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Professional Referee Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Adult Volleyball Official

Owatonna, MN ยท On-site

$19 - $24.50/hr

... a professional and enjoyable matter. 5. Assist Recreation Supervisor in enforcement of program rules and facility rules. 6. Is responsible for use of school districts and Park and Recreation ...

Greets and interacts with members in a friendly and professional manner * Encourages league participation and promotes basketball program activities within the club and community * Ensures use of ...

Court Monitor

Eden Prairie, MN ยท On-site

$13.25/hr

Greets and interacts with members in a friendly and professional manner * Encourages league participation and promotes basketball program activities within the club and community * Ensures use of ...

Greets and interacts with members in a friendly and professional manner * Encourages league participation and promotes basketball program activities within the club and community * Ensures use of ...

Court Monitor

Eden Prairie, MN ยท On-site

$13.25/hr

Greets and interacts with members in a friendly and professional manner * Encourages league participation and promotes basketball program activities within the club and community * Ensures use of ...

We support one another in our personal and professional lives. You can expect to make a difference because in Minnetonka you and your work matter. The position officiates soccer games for boys ...

Showing results 21-40

Professional Referee information

See Minnesota salary details

$6

$20

$57

How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional referee in Minnesota is $20.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.78 and $21.68 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 Minnesota?

The most popular types of Referee jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Professional Referee jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Professional Referee job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Referee job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,643 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense

Minneapolis, MN โ€ข On-site

$88K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Salary : $88,380.00 - $158,500.00 Annually
Location : Marshall, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01925
Department: Fifth Judicial District
Division: Marshall Office
Opening Date: 05/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Application Requirements
ATTACH COVER LETTER AND RESUME
Under general supervision, performs work of routine difficulty in providing legal services to indigent defendants who have been charged with criminal offenses in district court, and to juveniles who are alleged to be delinquent in the juvenile court.
Definition/Summary of Duties
Examples of Duties:
  • Prepares cases for defense of indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in district courts; in dependency, neglect or delinquency petitions in juvenile court;
  • Interviews clients and prospective witnesses; prepares or oversees the drafting of briefs, memoranda, pleadings and other legal papers;
  • Conducts or directs legal research;
  • Represents misdemeanor, felony, or juvenile clients in court arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, dispositions and other proceedings; interviews clients in custody and makes initial decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial;
  • Determines need for expert witnesses; locates appropriate experts and schedules them for trial if needed; negotiates with County and City Attorneys to reach plea agreements;
  • Consults with social workers, probation officers, judges and referees in order to determine appropriate treatment programs for clients as a part of defense strategy; advises and directs work of law clerks;
  • Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge:
  • Good knowledge of criminal law and procedure
  • Good knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of legal research and investigation
  • Good knowledge of judicial procedures and the Rules of Evidence
  • Good knowledge of the pleading and practice of effective presentation of court cases.
Skills:
  • Good skills in conducting legal research and analysis of data
  • Good skills in determining proper courses of action and presentation of facts and arguments.
  • Basic computer skills.
Abilities:
  • Ability to analyze legal documents and instruments
  • Ability to appraise and organize facts to present evidence and other material in written or oral form
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with prosecutors, judges, referees, and other professionals, as well as clients and the general public.

Education and Experience
Required Qualifications:
  • Graduation from an accredited college of law and admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota or a person who has graduated from an accredited law school and is certified to practice under the Supreme Court Student Practice Rule.
    • Individuals hired under the Student Practice Rule must pass the bar on their first attempt.
    • Failure to pass the bar is grounds for dismissal.

The State of Minnesota offers benefits through the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP). Benefits-eligible employees are entitled to the following insurance and pre-tax benefits:
Full time employee and part time employee benefits:
Medical insurance
Single coverage as low as $38.50 a month
Family coverage $262.66 a month
Dental insurance
Single coverage as low as $13.50 a month
Family coverage $55.40 a month
Basic Life insurance
6 week paid Parental Leave (eligible after 1 year of employment)
Retirement Savings
11 paid holidays
2 Floating holidayVacation and sick time along with leave of absence programs
Employee Assistance Program
These positions are eligibile for Student Loan Forgiveness
Optional benefits:
Additional Life insurance for yourself, spouse and children
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
Short and long-term disability insurance
Metro Pass
Deferred Compensation plan
Pre-tax expense accounts: dependent care account, medical and dental, transit expense

01
Name and Location of law school attended and date of graduation.
02
If you are a member of any other bar, please indicate jurisdiction(s) and date(s) of admission.
03
List any experience, law-related or otherwise, in which you have functioned as an advocate. Please include simulated e.g. moot court or trial practice.
04
What experience do you have working with a diverse community in either volunteer or paid positions? List organizations and job duties.
05
If you speak any languages other than English, please list.
06
What have you done in your life so far that demonstrates a commitment to public service?
07
Are you a member of the MN bar?
08
Describe your experience with interviewing another person to obtain information.
09
Are you a U.S. Citizen or authorized to be legally employed on an ongoing basis in the U.S. based on your Visa or immigration status?
  • Yes
  • No

10
Where did you learn out this job opportunity?
  • Neogov
  • State of Minnesota website
  • Friend/Colleague
  • College/Univeristy

Required Question