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MLB umpire contracts may not reach the $4.7 million average salary players are receiving, but league officials still get paid six figures.
On average, MLB umpires earn $300,000 annually to regulate the many aspects that determine the flow and success of a game.
It’s no surprise: MLB umpires have a massive influence on game outcomes for 162 games each season, not including playoffs.
Here are the average salary figures and bonus estimates for MLB umpires:
Salary: $300,000
Average pay per game: $1,852
Playoff bonus: $17,500 plus expenses
World Series bonus: $20,000 plus expenses
MLB employs 19 full-time crews of four umpires each, equalling 76 total.
Similar to players, it requires years of minor league game experience (if they make it past the first step of the vetting process) to get the chance to call games at the highest level.
The only way a minor league umpire can earn the call-up to the big leagues is for an umpire to retire or be deemed unable to work.
Once they make it to the big leagues, their salaries get a major boost—by about $20,000—in the Triple A Division to at least $150,000.
Here is the salary range for MLB umpires based on experience level:
- Starting salary: $150,000
- Early career salary: $150,000-$250,000
- Mid-career salary: $250,000-$350,000
- Veteran salary: $350,000-$450,000
Once they gain enough experience, veteran MLB umpires earn the opportunity to call high-stakes games such as the playoffs and the World Series for a bonus. Umpires appointed as crew chiefs also earn a bonus for their role.
The more experienced MLB umpires get the most opportunities to supplement their salary in the postseason. For example, Bill Miller has worked four World Series over his 26-year career as an MLB umpire.
As technology is further integrated into the game, experienced MLB umpires face the challenge of adapting to a new landscape while maintaining their traditional understanding of umpiring.
Here are the highest paid umpires (estimates based on experience level):
- Bill Miller (26 years, crew chief): $450,000
- Mark Wegner (26 years, crew chief): $450,000
- Doug Eddings (26 years, crew chief): $450,000
- Ron Kulpa (26 years, crew chief): $450,000
- Brian O’Nora (28 years): $450,000
MLB Umpire FAQs
- Who is the highest-paid MLB umpire?
- Based on experience, the likelihood of bonus opportunities and his role as crew chief, Bill Miller is the highest-paid MLB umpire.
- How much do MLB umpires make per game?
- At an average salary of $300,000, MLB umpires earn about $1,852 per game. This only counts the regular season and does not include playoffs or the World Series, which come with bonuses.
- Do MLB umpires have a second job?
- MLB umpires work year-round despite the season only lasting six months. Umpires begin planning the next season in November, which includes reviewing performance, selecting new crews, and selecting umpire chiefs for spring training. In addition to spring training and playoff games adding three months to their schedule, most MLB umpires commit a significant amount of time to the league that would make it difficult to maintain a second job.
- Do MLB umpires pay for travel?
- No, the MLB covers per diem travel expenses to account for their extensive travel schedule. Umpires also receive approximately four weeks of vacation during the regular season.
- Do umpires get paid for extra innings?
- No, they don’t get paid extra when games go into extra innings.
The data was compiled from MLB.com, Bleacher Report, ESPN and Sporting News.
