Have you ever wondered how much money NFL referees make? The answer might surprise you. (Perhaps we’re in the wrong profession)
NFL referees are an essential part of the game, ensuring that the rules are followed and maintaining the fairness of the competition. Here’s a breakdown of their salaries and offseason activities:
- Regular Season Pay:
The NFL does not publicly disclose the exact salary figures for referees. According to Sporting News, the highest-paid NFL referees make around $250,000 annually while the average is about $205,000 per year. - Pay Structure:
NFL referees are not paid on a per-game basis but receive a flat annual salary. They may also receive bonuses, which can be based on the number of games they officiate during the regular season or for working postseason games. - Playoff Game Compensation:
In the NFL playoffs, referees receive additional bonuses on top of their regular-season salary. These bonuses can range from $1,500-$5,000 per playoff game, depending on the round and importance of the game. - Super Bowl Referee Compensation:
The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of the NFL season, and referees officiating this game receive a substantial bonus. On average, Super Bowl referees can earn between $40,000 and $50,000 in addition to their regular salary and other playoff bonuses, according to Money.com. - Offseason Activities:
Being an NFL referee is a part-time job, so referees have other professions or careers outside of officiating. Also, they do not receive full benefits, but they typically have access to a 401(k) retirement plan. Moreover, referees mini-training camps to minimize any rust accrued in the off-season. - 2023 Criticism
Referees received more than usual criticism during the 2023 Season. Perhaps the league should increase the base salaries for that position, make it a full-time job, and have them practice full-time in the off-season.
In summary, NFL referees have a flat annual salary, supplemented by bonuses for postseason games. Their compensation increases significantly for officiating the Super Bowl, which is the most prestigious game of the season. During the offseason, they continue to work on their skills through training camps and other activities while also pursuing other professional endeavors.
