MLB umpires are some of the highest-compensated officials among the major North American sports leagues.
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 take a major boost from about $20,000 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.
The more experienced MLB umpires receive the most opportunities to add to their salary in the postseason. For example, Lance Barksdale has worked two World Series over his 20-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):
- Jerry Layne (35 years): $450,000
- Larry Vanover (31 years): $450,000
- Brian O’Nora (27 years): $450,000
- Bill Miller (25 years): $450,000
- Ron Kulpa (25 years): $450,000
MLB Umpire FAQs
- Who is the highest-paid MLB Umpire?
- Based on experience and the likelihood of bonus opportunities, Jerry Layne 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 involve 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 MLB 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.
- Do umpires get paid for extra innings?
- No, they do not get paid extra when games go into extra innings.
The data was compiled from MLB.com, Bleacher Report, and Sporting News.
