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Professional Sports Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Life Time, Inc.

Sports Referee

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$60/hr

Position Summary The Sports Referee assists in the execution of LT Sport league play by officiating ... Training and professional development * Paid sick leave where required by law Full-time Team ...

Life Time

Sports Referee

Burr Ridge, IL

$60/hr

Position Summary The Sports Referee assists in the execution of LT Sport league play by officiating ... Training and professional development * Paid sick leave where required by law Full-time Team ...

i9 Sports

i9 Sports Referee

Columbus, GA · On-site

$15/hr

Professional Growth: Access to comprehensive online training and skill development opportunities ... Job Summary As an i9 Sports Referee (Sports Coordinator) , you are the face of the game-day ...

YMCA

Youth Sports Referee/Sports Assistant

Monroe, WA · On-site

This position also requires referees to act professionally and to serve as role models for the ... Officiate sports games for all levels of recreation and competitive Sport Programs. Implement ...

Liberty

Intramural Sports Referee

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

The Intramural Sports Referee is responsible to fairly officiate Intramural Sports events ... an articulate and professional manner. * Strong organizational skills. Problem Solving

i9 Sports

Youth Sports Referee

CA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Positive attitude and a strong ability to build professional relationships * Ability to work a ... We offer youth sports leagues, camps and clinics for kids ages 3 and up in today's most popular ...

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How much do professional sports referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional sports 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.

How much do pro sports refs make?

Professional sports referees typically earn between $20,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on the league, level of experience, and the sport. Major league referees in sports like the NFL or NBA tend to earn higher salaries, often supplemented by per-game pay and benefits, while referees in lower leagues or amateur levels earn less. Certification, experience, and the sport's popularity influence earning potential.

What are some of the biggest challenges a Professional Sports Referee faces during games, and how can they be managed?

Professional Sports Referees often face intense pressure to make quick, accurate decisions in fast-paced and emotionally charged environments. Managing conflict with players, coaches, and fans requires excellent communication and impartiality. Staying physically fit, keeping up with evolving rules, and participating in regular training sessions help referees perform at their best. Building resilience and a strong support network among fellow officials is also key to handling the stress and scrutiny that come with the role.

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

To thrive as a Professional Sports Referee, you need a deep understanding of the sport's rules, strong observational skills, and often formal certification from a recognized officiating body. Familiarity with video review systems, timekeeping devices, and communication headsets is typically required. Excellent decision-making, impartiality, and clear communication allow referees to maintain control and fairness during high-pressure games. These skills are vital to ensure the integrity of the sport, player safety, and the smooth flow of competitions.

What is the difference between Professional Sports Referee vs Umpire?

AspectProfessional Sports RefereeUmpire
CertificationsSports-specific referee certificationsUmpire certifications, often sport-specific
Work EnvironmentStadiums, arenas, sports fieldsField, court, or pitch during games
Industry UsageMajor sports leagues (football, basketball, soccer)Baseball, cricket, tennis, and other sports
Job RoleEnforce rules, make calls, ensure fair playMake calls related to plays, outs, or faults

While both Professional Sports Referees and Umpires enforce game rules and ensure fair play, referees typically oversee sports like football and basketball, whereas umpires are common in baseball, cricket, and tennis. Both roles require sport-specific certifications and are essential for maintaining the integrity of the game.

How do I become a professional referee?

To become a professional sports referee, you typically need to complete relevant training and certification programs offered by sports governing bodies, gain experience through officiating at lower levels, and demonstrate strong knowledge of the rules and good decision-making skills. Many leagues require passing exams and maintaining physical fitness to officiate at higher levels.

How much does a D1 ref get paid?

Division 1 referees in college sports typically earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per game, depending on the sport and conference. They often work multiple games per week during the season and may receive additional compensation for postseason tournaments. Experience, certifications, and the level of competition influence pay rates for college referees.

What sports refs make the most money?

Professional sports referees in high-profile leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball tend to earn the highest salaries, often reaching six figures annually. Referees in these leagues require extensive experience, certification, and often work full-time, with earnings influenced by the league, level of competition, and game frequency.

What are professional sports referees?

Professional sports referees are officials responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining fair play during sporting events. They make decisions on infractions, monitor gameplay, and ensure the safety of the participants. Referees must have a thorough understanding of the sport’s rules, strong communication skills, and the ability to make quick, impartial judgments under pressure. Their presence is essential to uphold the integrity and flow of professional sports competitions.
What cities are hiring for Professional Sports Referee jobs? Cities with the most Professional Sports Referee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Referee jobs? The most popular types of Sports Referee jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Sports Referee jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Sports Referee jobs include:
Professional Sports Referee jobs near you
Sports Referee

Sports Referee

Life Time, Inc.

Burr Ridge, IL • On-site

$60/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Life Time rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 61 rated gym and leisure clubs

Job description

Position Summary
The Sports Referee assists in the execution of LT Sport league play by officiating league games. They work closely with Sports League Coordinators and players to ensure a respectful and fun league experience. LT Sport leagues may include but are not limited to basketball, volleyball and soccer.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
  • Officiates LT Sport league games fairly
  • Follows and enforces all LT Sport league rules during games
  • Interacts with players in a respectful, cooperative manner
  • Works closely with Sports League Coordinator to ensure member satisfaction
  • Promotes LT Sport products and Life Time to members and non-members
  • Communicates extensive knowledge of LT Sport and Life Time programs, products, services, policies, and procedures to prospective and current members

Position Requirements
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 1-year experience referee experience
  • General knowledge of applicable sport rules
  • Certified official in applicable sport by local governing body

Pay
This position pays a class rate between $25.00 and $60.00, based on experience, qualifications, and duration of the class. The class rate compensates for all working time associated with teaching classes (including without limitation, all time spent in class as well as all pre- and post-class working time).
Benefits
All team members receive the following benefits while working for Life Time:
  • A fully subsidized membership
  • Discounts on Life Time products and services
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company discretionary match (21 years of age and older)
  • Training and professional development
  • Paid sick leave where required by law

Full-time Team Members are eligible for additional benefits, including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
  • Short term and long term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Pre-tax flexible spending and dependent care plans
  • Parental leave and adoption assistance
  • Paid time off, including 5 to 20 vacation days per calendar year (based on tenure) and paid sick leave
  • Deferred compensation plan, if the team member meets the required income threshold

Life Time may use artificial intelligence ("AI") in connection with various aspects of its recruitment and hiring functions. Ultimate employment decisions are subject to human review and oversight. Life Time does not use AI in a manner that would have the effect of subjecting applicants to discrimination on the basis of protected classes or proxies or for engaging in any protected activity under applicable law.
Life Time is a place for everyone. As an organization, we are committed to an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace that respects and celebrates the unique contributions of each individual while ensuring we remain an equal opportunity employer that recruits, hires, trains and promotes based on merit and qualifications.

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