Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials Salary in U.S.
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials in U.S. make a median of $38,820 a year. The range runs from $25K at the entry level to $93K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $39K get you in U.S.?
About umpires, referees, and other sports officials
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level umpires, referees, and other sports officials (10th percentile) start around $25K. Mid-career wages sit at $39K.Top earners bring in $93K or more - a $68K spread from bottom to top.
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $84K | +115% | 210 |
| Kentucky | $57K | +48% | 70 |
| South Carolina | $57K | +48% | N/A |
| Minnesota | $53K | +36% | 180 |
| New Hampshire | $53K | +35% | 40 |
| Louisiana | $52K | +35% | 260 |
| Maryland | $51K | +31% | 50 |
| Maine | $48K | +25% | 40 |
| New Jersey | $48K | +23% | 420 |
| Illinois | $47K | +21% | 820 |
| Arizona | $45K | +17% | 180 |
| Wisconsin | $45K | +15% | 280 |
| California | $45K | +15% | 2,830 |
| Virginia | $44K | +13% | 380 |
| Vermont | $44K | +13% | 100 |
Track umpires, referees, and other sports officials salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
Related careers in Arts & Media
Frequently asked questions
How much do umpires, referees, and other sports officials make in U.S.?
The median is $38,820 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $25,070, and experienced umpires, referees, and other sports officials can clear $93,180. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $39K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,769/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 51% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a umpires, referees, and other sports officials salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median umpires, referees, and other sports officials salary is worth about $38,820 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do umpires, referees, and other sports officials get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.