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Professional Referee Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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Professional Referee information

See Ohio salary details

$5

$19

$55

How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional referee in Ohio is $19.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.44 and $21.01 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.

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 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 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.

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 Ohio? The most popular types of Referee jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Professional Referee jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Professional Referee job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Referee job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,392 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Open Rank Tenure Track position with Endowed Chair in I/O Psychology

Ohio University

Athens, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Ohio University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Applications will be accepted until midnight (Eastern Time Zone) on the 'Posting End Date' shown below.
Position Information
Job Title
Open Rank Tenure Track position with Endowed Chair in I/O Psychology
Applications Accepted From
Public: Open to the Public
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please complete the online application and upload the following documents when prompted:
  • Cover Letter: Applicants should include an explanation of how they align with the desired position and describe their suitability for the position by addressing both the minimum and preferred qualifications.
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Research Statement: Applicants should describe the nature of their research program, research experience and accomplishments, and their research plans should they be hired into this position.
  • Teaching Statement: Applicants should describe their teaching and mentoring philosophy, teaching experience, as well as their teaching interests at Ohio University. Applicants should provide evidence of their teaching effectiveness, such as student evaluations, if available.
  • Copies of recent publications (uploaded as one "other" document)
  • Unofficial copies of graduate transcripts.

Additionally, you will be prompted to enter contact information for a minimum of three professional references. These referees will receive a unique link inviting them to provide a reference letter on your behalf.
The position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by the application deadline.
This position is eligible for the following benefits:
medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, and retirement.
Posting Number
20163111F
Job Description
The Psychology Department at Ohio University invites applications for an open rank tenure-track position as the Byham Chair of Industrial/Organizational Psychology. The Byham Chair is a five-year renewable endowed position that includes an additional salary, as well as a spending account for research, travel, and other program enhancement activities. This position will begin on August 16, 2027, with the possibility of an earlier start date of January 1, 2027. To receive maximum consideration, candidates must have graduated from a distinguished I/O program and have a substantial record of publication in top I/O journals like Personnel Psychology and Journal of Applied Psychology.
Duties include maintaining an active, high-quality, fundable research program, directing graduate student research, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses, and participating in departmental, college, and university service. The teaching load for a highly active researcher is typically 1-2 courses each semester with the opportunity for summer teaching with additional compensation.
Ohio University is a Carnegie Foundation R1 doctoral institution, and faculty members of the Department of Psychology are highly active scholars across a range of research areas including social, cognitive, health, clinical, and industrial-organizational psychology. Its members are committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service to the more than 1,400 undergraduate and 60 graduate students it serves across the Athens campus and regional campuses and centers in Southern and Central Ohio as well as a vibrant online undergraduate degree program and a proposed set of online master's degree programs. Multiple resources for developing and maintaining a strong research program are available, including infrastructure for grant procurement, grant mentoring, research lab space, start-up funds, and support for graduate students (stipends, tuition waivers, research and travel support).
The Department of Psychology values the variety of perspectives and knowledge that diversity brings to our community. The department is committed to promoting intellectual diversity in research and teaching through practices, policies, curricula, and programs that lead to a welcoming, respectful, supportive, and affirming environment.
The College of Arts & Sciences is central to Ohio University's transformative learning experience. The foundational instruction for the entire university, delivered through the general education and liberal arts curriculum, is provided by the College of Arts & Sciences. The college provides the primary instruction for approximately one-third of the majors on campus, as well as half of the undergraduate credit hours on the Athens campus.
Ohio University's main campus, located in Athens, Ohio, has a dynamic residential campus that attracts top-quality students. Athens is a family-friendly and culturally rich community located amidst scenic state parks and a national forest just 75 minutes southeast of Columbus, Ohio. The charm of tree-lined brick walkways on the university's College Green makes you feel as if you are at a small college rather than a large university.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have received a PhD in Psychology or closely related discipline at the time of appointment and demonstrate evidence of research productivity in the field relevant to the position.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong potential for securing external research funding
  • Evidence of effective teaching
  • Ability to contribute to the department's collegial and collaborative environment
  • Prior experience and willingness to mentor students in research

Department
Psychology
Pay Rate
Salary is commensurate with experience and credentials and is accompanied by our generous university benefits such as tuition for self and dependents, a comprehensive insurance package (including but not limited to health, prescription, vision, dental, and life insurance), an excellent retirement plan including company contributions, parental leave, adoption reimbursement, and more. OHIO is also proud to offer wellness programs, on-site wellness facilities, and a generous employee assistance program. Additional Information is available at https://www.ohio.edu/hr/benefits/.
Total Compensation Estimator (For Full-Time Benefits Eligible Employees)
Discover the full value of joining Ohio University by clicking this link:
https://www.ohio.edu/hr/compensation/total-compensation-estimator
Our Total Compensation Estimator shows your offer package in dollars: salary plus university paid benefits including health coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition benefits, and more.
See details on what we offer in one place and compare different options for retirement and insurance.
Estimates are informational only; exact coverage is determined by eligibility policies and official plan documents.
User Selection Field
Job Open Date
04/01/2026
Posting Close Date
09/01/2026
Employment Type
full-time regular
Job Category
Tenure Track Faculty
Months
9 month
Planning Unit
College of Arts & Sciences
Work Schedule
Campus
Athens
Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position.
Joey Pierce, Employment Coordinator, piercej@ohio.edu
Non-Discrimination Statement
Ohio University is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.
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