NFL referees, whether you agree or disagree with them, appear on our television screens 22 weeks a year. How much do these officials charge for working less than half the year with their black and white stripes?
The NFL does not release the exact salaries of its referees to the public, but some sources have conducted studies in recent years to determine the average salary of NFL referees.
Here’s what you need to know about how much NFL referees make in a given year.
How Much Do NFL Referees Earn?
The official salary of NFL referees has not been revealed, but as of 2019, it was reported that NFL referees earn per year.
NFL referees are not paid per game. Instead, they are paid a flat rate each season. However, if umpires are chosen to work playoff games, they can earn an additional bonus of between $1,500 and $5,000.
How much do NFL referees make to work the Super Bowl?
While this number is also not disclosed, NFL referees get an added bonus for working the biggest game of the year. According to Money.com, there have been reports of NFL referees earning up to $50,000 for working the Super Bowl before. The number tends to average between $40,000 and $50,000.
Is refereeing in the NFL a full-time job?
Working as an NFL referee is a part-time job. They receive no insurance benefits for this, but have a 401k plan with a partial matching contribution. In addition, the NFL Referees Association represents them.