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Basketball Referee Pay Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Weekly Pay Company Overview i9 Sports offers youth sports leagues, camps, and clinics for kids ages 3-14 in today's most popular sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and ...

Basketball Referee Pay information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$8

$18

$37

How much do basketball referee pay jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for basketball referee pay in Riverside, CA is $18.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $21.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who is the highest paid NBA referee?

The highest-paid NBA referees can earn over $550,000 annually, with top officials sometimes earning more through overtime and postseason assignments. Referees' salaries depend on experience, seniority, and the level of games officiated, including playoff and finals games.

Is being a ref a good side hustle?

Basketball referees can earn extra income by officiating games during evenings or weekends, making it a flexible side hustle. The pay varies based on the level of play and experience, and referees often need certification or training to qualify. It can be a good option for those interested in sports and seeking supplemental income.

Do NBA refs fly first class?

NBA referees typically fly first class or business class for travel to games, especially for long-distance trips, to ensure comfort and rest. Their travel arrangements are often coordinated by the league, and they may also stay in hotel accommodations close to the game venues.

How much do basketball referees get paid?

Basketball referee salaries vary depending on the level of competition and experience. At the high school level, referees typically earn between $30 and $70 per game. College referees can make several hundred dollars per game, while NBA referees earn an average annual salary ranging from about $180,000 to over $500,000 for the most experienced officials. Pay can also vary based on location, league, and whether the position is part-time or full-time.

How much can you make as a Basketball Referee?

Basketball referees typically earn between $20 and $100 per game, depending on the level of play, location, and experience. Youth league referees often earn less, while high school and professional referees can earn higher wages, sometimes supplemented by certifications and ongoing training.

What is the difference between Basketball Referee Pay vs Volleyball Referee Pay?

AspectBasketball Referee PayVolleyball Referee Pay
Required CertificationsState or league-specific certification, officiating coursesState or league-specific certification, officiating courses
Work EnvironmentIndoor basketball courts, gymnasiumsIndoor volleyball courts, gymnasiums
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, amateur and professional leaguesSchools, amateur and professional leagues

Both basketball and volleyball referees require similar certifications and work in indoor sports environments. Their pay varies based on league level, experience, and location, but generally, basketball referees tend to earn slightly higher due to the sport's popularity and game frequency.

What factors can influence the pay rate for basketball referees, and how does experience impact compensation?

Basketball referee pay rates can vary significantly based on factors such as the level of play (youth, high school, college, or professional), geographic location, and the referee's years of experience. Generally, more experienced referees and those officiating higher-level games receive higher compensation. Additionally, referees may earn additional income through tournament assignments or post-season games. Building a solid reputation and consistently delivering high-quality officiating can lead to more lucrative opportunities and advancement within the officiating community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Basketball Referee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Basketball Referee, you need a solid understanding of basketball rules, strong decision-making skills, and typically certification from a recognized officiating body. Familiarity with scorekeeping systems, whistle use, and sometimes video replay technology is important. Excellent communication, impartiality, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills. These qualifications ensure fair play, effective game management, and the safety of all participants during high-paced matches.
What job categories do people searching Basketball Referee Pay jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Basketball Referee Pay jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Basketball Referee Pay jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Basketball Referee Pay job openings:
Infographic showing various Basketball Referee Pay job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,362 per year, or $18.9 per hour.
Weekend Youth Basketball Referee - North Inland Empire

Weekend Youth Basketball Referee - North Inland Empire

i9 Sports

Eastvale, CA โ€ข On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Contractor

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible schedule
  • Training & development

Starting pay rate: $18.00 per Game
Job Type: Part-Time Contractor (Weekend Shifts)
Job Location: North Inland Empire (Rotating Seasonal Venues)
Job Summary
Join i9 Sports as a Weekend Basketball Official and make a slam-dunk impact on young athletes' lives. More than just calling fouls, you'll be a mentor, coach, and role model, creating a dynamic, fair, and fun environment where kids can develop their skills and love for the game.
Regional DetailsOur programs rotate seasonally to use the best facilities in the area. This position covers our North Cluster, including:
  • Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Ontario, Chino Hills, Eastvale, and Jurupa Valley
  • Assignment locations vary by season. Reliable transportation to all cities in this cluster is required.

Responsibilities
  • Enforce i9 Sports rules to create a fun, safe, and educational experience for all players.
  • Teach and demonstrate core concepts, emphasizing sportsmanship and fair play.
  • Efficiently set up and break down practice and game equipment.
  • Keep accurate time and score during games, adjusting instruction and competition to suit the players' age group.
  • Maintain a consistently positive attitude and provide exceptional customer service to players, families, and colleagues.
  • Support volunteer coaches by leading drills, answering questions, and fostering a collaborative coaching environment.

Qualifications/Requirements
  • Effectively interact with players, coaches, and spectators through clear, positive, and engaging communication.
  • Possess at least 2 years of experience as a player, coach, or official in the specific sport.
  • Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work independently to address challenges that arise.
  • Prioritize player safety by taking decisive action and demonstrating proactive awareness in any situation.
  • Maintain a cheerful and encouraging attitude while building strong relationships with players, coaches, and families.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work a varied schedule, including weekends and evenings, for the full season (approximately 7 weeks).
  • Possess a smartphone with internet access.
  • Must pass a National Criminal Background Check.

Payment for this position is based on a game rate structure This means that as an independent contractor, you will be paid weekly based only on the number of games you successfully work during that period. Your total weekly compensation will be the established rate multiplied by the number of games completed; it is not a fixed salary or an hourly wage for time spent outside of game duties. This structure directly ties your earnings to your active participation in scheduled games.
Compensation: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
With over 3.5 million registrations in communities across the country, i9 Sports is the nation's largest multi-sport provider focused solely on high-quality, community-based youth sports programs. We offer youth sports leagues, camps and clinics for kids ages 3 and up in today's most popular sports such as: flag football, soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and lacrosse. To achieve our mission of helping kids succeed in life through sports, i9 Sports provides a youth sports experience unlike any other, teaching the importance of good sportsmanship on the field and in life. We are committed to providing age-appropriate instruction, making sports fun for kids, and convenient for today's busy families. To us, it's The Way Youth Sports Should Be.
Each franchised location is independently owned and operated and is solely and exclusively responsible for determining local hiring decisions, compensation, benefits, and other terms of employment.