1

Professional Referee Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Youth Soccer Official

Holland, MI ยท On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Maintain a professional image. 6. Perform other duties as assigned. Typical Qualifications 1. Must have experience in athletics. 2. Ability to pass a background check. 3. Physical ability to ...

Showing results 21-33

Professional Referee information

See Michigan salary details

$5

$18

$51

How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional 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 is a professional referee?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional referee?

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 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.

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.

How do you become a professional referee?

To become a professional referee, individuals typically need to complete relevant training and certification programs offered by sports governing bodies, gain experience through officiating at lower levels, and demonstrate knowledge of the rules and good judgment. Maintaining physical fitness and staying updated on rule changes are also important for advancement in the profession.

What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Referee jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Professional Referee jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Professional Referee job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Referee job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,948 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Physical Education Teacher

Washtenaw Intermediate School District

Ann Arbor, MI โ€ข On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 hours ago


Job description

Position Type:
Middle School Teaching
Date Posted:
6/3/2026
Location:
Clague Middle School
District:
Ann Arbor Public Schools
POSITION TITLE: Physical Education Teacher
FTE: 1.0
POSITION LOCATION: Clague Middle School
SALARY: AAEA Salary Schedule
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Building Principal
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The following is a list of qualifications for the position, any one of which may be waived by the Board in exercising its prerogative to determine qualifications.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Posses a Bachelor's Degree.
Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with appropriate K-12 endorsement for Physical Education
Dual Certification is preferred.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Instructs students in physical education activities.
Plan physical education program to promote development of student's physical attributes and social skills.
Teach individual and team sports to students, utilizing knowledge of sports techniques and of physical capabilities of students.
Organize, lead, instruct, and referee indoor and outdoor games such as volleyball, baseball, and basketball.
Instruct individuals or groups in beginning or advanced calisthenics, gymnastics, or corrective exercises, determining type and level of difficulty of exercises, corrections needed, and prescribed movements.
Teach and demonstrate use of gymnastic and training apparatus such as trampolines and weights.
Confer with students, parents, and school counselor to resolve student problem.
Select, store, order, issue, and inventories equipment, materials, and supplies used in physical education program.
Teach students with disabilities.
Supervises students and aides.
Regular and reliable attendance.
Other duties as assigned.
This is a full time position, requiring regular reliable and predictable attendance on site to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations
Communicate effectively and present information both in oral and in written form
REASONING ABILITY:
Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Interpret an extensive variety of statistical information and data related to student achievement.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by
an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally sit and walk and sometimes stand.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as typed material. Hearing abilities used
while performing this job are hearing conversation in a quiet or noisy environment. The employee will frequently
interact with the public and other staff and occasionally work extended hours.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an
employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be
made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well
being and work output of students.
METHOD OF APPLICATION:
All applicants must complete the online application at a2schools.org >> District Links >> Job Postings
Certified Positions Only: Copies of an active Michigan Teaching Certificate and college transcripts are required with application packet. Original certificate and certified transcripts are required prior to being hired.