ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Nfl Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Exos

Sports and Recreation Associate

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

... referee games, prepare and maintain fields. * Expand and offer more leagues. * Supervise and ... Our professional athlete training programs propel elite athletes to new heights in the NFL combine ...

previous page

Showing results 41-50

All JobsNfl Referee Jobs

Nfl Referee information

See salary details

$6

$20

$58

How much do nfl referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for nfl referee in the United States is $20.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an NFL referee?

NFL referees are officials responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order during professional American football games in the National Football League. They lead a crew of other officials, make crucial decisions on the field, and ensure fair play by interpreting and applying the game's rules. NFL referees must have a thorough understanding of the game, excellent judgment, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. They often have years of experience officiating at lower levels before reaching the NFL. Their decisions can significantly impact the outcome of a game.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an NFL referee?

To thrive as an NFL Referee, you need an in-depth understanding of football rules, strong decision-making abilities, and years of officiating experience, typically beginning at lower levels and advancing through rigorous evaluation. Familiarity with instant replay systems, communication headsets, and NFL officiating mechanics is essential. Exceptional communication, confidence under pressure, and teamwork help referees effectively manage games and interact with coaches and players. These skills ensure fair, accurate, and authoritative enforcement of the rules in high-stakes, fast-paced professional football environments.

What challenges do NFL referees face during games, and how do they manage high-pressure situations?

NFL referees regularly encounter fast-paced and high-pressure situations, especially when making split-second decisions that can impact the outcome of games. One common challenge is maintaining focus and composure amid loud crowds, critical media attention, and real-time game dynamics. Referees rely on thorough rule knowledge, teamwork with other officials, and clear communication to resolve disputes and ensure fair play. Ongoing training, video reviews, and feedback sessions also help them continuously improve their decision-making and handle the intensity of each game.

What is the difference between Nfl Referee vs Nfl Umpire?

AspectNfl RefereeNfl Umpire
CertificationsOfficial NFL officiating certificationSame as referee, NFL officiating certification
Work EnvironmentOn-field, overseeing game callsOn-field, focusing on line of scrimmage and player safety
Roles & ResponsibilitiesMain game official, making final callsAssists with line of scrimmage calls, player safety

The NFL referee and umpire roles are both essential officiating positions with similar certifications and work environments. The referee typically has a broader role, overseeing the entire game, while the umpire focuses more on line of scrimmage and player safety. Both positions require NFL officiating certification and are vital to maintaining game integrity.

Do NFL referees have day jobs?

NFL referees are typically part-time officials who work other jobs during the week and officiate games on weekends or evenings. Many have careers outside of officiating, such as in education, law enforcement, or business, and they often undergo training and certification to maintain their roles. The demanding schedule requires strong time management and knowledge of the rules and game mechanics.

How do you get a job as an NFL referee?

To become an NFL referee, candidates typically start by gaining experience officiating at lower levels such as college or semi-professional leagues, developing strong knowledge of football rules, and demonstrating good judgment and communication skills. They often attend officiating clinics, pass written and physical tests, and are evaluated through a series of assignments before being considered for NFL positions. Certification from recognized officiating organizations and a thorough background check are also required.

Is it difficult to become an NFL referee?

Becoming an NFL referee requires extensive experience officiating at lower levels, such as college or semi-professional leagues, and passing physical and knowledge tests. Candidates often need strong knowledge of football rules, good judgment, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations, making the process competitive and demanding.
More about Nfl Referee jobs

What job categories do people searching Nfl Referee jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Nfl Referee jobs are:

Nfl Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nfl Referee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, 57% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Sports and Recreation Associate

Exos

Rochester, NY • On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Responsibilities:
We're seeking a Sports and Recreation Associate to join our team. As our new Sports and Recreation Associate you will:
  • Develop, drive, and promote league participation.
  • Facilitate youth sports programs
  • Distribute and collect registration forms, create and distribute league rules, create teams, referee games, prepare and maintain fields.
  • Expand and offer more leagues.
  • Supervise and monitor exercise participants.
  • Perform administrative tasks associated with facility operations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate will have:
  • HS Diploma or equivalent
  • An outgoing personality and excellent communication skills
  • Superior customer service skills
  • A current CPR/AED & First Aid certification

Residents of California, Colorado, New York, and Washington: Per pay transparency requirements, the compensation for this position ranges from $15.00/hour to $19.00/hour. Pay is dependent on factors including site location, specialty, certifications and work experience as well as other business needs. Exos offers a comprehensive benefits package for all full time employees (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements), which includes health insurance, life and disability benefits, 401(k) plan, and paid time off. Additionally, Exos offers a variety of part time benefits (subject to eligibility requirements).
WHO WE ARE
For nearly 30 years, Exos has been dedicated to getting people ready for the moments that matter by promoting a holistic approach to health. As an elite coaching company, Exos applies its evidence-based methodology to programming designed to unlock the potential in everyone from corporate employees, to elite athletes, military operators, and beyond.
Simply put, we "get you ready" for the moments that matter - whether that's striving to excel at work, or training for a major athletic event. How do we do it? Our employer solutions include fitness center management, on-site coaching and classes, and the Exos app, as well as immersive team-building experiences, executive coaching, and personal development programming. Our professional athlete training programs propel elite athletes to new heights in the NFL combine and NBA Draft each year, and our practitioner education courses and workshops provide industry professionals ongoing opportunities for development.
We've never been the type to accept the status quo. We're all about studying, learning, innovating, and making waves. And we feel that it's our responsibility to help others because we know there's a better way. That better way is Exos Readiness.
We are an equal opportunity employer
EXOS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all. We invite applicants from a wide variety of identities, ideas, perspectives and experiences and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Exos offers reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities.
Learn more here:
  • EEO is the Law
  • EEO is the Law Supplement

Apply