1

Professional Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Referee

Las Vegas, NV ยท On-site

$25/hr

Referees need to be professional, great communicators, organized, and capable of managing stressful situations. Responsibilities * Welcome teams onto the field * Review rosters and game schedules

Referee

Las Vegas, NV ยท On-site

$25/hr

Referees need to be professional, great communicators, organized, and capable of managing stressful situations. Responsibilities * Welcome teams onto the field * Review rosters and game schedules

Referees need to be professional, great communicators, organized, and capable of managing stressful situations. Responsibilities * Welcome teams onto the field * Review rosters and game schedules

Referee

Lincoln City, OR ยท On-site

$15.05 - $17.55/hr

Description Part-Time Referee Parks and Recreation Department--Community Center Non-Represented/No ... Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, respectfully, professionally and with confidence ...

REFEREE

Poulsbo, WA ยท On-site

$20 - $32/hr

Uphold professional standards, including punctuality, dress code, and ethical conduct. Stay current ... Referee positions.

Referee - Volleyball Department: Parks, Recreation amp; Civic Facilities Division: REC Center ... Examples of professional conduct include, but are not limited to, being communicative, informative ...

Football Referee

Manteca, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The Football Referee is responsible for enforcing the rules of the game during matches in a fair, consistent, and professional manner. This role is located at our Big League Dreams Manteca location ...

The primary focus of the Referee role will be officiating games for our members and programs ... Free professional development courses through internal learning management systems * Discounted ...

Referee

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

The primary focus of the Referee role will be officiating games for our members and programs ... Free professional development courses through internal learning management systems * Discounted ...

Referee

Mill Creek, WA ยท On-site

Manage games professionally and consistently to the standards of Arena Sports * Review game ... Referee games while assisting league players in understanding rules specific to indoor soccer

As a Referee you will: * Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain ... Our professional athlete training programs propel elite athletes to new heights in the NFL combine ...

Referee

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

The primary focus of the Referee role will be officiating games for our members and programs ... Free professional development courses through internal learning management systems * Discounted ...

Referee must attend a mandatory referee meeting/training prior to the start of a season * Arrive at ... We believe in taking care of our team and supporting our members both professionally and personally.

Referee

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

Manage games professionally and consistently to the standards of Arena Sports * Review game ... Referee games while assisting league players in understanding rules specific to indoor soccer

Youth Soccer Referee

Gurnee, IL ยท On-site

$21 - $31/hr

Referee must attend a mandatory referee meeting/training prior to the start of a season * Arrive at ... We believe in taking care of our team and supporting our members both professionally and personally.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Professional Referee information

See salary details

$6

$20

$58

How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional 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 are the main challenges a Professional Referee faces during high-stakes matches?

Professional Referees often encounter high-pressure situations, especially during crucial moments in competitive matches. Managing intense emotions from players, coaches, and fans while maintaining impartiality can be demanding. Additionally, referees must make quick, accurate decisions in real time, sometimes with limited visibility, and handle instant feedback or criticism. Strong communication skills and mental resilience are essential to effectively manage these challenges and ensure fair play.

Do refs actually get paid off?

Professional referees are paid for their officiating services, with compensation varying by sport, level, and event. Payments can include per-game fees, stipends, or salaries, and referees often need certification and training to qualify. Ethical standards prohibit accepting bribes or payoffs in official roles.

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

To thrive as a Professional Referee, you need in-depth knowledge of the applicable sport's rules, strong decision-making skills, and relevant certifications from governing bodies. Familiarity with officiating technologies like instant replay systems and wearable communication devices is often required. Outstanding focus, impartiality, and effective communication help referees manage high-pressure situations and maintain authority on the field. These abilities are crucial to ensure fair play, player safety, and the integrity of the competition.

What is the difference between Professional Referee vs Sports Official?

AspectProfessional RefereeSports Official
CredentialsCertifications in officiating sports, training in rules and regulationsCertifications vary by sport, includes rules knowledge and sometimes specialized training
Work EnvironmentStadiums, sports fields, arenas during gamesStadiums, gyms, sports complexes during events
Employer & IndustrySports leagues, associations, governing bodiesSports organizations, leagues, local clubs
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both Professional Referees and Sports Officials are responsible for enforcing rules during sporting events. While their roles are similar, referees often have more responsibilities, such as making critical decisions and managing game flow. Both roles require specialized certifications and are employed by sports organizations. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the sports officiating industry.

What is the highest paying referee job?

The highest paying referee jobs are typically at the professional or elite level, such as top-tier sports leagues or international competitions, where referees can earn six-figure salaries or substantial per-game fees. These roles often require extensive experience, certifications, and the ability to officiate high-stakes events. Salary varies based on the sport, level of competition, and geographic location.

What are Professional Referees?

Professional referees are officials who oversee and enforce the rules in sports competitions at a professional level. Their responsibilities include making impartial decisions, ensuring fair play, and maintaining the integrity of the game. Professional referees often undergo rigorous training, certification, and regularly participate in continuing education to stay updated on rule changes. They may work in various sports such as soccer, basketball, football, or hockey and are often employed by sports leagues or associations.

How much money do pro refs make?

Professional referees' earnings vary depending on the sport, level of competition, and experience. For example, top-tier referees in major sports leagues can earn from several thousand to over fifty thousand dollars per season, often supplemented by per-game fees and benefits. Many referees also need certifications and must pass physical tests to maintain their positions.

How can I become a professional referee?

To become a professional referee, you typically need to complete relevant training and certification programs offered by sports governing bodies, gain experience officiating at lower levels, and demonstrate strong knowledge of the rules and good decision-making skills. Some leagues or organizations may require background checks and physical fitness assessments. Continuous education and staying updated on rule changes are also important for advancement.
What cities are hiring for Professional Referee jobs? Cities with the most Professional Referee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs? The most popular types of Referee jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Referee jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Referee jobs include:

Referee

Indoor 5 Soccer

Las Vegas, NV โ€ข On-site

$25/hr

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Benefits/Perks
  • Fun team atmosphere
  • Competitive pay
  • Flexible hours
  • Valuable work experience
  • Increased social opportunities
Job Summary
We are seeking a reliable and energetic Referee to join our team! As a Referee, your job is to provide a safe, fun, friendly, and structured environment for league participants. You will manage the team rosters and enforce safe play. Referees should provide a great customer experience, displaying sportsmanship and fair play. Referees need to be professional, great communicators, organized, and capable of managing stressful situations.

Responsibilitiesย 
  • Welcome teams onto the field
  • Review rosters and game schedules
  • Maintain a clean and organized playing field and player area
  • Follow all safety and game rules and regulations
  • Provide professional and consistent game management
  • Create a positive environment for players and spectators
  • Remain courteous and professional at all times
Qualifications
  • Prior experience as a referee or official is preferred
  • Ability to remain calm even in stressful situations
  • Hard worker and team player
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to speak clearly with players, spectators, coaches, and parents
  • Able to follow all health and safety guidelines and ensure the safety of program participants at all times
  • Positive and encouraging attitude
  • Able to work on your feet for extended periods