analyze the decisions of NFL refs, as well as team performance, when looking at how to bet on the NFL.
The Bottom Line
NFL referees don’t earn the multi-million salaries of star quarterbacks, but their paychecks are still high, especially with the pressure of millions watching their every call.
With average salaries around $250,000, per-game earnings, and hefty Super Bowl bonuses, NFL referees are well compensated for their high-stakes role.
However, the road to becoming an NFL requires years of education and first-hand experience. So, if you used to yell at a ref through your TV screen, remember they’ve earned their stripes, even if their calls don’t always go your way.
FAQs
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References
- NFL, Referees Association Reach 7-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement (Bleacherreport)
- 2024 Roster of NFL Officials (NFL Football Operations)
