How Much Do NFL Refs Make? – NFL Ref Salary Revealed

The players make the big bucks but do you know how much NFL referees make?

The high stress job pays a substantial amount and considering how a single slip up could ruin a team’s season, refs certainly earn that paycheck.

We take a look at the average NFL referee salary and determine who earns the most.

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 our NFL sportsbooks.

Unfortunately, we can only make estimates around how much 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) was worth $205,000 per referee.

That agreement expired in 2020 and was replaced by a new one that runs out in 2026.

A great salary, no doubt, but nowhere near the amount the highest paid players in the NFL are able to 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 that is 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?

The amount of money a ref earns per game will depend on their experience, just like their base salary.

Our research reveals that referees who have been in the NFL for two years or less will earn about $1,000 per game. 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 between two and five years of experience will earn about $3,000 per game.

However, the seriously experienced referees will earn around $10,000 if they have more than five years’ experience.

Considering the average NFL referee salary is $250,000 and they officiate up to 19 games in a season season, that means, on average, refs are earning about $13,000 per game.

However, not every ref will adjudicate every round, so these numbers are still an estimation.

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.

General estimations put Brad Allen’s 2020-21 salary at around $250,000 and he has been officiating NFL games for 10 years.

How Much Do Female NFL Referees Make?

Now that there are four female on-field NFL referees, it is only natural to ask how much do female NFL refs make.

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. NFL ref salaries are entirely dependent on experience, so being female does not affect a referees salary in any way.

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, you shouldn’t be shocked to learn that NFL referees make more money for officiating the Super Bowl than for any other game.

So, how much do NFL refs make on Super Bowl Sunday? Well, best estimates are between $30,000 and $50,000 depending on experience.

How Hard is it to Become an NFL Referee?

I’m sure we’ve all watched a game on TV or placed an in-play wager at 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 come in 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 requires a good level of physical fitness too. So refs will need to keep in shape to excel in their role.

Between the actual games, completing paperwork such as game reports, travel, and attending meetings, an NFL referee would ordinarily work between 20 – 30 hours per week.

Referee Assignments and Sports Betting

We all look for the 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.

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