High school football referees are typically paid per game, and pay can vary by state, level of play, and attendance. Here is a breakdown of typical pay ranges:
- Junior Varsity (JV) Games: Many JV games pay between $75 and $150 per official for the entire game. Since JV games often have smaller crews (sometimes 3 officials), each official might earn around $75–$100.
- Varsity Games (5-Man Crew): In a standard five-official varsity crew, referees usually earn about $100 to $200 per game. This includes positions such as Referee, Umpire, Head Linesman, Line Judge, and Back Judge. The exact rate depends on the district or state federation.
- 6-Man Varsity Crews: Many states use 6 officials at varsity (adding a Field Judge). In that case, the pay per official is often similar to the 5-man crew (for example, each official might still get around $100–$180).
- Playoff Games: Playoff or championship games typically pay more. Officials can earn $200 or more per game in playoffs and state-level contests.
- Per Season: A full-time varsity official working every week of the season can earn several thousand dollars. For example, 15 games at $150 each is $2,250. Working multiple games (like a JV and varsity doubleheader) doubles the pay.
Pay rates are often determined by state high school associations or school districts. For example, in Texas (UIL), the referee fee can range from about $115 up to $195 depending on school size and travel. In other states, an average varsity official might earn $120–$170. The exact numbers vary by region, but these ranges are a good general guide.
Factors That Affect Pay
- Experience and Classification: Some states rank officials in classes. Higher-ranked officials may get more assignments and sometimes higher pay.
- School Size: Fees often depend on school enrollment (larger schools typically pay more).
- Travel: Some leagues reimburse mileage or lodging for distant games, which adds to total compensation.
Example Earnings
Suppose you officiate two high school games each week at $150 per game. Over a 15-week season, that’s $4,500 (before taxes), not counting playoff assignments. Many referees also officiate other sports (like basketball) in other seasons to supplement income.
Why Become a Football Referee?
High school football officiating can be financially rewarding. A few hours of work per game can yield a competitive hourly rate. Plus, if you love football, it keeps you involved on the field. To start, look for training programs through your state association (e.g., NFHS courses). After certification, organizations like Dream Big Officials can help you find games. They can provide information about local pay rates and help you connect with veteran referees. Take the first step toward becoming a high school football referee and start earning!
