How much do NFL refs make?

NFL referees’ salaries explained: earnings, bonuses, and debates

The role of NFL referees is one of the most scrutinized in the league. These officials often find themselves at the center of debates when their calls impact the outcome of a game. But how much do they actually make for their work?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of NFL referees’ earnings and their position in the league. But just how much do they actually make for their work? Here’s a detailed breakdown of NFL referees’ earnings and their position in the league.

NFL referee salary

NFL referees reportedly earn over $200,000 annually, for officiating games. It’s worth noting that this role is considered part-time, as refs typically officiate just one game per week. Many also maintain full-time jobs outside of officiating. For instance, Bill Vinovich, one of the league’s prominent referees, works as a certified public accountant during the week.

1) Being an NFL Referee is Lucrative

Average NFL ref: $205,000 / season
Highest-paid refs: $250,000 / season

The NFL does not release salary figures, but Sporting News has obtained this data. pic.twitter.com/EfkXQQHxiL
— Andrew Petcash (@AndrewPetcash) January 21, 2023

This setup has fueled criticism, with many fans arguing that referees should be full-time employees to ensure better consistency and focus on officiating.

Bonuses and postseason pay

In addition to their base salaries, NFL referees receive bonuses for officiating postseason games. These bonuses range from $1,500 to $5,000 per game, with the most significant incentives reserved for the Super Bowl. Head officials for the Super Bowl, like Bill Vinovich, can earn between $40,000 and $50,000 for that single game.

Is refereeing in the NFL a full-time job?

Despite the high-profile nature of their work, NFL referees are not full-time employees of the league. They receive a 401(k) plan but lack additional benefits like healthcare. This has been a point of contention among fans and analysts, with many arguing that full-time employment could enhance officiating quality.

All-time bad take by PFT. The average NFL referee salary in 2019 is scheduled to be $205,000. Not bad for working weekends less than half the year. There are NFL scouts spending 175 nights per year away from their families making $50-75k. pic.twitter.com/48knSJdCXs
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) April 3, 2019

For example, Ed Hochuli, one of the most recognized referees in league history, worked as an attorney for decades alongside his officiating duties. Hochuli was even featured in the Madden video game series as the main referee starting in 2006 and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2012.

Super Bowl pay

The Super Bowl offers the highest payday for NFL refs, with compensation ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 depending on their experience and role in the game. This makes it one of the most coveted assignments for officials, not just for prestige but also for financial reward.

Who are the highest-paid NFL refs?

The league’s top officials reportedly earn up to $250,000 annually. Brad Allen and Craig Wrolstad are among the highest-paid referees, with retired officials like Walt Anderson and Tony Corrente also reaching similar pay levels during their careers.

Sarah Thomas, the first woman to ref a Super Bowl 🙌 @espnW

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/RqzXnGCymW
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 7, 2021

Veteran referees such as Carl Cheffers, Bill Vinovich, and Clete Blakeman are likely candidates to join this upper echelon as they continue their tenure in the league.

Representation in officiating

The NFL has made strides toward diversifying its officiating crews. Sarah Thomas became the highest-paid female referee in the league, setting a benchmark for representation. In 2021, Maia Chaka was hired as the first Black woman to officiate an NFL game. Robin DeLorenzo, a former Big Ten official, and Lo Van Pham, the first Asian-American official in the league, are among the other trailblazers in NFL officiating.

Why officiating salaries are debated

While the salaries of NFL refs might seem substantial, critics often point out the part-time nature of the job. The argument centers on whether referees should dedicate themselves fully to officiating, as errors in judgment can significantly impact games.

That said, it’s important to note that these salary figures are estimates, as the NFL and the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) do not publicly disclose official numbers.

Image: Imagn Images (© Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images, © Tina MacIntyre-Yee /Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK)