How much do NFL referees make? NFL officials’ salary revealed

Every week, NFL viewers realize that refereeing isn’t simple. Refs can quickly anger fans with missed calls or a quick trigger finger. In exchange for the pressure and jeers, what is the typical NFL referee’s salary? How much does an NFL referee make during the playoffs or Super Bowl?

While NFL refs’ salaries remain secret, there’s a broad sense of what they make. Using expired CBAs, the average NFL official’s compensation for 2019 is $205,000. Previous estimates were $150,000.

As officials are supposed to obtain yearly raises, the claimed remuneration may have grown. It won’t change much until the next referee CBA. The current one expires in 2026. Tony Corrente’s retirement after the 2021 season could alter this season’s number.

Not only do NFL head referees make $205,000 per year, but all officials do. Therefore, NFL refs may earn more. The salary for each official apparently varies dependent on what role they play in the field and their expertise.

NFL referees aren’t paid per game. Referees are paid a set fee per season and receive an additional per-game salary. Post-season games pay roughly double the in-season amount.

It has been stated that the highest per-game remuneration for NFL refs is $1,500. Different studies report different amounts.

Who’s the NFL’s highest-paid ref?

Walt Anderson, Brad Allen, and Craig Wrolstad are the highest-paid NFL referees. All three made $250,000. Corrente made $230,000. His retirement precludes him from entering the big three. Carl Cheffers, Bill Vinovich, and Clete Blakeman will become elder statesmen.

The highest-paid female referee is Sarah Thomas. The NFL hired Maia Chaka in 2021. First black NFL referee. Since then, the league has hired Big Ten official Robin DeLorenzo and side judge Lo Van Pham. Van Pham is the first Asian-American NFL referee.

NFL and NFLRA have never released official numbers. It’s unclear if the listed amounts include per-game increments or are flat compensation.

How much does a ref make in the Super Bowl?

Postseason and Super Bowl referees receive a compensation bonus. According to rumors, NFL officials make $3,000-5,000 every postseason game. Higher estimates put an NFL referee’s Super Bowl compensation at $50,000.

Line judges, down judges, etc., earn less than referees in postseason games. However, their postseason pay starts at $3,000.

Are NFL referees full-time?

20% of NFL referees have been made full-time workers. The 2019 CBA tabled that program. The NFL planned to revive the initiative in 2020 but instead overhauled the officiating program.

Former officiating SVP Al Riverson now focuses on the replay review system. The NFL then hired Perry Fewell as SVP of officiating administration and Walt Anderson as SVP of training and development. All NFL officials are part-time by 2022.

Referees have what is referred to as a dark time between the end of the season and the middle of May. They focus on their other employment then and in the summer. During the season, they’re full-time league employees.

 

 

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