Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials salary by state
What Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officialss do
Typical education: High School Diploma
Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain standards of play and to ensure that game rules are observed.
Inspect game sites for compliance with regulations or safety requirements.
Resolve claims of rule infractions or complaints by participants and assess any necessary penalties, according to regulations.
Signal participants or other officials to make them aware of infractions or to otherwise regulate play or competition.
Teach and explain the rules and regulations governing a specific sport.
Top skills:SpeakingCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingActive ListeningMonitoringSocial Perceptiveness
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials pay by experience level
Entry level$27,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$33,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$42,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$59,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$86,000
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+5.7%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
4,600
projected openings per year
Growing about as fast as average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials salary by industry
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
5,870 workers
$44,500
Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
5,670 workers
$44,000
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries
3,400 workers
$45,500
Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries
3,020 workers
$62,000
Other Amusement and Recreation Industries
2,930 workers
$46,000
Spectator Sports
1,780 workers
$62,000
Educational Services
1,350 workers
$51,500
Civic and Social Organizations
1,120 workers
$41,500
Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events
980 workers
$59,000
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
640 workers
$53,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
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