Understanding NFL Referee Salaries: How Much Do They Really Earn?
Lead image: Keith Allison/Wikimedia Commons
Introduction: Spotlight on NFL Referees’ Earnings
NFL athletes often grab headlines for their multimillion-dollar contracts—Patrick Mahomes, for example, signed a deal that could net him over $500 million by 2031. But while player salaries are thoroughly discussed, the compensation of those officiating the games—the referees—remains less public. This guide reveals how much NFL referees make, including game-by-game pay, the earnings for high-profile contests such as the Super Bowl, and how their salaries stack up against other major American sports.
Annual Salaries: How Much Do NFL Referees Earn Per Season?
Although the National Football League doesn’t publish official pay figures for its officials, multiple reports provide insight. As of 2019, the average NFL referee salary was estimated at $205,000 per year—a $50,000 increase from the prior year. Elite referees who regularly oversee playoff games can earn even more; for instance, Walt Anderson, a longtime officiating veteran, was believed to have made around $250,000 in his last season before retiring.
Referees can supplement their base pay with bonuses for working postseason matches, making officiating an NFL game both lucrative and challenging, especially given the high-pressure environments they face on the field.
Game-by-Game Breakdown: NFL Referees’ Earnings Per Match
Throughout an NFL season—including the playoffs—there are a maximum of 22 game weeks. However, since most refs typically officiate just one postseason game, the upper limit for games worked is usually 20 per year.
By dividing annual salary over this number of games:
- An experienced ref earning $250,000 would receive approximately $12,500 each game.
- A referee earning the average $205,000 would make roughly $10,250 per game.
While officials in the NBA, NHL, and MLB might have higher total annual earnings, they must work significantly more games—up to 82 regular season games in the NBA and NHL and as many as 162 in MLB. This makes the NFL’s per-game referee compensation the highest among major US sports leagues.
Who Earns the Most: The Top-Paid NFL Referees
There is no single referee who outpaces the rest in salary, but several top-tier officials have reached the league’s known pay ceiling. Brad Allen, Craig Wrolstad, and Sarah Thomas are notable active referees reported to earn around $250,000 a year, matching the compensation of Walt Anderson in his final season. As of the latest reports, $250,000 stands as the highest publicly known salary for an NFL referee, although adjustments could have occurred since 2019 due to inflation and ongoing collective bargaining.
Women in the NFL: Referee Salaries and Career Progress
The NFL bases referee pay strictly on experience and capability—gender does not influence salary. Female referees who reach the same level of experience as their male colleagues are paid equally. Sarah Thomas, who broke new ground in 2015 as the league’s first female official, demonstrates this parity. Her exemplary career includes roles in major playoff games and even officiating at Super Bowl LV.
For the 2022/23 NFL season, Sarah Thomas, Maia Chaka, and newcomer Robin DeLorenzo made up the league’s roster of female referees, further establishing the NFL as a destination for top officiating talent regardless of gender.
Super Bowl Special: Extra Pay for Officiating the Big Game
The NFL does not publicly confirm the precise amount paid to Super Bowl referees, but industry sources estimate a bonus of $40,000 to $50,000 for the officials chosen to oversee the championship game. This bonus far exceeds the $1,000 to $5,000 typically reported for other playoff rounds, reflecting the high stakes and immense pressure unique to the Super Bowl.
Path to the Pros: What Does It Take to Be an NFL Referee?
The financial rewards—and the prestige—of being an NFL referee come with steep entry requirements. Prospective refs need at least a decade of experience officiating American football, with a minimum of five years spent refereeing at major college games. But aspiring officials cannot simply jump in at the varsity level; the journey begins with mandatory training and state-level registration.
Beyond basic credentials, additional certifications and even a college degree can help, but performance is key. Just like with players, NFL scouts look for referees with exceptional skills and composure under pressure. Only those who excel at every stage have a shot at working on football’s largest stage.
- 10 years of officiating experience required
- At least 5 years must be at collegiate level
- State certification and formal training necessary
- Performance and continual development heavily emphasized
Conclusion: The True Value of NFL Referee Careers
Working as an NFL referee offers substantial financial rewards, unique experiences, and the best seat in the house for America’s favorite sport. While the path is both competitive and demanding, those who make it to the professional league are compensated for both their expertise and their ability to manage some of sports’ most high-pressure moments. Whether male or female, NFL officials who reach the top are paid accordingly, with the potential to earn well into six figures—with even more for marquee postseason matchups like the Super Bowl.
For readers interested in officiating salaries in other sports, consider exploring information about NHL and basketball referees as well.
