Football season is in full swing, and every weekend millions of fans watch as NFL referees sprint up and down the field making split-second calls that can decide the outcome of a game. They’re often the target of boos, second-guessing, and angry tweets, but few people stop to consider just how difficult and technical their job really is. NFL referees must master one of the most complex rulebooks in professional sports, maintain peak physical conditioning, and make judgment calls in real time with millions of people watching. And while fans love to criticize them, statistics show that NFL officials are remarkably accurate—roughly 96% of all calls made in recent seasons were correct. So, with that level of performance and pressure, how much do NFL referees actually make?
You might be surprised to learn that being an NFL ref is actually a part-time job.
That’s right. While running up and down the field chasing men who earn an AVERAGE of $3 million per year (and some who earn as much as $40-60 million), NFL refs are essentially contract workers. They do not get paid time off. They do not get health benefits. And they even have to pay some professional costs on their own! For the vast majority of refs, their work on Sundays is simply a side job outside of their normal Monday-Friday job.
NFL Referee Salary
According to the latest data and union reports, for the 2025 season, the NFL referees earn between $205,000 and $250,000 per season. Rookie referees or those in their first few seasons earn less—usually between $100,000 and $150,000 per year.
For context, back in the 2012 season, the average referee made about $149,000. B
Since each official typically works around 18 games (including preseason and regular season), that average works out to roughly $11,000 per game. If you break the average NFL salary of $3.2 million down per game, it comes to $188,000 per game. Dak Prescott, who earns a league-leading $60 million per year, makes $3.53 million per game.
Ed Hochuli (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Playoff and Super Bowl Bonuses
NFL referees earn additional bonuses for working postseason games. Wild Card and Divisional Round officials typically receive $1,500 to $5,000 per game in extra pay. Conference Championship crews make slightly more. But the biggest single payday comes from the Super Bowl, where referees and their crews can earn an additional $30,000 to $50,000 for one game.
These assignments are considered the highest honor in the profession. Only the most accurate and consistent officials throughout the season are selected, and being chosen to officiate the Super Bowl is the refereeing equivalent of being named MVP.
Part-Time Job, Full-Time Workload
Despite their six-figure salaries, NFL referees are technically part-time employees. They do not receive year-round salaries, paid time off, or health benefits. Most hold full-time jobs outside of football. For example, before he retired, Ed Hochuli (pictured above) famously worked as a lawyer during the week before donning the stripes on Sundays.
That doesn’t mean the job is easy. Officials estimate they spend 30 to 40 hours a week preparing for games—studying rules, reviewing film, attending meetings, and traveling. They also train physically to keep up with the athletes they oversee. During the offseason, referees attend seminars and fitness programs to stay sharp for the following year.
How To Become An NFL Referee
Reaching the NFL ranks requires years of experience. Most officials start at the high school or college level, often spending a decade or more working their way up. The league recruits primarily from NCAA Division I football, and candidates must complete extensive evaluations, rule exams, and fitness testing. Once selected, new referees enter a development program where they train under veteran officials before earning regular game assignments.
The Pressure of the Whistle
Referees are graded every week on every call. Those who consistently perform well get playoff assignments and better pay, while those who make too many mistakes risk being demoted or released. Every decision is reviewed by the league office, and the scrutiny can be intense. The introduction of high-definition cameras, replay systems, and social media has made the job more visible—and more stressful—than ever before.
Expenses and Trade-Offs
While the league covers travel and lodging, referees still shoulder a number of personal costs. They must maintain fitness on their own time, travel frequently, and manage their second careers. Since they are part-time employees, they also pay for their own health insurance and do not accrue traditional employee benefits. In other words, while the headline salary sounds generous, it’s compensation for a uniquely demanding and pressure-filled role that takes up nearly as much time as a full-time job.
The Future of NFL Officiating Pay
The current collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the officials’ union is set to expire in 2026, and insiders expect the next negotiation to include pushes for higher salaries and better benefits. As the league’s revenues continue to soar—thanks to record-breaking broadcast deals and streaming contracts—many argue that officials deserve a raise. There’s also growing discussion about whether the league should finally make referees full-time employees to further professionalize the role.
Bottom Line
NFL referees are among the best in the world at what they do. They’re expected to be flawless under extreme pressure, and most of the time, they are. In 2025, an average NFL referee earns between $200,000 and $250,000 per season, with top officials and Super Bowl assignments pushing that even higher. For a part-time job, it’s an impressive paycheck—but it comes with the kind of scrutiny and stress that only the NFL can deliver.
Read more: How Much Does An NFL Referee Make? What Is An NFL Referee’s Salary?