NFL refs aren’t anywhere close to the top earners in a league that earns over $20 billion in annual revenue.
They work anywhere from 20 to 35 hours a week during the NFL season, depending on their role. Many of them still have full-time jobs.
Despite working part-time, NFL refs wield massive influence. Their calls can impact job security for players and coaches.
The NFL’s extensive evaluation process aims to keep only the best refs. And the best refs earn the compensation of a full-time job.
On average, NFL refs earn $205,000 annually, putting them in the top 14% of earners in the U.S.
Their compensation is based on their years of experience and the magnitude of the games. Playoff games and the Super Bowl offer big bonuses to the refs selected.
Here are the average salary figures and bonus estimates for NFL refs:
Salary: $205,000
Average pay per game: $1,000-$3,000 (based on experience)
Playoff officiating bonus: ~$3,000
Super Bowl officiating bonus: $10,000
NFL refs officiate around 19 games per season.
To become a ref, the NFL requires at least 10 years of officiating experience. Five of those 10 years must be spent officiating major college games.
The NFL does provide a training program called the Mackie Development Program designed to guide college refs on a path to the NFL.
Once they’ve gained enough experience to qualify, the NFL sends scouts to evaluate potential candidates.
Here is the salary range for NFL refs based on experience level:
Starting salary: ~$100,000-$150,000
Years 1-3: ~$150,000-$200,000
Years 3-5: ~$200,000-$205,000
Years 5-8: ~$205,000-$250,000
Years 8+: $250,000
The job comes with a lot of scrutiny from fans, players, and even the commentator’s booth.
All seven on-field ref positions are reviewed weekly and refs receive feedback early in the week to address shortcomings.
To prepare for each game, NFL refs must understand play tendencies, study team formations, and take written tests. Additionally, they must review their performance from previous games to correct any mistakes.
Only 121 officials at any given time earn the privilege to officiate NFL games.
The most experienced NFL refs earn significant incomes and bonuses, demonstrating the value they bring to the game.
The data was compiled from CBS News, Times Observer, and NFL.com.
![Former NFL Coache Jon Gruden have a laugh while attending an NFL training camp session ten at the Miller Electric Center, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://frontofficesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/USATSI_26781802_168422351_lowres-scaled-e1784132043881.jpg?quality=80&w=300)
