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Football Referee Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Sports Official

Lansing, MI · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

... referee, and score keep various recreational programs within the community. If you have a passion ... football, floor hockey, etc.) Gaining greater knowledge of sports with regard to rules, scoring ...

Football Referee information

See Michigan salary details

$5

$18

$51

How much do football referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for football referee in Michigan is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.48 and $19.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by football referees during matches?

Football referees regularly encounter challenging situations such as making high-stakes calls in real-time, managing player disputes, and handling crowd or coach reactions. Staying focused and impartial amid intense scrutiny is essential, as even minor mistakes can influence the outcome of a game. It’s also common to work in varying weather conditions and to be on your feet for long periods. However, with proper training, ongoing education, and support from officiating teams, referees can develop strategies to handle these challenges effectively and continue to grow within the profession.

How do I become a football referee?

To become a football referee, you typically need to complete a certification course through your local or national football association, which covers rules, game management, and safety protocols. After training, you must pass an exam and obtain certification to officiate matches at various levels, often starting with youth or amateur games and gaining experience over time.

How do you become a football referee?

To become a football referee, you typically need to complete a certification course through your local or national football association, which covers rules, mechanics, and game management. After certification, referees often gain experience by officiating youth or amateur matches and may pursue ongoing training to advance to higher levels of competition.

How much do football referees get paid?

Football referees' pay varies depending on the level of competition and experience. Local referees may earn between $20 and $100 per game, while those officiating professional matches can earn several hundred dollars or more per game, with some top-tier referees earning annual salaries in the thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Certification and training are required to officiate at higher levels.

How much does a football referee get paid?

The pay for football referees varies depending on the level of play and location. Local referees may earn between $20 and $100 per game, while those officiating professional matches can earn several hundred dollars or more per game, with some top-tier referees earning annual salaries or stipends. Certification and experience influence earning potential, and referees often work part-time or on a freelance basis.

What job categories do people searching Football Referee jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Football Referee jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Football Referee job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 4% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,948 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Sports Official

City of Lansing

Lansing, MI • On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 25 days ago


City Of Lansing (Michigan) rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

597th of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Advertisement The City of Lansing Parks & Recreation Department is looking for part-time Sports Officials to umpire, referee, and score keep various recreational programs within the community. If you have a passion for sports (youth or adult), this is a great opportunity to learn more about sports and get paid for your passion. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Officiating or score keeping for various recreation sport programs (baseball, softball, soccer, football, floor hockey, etc.) Gaining greater knowledge of sports with regard to rules, scoring, equipment needs, and playing field Cultivating teamwork and sportsmanship between participants, coaches, and the community Successful candidates will be at least 16 years of age

SPORTS OFFICIAL EXPERIENCE IS PREFERRED BUT NOT REQUIRED. The City of Lansing is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Certified Veteran Friendly Employer. The City of Lansing provides reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities where appropriate.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, or during employment, notify the Department of Human Resources at (517) 483-4004. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Application Special Instructions Application Special Instructions: Must be prepared to provide proof of meeting the age requirement to the Parks & Recreation staff once being notified you are being considered for the position.

* NOTE: The salary for this TEA (Temporary Employment Agreement) Sports Official opportunity ranges from $19.75 - $24.00 per hour. Hours vary on season and sport.

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