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Professional Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Referee

Malvern, PA ยท On-site

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 ...

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.

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

Basketball Referee

Flemington, NJ ยท On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Basketball Referee Flemington, NJ | Fall Season, Part Time, Hourly | Wednesdays: 6pm -9pm ... Responsible for officiating 4v4 full-court adult basketball league games in a professional, fair ...

Basketball Referee

Flemington, NJ ยท On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Basketball Referee Flemington, NJ | Fall Season, Part Time, Hourly | Wednesdays: 6pm -9pm ... Responsible for officiating 4v4 full-court adult basketball league games in a professional, fair ...

Hockey Referee

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$18.45 - $20/hr

We are looking for a Hockey Referee who will be responsible for ensuring fair play, safety, and ... Act professionally on and off the rink when engaging with customers. Required Skills/Abilities:

Soccer Referee

Manteca, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

The Soccer 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 and ...

Referee

Redmond, 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

Flag Football Referee

Henrico, VA ยท On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Looking for flag football referee who has either played or refereed flag football before. Flag ... We believe in nurturing the potential of all staff and are dedicated to the ongoing professional ...

New

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 (4127)

Van Nuys, CA ยท On-site

$18.47 - $19/hr

POSITION SUMMARY A Youth Sports Referee at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angles will officiate a ... Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure * Availability on weekends and evenings for ...

New

Referee (4018)

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$18.47/hr

POSITION SUMMARY A Youth Sports Referee at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angles will officiate a ... Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure * Availability on weekends and evenings for ...

Referee

Plano, TX ยท On-site

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 ...

Hockey Referee

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$18.45 - $20/hr

We are looking for a Hockey Referee who will be responsible for ensuring fair play, safety, and ... Act professionally on and off the rink when engaging with customers. Required Skills/Abilities:

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Professional Referee information

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How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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.

How much does a D1 ref get paid?

A Division 1 referee typically earns between $2,000 and $4,000 per game, depending on the league and level of competition. They often officiate multiple games per season and may need certification and experience to qualify for higher-paying assignments.

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 often in professional sports leagues, such as the National Football League (NFL), NBA, or Major League Baseball (MLB), where referees can earn six-figure salaries. These roles typically require extensive experience, certification, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments, with some officials earning over $100,000 annually depending on the league and level of competition.

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 leagues can earn from several thousand to over fifty thousand dollars per season, often supplemented by game fees, stipends, or per-match payments. Many referees also need certifications and must stay current with training requirements.

How can I become a professional referee?

To become a professional referee, you typically need to complete specific 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. Progression often involves advancing through different levels of officiating before reaching professional status.
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:
Infographic showing various Professional Referee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Referee

Referee

Exos

Malvern, PA โ€ข On-site

Part-time

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Summary:

Responsibilities:

We're seeking a Referee to join our team. As a Referee you will:

  • Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain standards of play and to ensure that game rules are observed

  • Judge performances in sporting competitions in order to award points, impose scoring penalties, and determine results

  • Signal participants or other officials to make them aware of infractions or to otherwise regulate play or competition

  • Inspect sporting equipment and/or examine participants in order to ensure compliance with event and safety regulations - Keep track of event times, including race times and elapsed time during game segments, starting or stopping play when necessary

  • Start races and competitions

  • Other duties as needed

Qualifications

  • Current CPR/AED/First Aid Certifications

WHO WE ARE

For nearly 30 years, Exos has been dedicated to getting people ready for the moments that matterby promoting a holistic approach to health. As an elite coaching company, Exos applies itsevidence-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 includefitness 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'sa 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