by Being an NFL referee isn’t just about blowing a whistle and throwing flags. It’s one of the most scrutinized jobs in professional sports.
These officials must make split-second decisions in front of millions of viewers, often facing intense criticism from fans, coaches, and players alike.
With the spotlight on officiating brighter than ever, many fans are curious: how much do NFL referees actually earn? What’s the average salary?
Who are the highest-paid officials? And do they get extra money for working playoff games or the Super Bowl?
How Much Do NFL Refs Make?
Let’s break down everything you need to know about NFL referee salaries, bonuses, and what it takes to officiate at the highest level of football.
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What Is the Average NFL Referee Salary?
While the NFL doesn’t publicly release exact salary figures, reports based on past Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) provide a reliable estimate.
The average NFL referee salary is approximately $205,000 per year.
For officials working all 18 regular-season games, that breaks down to roughly $11,400 per game.
That’s a significant increase from a decade ago, when referees earned closer to $150,000 annually.
The steady rise in compensation reflects the league’s growing revenue and the increasing demands placed on officials.
These salaries are negotiated between the NFL and the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA).
The current seven-year CBA, signed in 2019, is set to expire on May 31, 2026.
When that happens, both sides will return to the negotiating table to hammer out a new deal.
How NFL Referee Pay Is Structured?
It’s important to understand that the $205,000 figure is just an average. Actual pay varies based on several factors:
- Experience and seniority: Veteran officials earn significantly more than newcomers
- Position: Head referees (crew chiefs) make more than other officials, like umpires, line judges, or side judges
- Performance: Officials who consistently excel in evaluations earn higher salaries
NFL officials receive a flat seasonal salary that guarantees income regardless of how many games they work.
On top of that, they earn an additional per-game fee for each assignment. This structure ensures consistency while still rewarding officials for their game-day responsibilities.
The most experienced and high-performing head referees can earn well above the average, sometimes reaching $250,000 or more per season.
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Who Are the Highest-Paid NFL Referees?
While official salary numbers remain confidential, several names consistently appear at the top of the pay scale:
Top-Earning Referees:
- Brad Allen – Reportedly earns around $250,000
- Craig Wrolstad – Also believed to make approximately $250,000
- Walt Anderson (retired) – Earned an estimated $250,000 during his final years
- Tony Corrente (retired) – Made around $230,000 before retirement
Other veteran officials climbing toward the highest pay tier include:
- Carl Cheffers
- Bill Vinovich
- Clete Blakeman
These officials have built their reputations through years of consistent, high-level performance and are often selected for the most important games, including playoffs and Super Bowls.
Female NFL Referees and Their Earnings
The NFL has made strides in diversifying its officiating crews. Sarah Thomas became the first female full-time NFL official and is now the highest-paid female referee in the league.
Notable Female Officials:
- Sarah Thomas – First female full-time NFL official and Super Bowl referee
- Maia Chaka – Hired in 2021, first Black woman to officiate an NFL game
- Robin DeLorenzo – Third female official, previously worked Big Ten games
- Karina Tovar – Hired in 2024 as a field judge, the fourth female official
While specific salary figures for female officials aren’t disclosed, they’re compensated using the same pay structure as their male counterparts.
Pay is based on experience, position, and performance rather than gender.
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NFL Playoff and Super Bowl Referee Bonuses
Working playoff games is considered a major honor in the officiating world. Only the best-performing officials from the regular season earn these prestigious assignments, and they come with substantial financial bonuses.
Postseason Pay Breakdown:
| Game Type | Estimated Bonus |
|---|---|
| Wild Card / Divisional Round | $3,000 – $5,000 per game |
| Conference Championship | $5,000 – $8,000 per game |
| Super Bowl (Head Referee) | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Super Bowl (Other Officials) | $3,000+ (varies by position) |
These playoff bonuses can nearly double the standard per-game rate. The highest per-game earnings have been estimated at around $15,000, though the NFL has never officially confirmed these figures.
For a head referee working through the entire playoff run to the Super Bowl, postseason bonuses could add $50,000 to $75,000 to their annual income.
Are NFL Referees Full-Time Employees?
Surprisingly, no—NFL referees are not currently full-time employees of the league.
The NFL experimented with making about 20% of its officiating staff full-time back in 2019, but that program was shelved during CBA negotiations.
Plans to revive it in 2020 were also scrapped when the league decided to overhaul its entire officiating program instead.
What This Means for Referees:
- Most officials maintain other careers outside of football
- They work intensively from late summer through February (or beyond for playoff officials)
- The off-season (mid-May through summer) is spent on training, evaluation, and their primary careers
- Travel demands make maintaining a traditional full-time job challenging for many
Some high-profile players have advocated for change. Former quarterback Aaron Rodgers expressed his support for full-time officiating during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show:
“I do think that it would probably help to have all of them full-time. I think an increase in pay probably would as well. It’s a really important part of our game. We’re a billion-dollar industry. I think those men and women deserve to be paid appropriately where they can make this their full-time gig.”
Rodgers emphasized the difficulty of the job: Officials must interpret complex rules in real-time while facing the same level of scrutiny as quarterbacks and kickers.
How NFL Referee Salaries Compare to Other Sports?
To put NFL referee earnings in perspective, here’s how they stack up against officials in other major professional sports:
| League | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| NFL | ~$205,000 |
| NBA | ~$375,000 |
| MLB (Umpire) | ~$300,000 |
| NHL | ~$235,000 |
While NFL referees earn less on average than officials in other major leagues, their per-game rate is competitive considering they work fewer games (18 regular season vs. 82 for NBA or 162 for MLB).
The Challenges of Being an NFL Referee
NFL officials face unique pressures that justify their six-figure salaries:
Key Challenges Include:
- Split-second decisions: Calls must be made instantly without replay assistance
- Constant scrutiny: Every decision is analyzed by millions of fans, coaches, and media
- Physical demands: Keeping up with elite athletes across a 3+ hour game
- Complex rulebook: Interpreting hundreds of rules and their nuances in real-time
- Travel requirements: Crossing time zones weekly during the season
- Job security: Performance evaluations determine playoff assignments and contract renewals
Referees also deal with evolving rules, increased use of replay review, and the pressure of knowing their calls can impact playoff races, team records, and even player safety.
The Future of NFL Officiating Compensation
With the current CBA expiring in 2026, several factors could influence future referee salaries:
Potential Changes:
- Push for full-time employment status
- Increased base salaries reflecting league revenue growth
- Enhanced playoff and Super Bowl bonuses
- Better benefits packages and retirement plans
- Investment in technology to assist officials
As the NFL continues to generate record revenues (projected to exceed $20 billion annually), pressure is mounting to compensate officials in line with the league’s financial success.
Frequently Asked Questions About NFL Referee Salaries
- Q: How much does an NFL referee make per game?
An NFL referee makes approximately $11,400 per regular-season game based on the average annual salary of $205,000 divided across 18 games. However, this varies by experience and position, with veteran head referees earning significantly more per game.
- Q: Do NFL referees get paid for playoff games?
Yes, NFL referees receive substantial bonuses for playoff games. Postseason assignments pay an estimated $3,000 to $5,000 per game for wild card and divisional rounds, with higher amounts for conference championships. These bonuses are in addition to their regular season salary.
- Q: How much do Super Bowl referees make?
The head referee for the Super Bowl reportedly earns a bonus between $30,000 and $50,000 for officiating the championship game. Other officials on the crew earn smaller bonuses starting around $3,000, depending on their position and experience level.
- Q: Who is the highest-paid NFL referee?
Brad Allen and Craig Wrolstad are reportedly the highest-paid active NFL referees, with estimated annual earnings of around $250,000. Several veteran officials like Carl Cheffers and Bill Vinovich are also approaching this top-tier compensation level.
- Q: Are NFL referees full-time employees?
No, NFL referees are not currently full-time employees. They work on a seasonal basis, and many maintain other careers outside of football. The NFL experimented with full-time officials but shelved the program during the 2019 CBA negotiations.
- Q: How do you become an NFL referee?
Becoming an NFL referee requires years of experience officiating at lower levels, including high school, college, and minor leagues. Most NFL officials have 10-15 years of officiating experience before reaching the professional level. They must also pass rigorous evaluations and attend NFL officiating clinics.
- Q: Do female NFL referees make the same as male referees?
Yes, female NFL officials are paid using the same compensation structure as male officials. Salaries are based on experience, position, and performance evaluations rather than gender. Sarah Thomas is currently the highest-paid female referee in the NFL.
- Q: How many games does an NFL referee work per season?
NFL referees typically officiate all 18 regular-season games if assigned to a full schedule. Top-performing officials may also be selected for playoff games, which could add 3-4 additional games if they work through to the Super Bowl.
- Q: What benefits do NFL referees receive?
In addition to their salaries, NFL referees receive benefits including pension plans, 401(k) contributions, health insurance during the season, and travel accommodations. The specific details of these benefits are negotiated through the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Q: Will NFL referee salaries increase in the future?
Likely yes. With the current CBA expiring in May 2026, referee salaries will be renegotiated. Given the NFL’s growing revenue and increasing demands on officials, most experts anticipate salary increases in the next agreement.
Conclusion:
NFL referees occupy one of the most challenging and scrutinized positions in professional sports.
With an average salary of approximately $205,000 per year, plus substantial playoff and Super Bowl bonuses, these officials are well-compensated for their demanding role.
However, given the pressures they face and the NFL’s multi-billion-dollar revenue, many believe they deserve even more.
The highest-paid referees like Brad Allen and Craig Wrolstad earn around $250,000 annually, while officials selected for the Super Bowl can add $30,000 to $50,000 in bonuses.
Despite these impressive figures, NFL referees still earn less on average than officials in other major professional sports leagues.
What makes the job particularly challenging is that these officials are not full-time employees. Most maintain separate careers while managing the intense travel and preparation demands of NFL officiating.
This part-time status has sparked debate, with players like Aaron Rodgers advocating for full-time positions and increased compensation.
As the current Collective Bargaining Agreement approaches its 2026 expiration, the future of NFL officiating compensation remains a hot topic.
With the league generating record revenues and the spotlight on officiating brighter than ever, the next round of negotiations could bring significant changes to how referees are paid and employed.
Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard football enthusiast, understanding what NFL referees earn provides valuable context for appreciating the difficult job they perform every Sunday.
These men and women make split-second decisions that can determine the outcome of games, and their compensation reflects both the importance and difficulty of that responsibility.
