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Referee Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

City of New Berlin, WI

Youth Soccer Referee

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

The Soccer Referee will make appropriate judgment calls during games and act as a score keeper to report back to the Recreation Specialist. This position needs to be available on Saturdays September ...

City of New Berlin

Youth Soccer Referee

New Berlin, WI

$25 - $35/hr

The Soccer Referee will make appropriate judgment calls during games and act as a score keeper to report back to the Recreation Specialist. This position needs to be available on Saturdays September ...

HealthFitness

Sports Official

Racine, WI · On-site

$17 - $30/hr

Referee two consecutive one hour games up to 3 nights per week. * Reports any problems with games and/or players to the site Management. * Officiate the recreational games while keeping a ...

Wisconsin

Athletics Intramural Staff

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$11/hr

Referee Role: Students working in this position do NOT need prior experience as an official. We will train new referees. Referee jersey and whistles will be provided. Required skills: * Problem ...

All JobsReferee JobsReferee Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Referee information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$6

$20

$57

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in Milwaukee, WI is $20.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.83 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a referee?

A referee is an official who monitors a sport, such as football games, on the field of play to enforce rules, determine scores, and ensure fair play. Referees can be found at all levels of competition, beginning at the youth recreational level all the way up to the college and professional leagues. As a referee, your job duties also include monitoring player safety, assessing penalties for rules infractions, and keeping up with the amount of game time left to play in the match. You often work with a team of other officials to cover the entire field of play.

Can you make a living being a referee?

Referees can make a living depending on the level of competition, experience, and the sport. Professional referees in sports like football, basketball, or soccer often earn a full-time income, while amateur or youth referees typically supplement their income with other jobs. Certification and consistent scheduling are important factors in earning a sustainable income as a referee.

Are referees in high demand?

Referees are generally in moderate demand, especially in sports with large audiences or youth leagues. Opportunities can vary based on the sport, level of competition, and geographic location, with some areas experiencing more openings due to seasonal needs or retirements. Certification and experience can also influence job availability and earning potential.

What is the difference between Referee vs Umpire?

AspectRefereeUmpire
CredentialsOften requires certification or training specific to the sportTypically requires sport-specific training and certification
Work EnvironmentOn-field, active participation in sports eventsOn-field or behind-the-scenes, depending on sport
Industry UsageCommonly used in sports like soccer, basketball, and hockeyUsed in sports like baseball, cricket, and tennis
Search & ComparisonOften searched by those interested in sports officiating rolesCompared for different sports officiating roles

While both referees and umpires officiate sports, referees generally oversee the entire game and make final decisions, whereas umpires focus on specific aspects or areas of play. Understanding these differences helps clarify job roles in various sports industries.

How do you get a job as a referee?

To become a referee, you typically need to complete relevant training or certification courses offered by sports organizations, pass a background check, and gain experience through officiating local games. Many referees start at youth or amateur levels before advancing to higher competitions. Strong knowledge of the sport's rules and good decision-making skills are essential.

What are some common challenges referees face during high-stakes games, and how can they handle them effectively?

Referees often encounter intense pressure during high-stakes games, including dealing with passionate players, coaches, and fans, as well as making split-second decisions that can impact the outcome. Maintaining composure and clear communication is essential to manage on-field conflicts and ensure fair play. Referees can handle these challenges by staying up-to-date with rule changes, participating in regular training, and developing strong conflict resolution skills. Building rapport with teams and relying on support from officiating colleagues also helps manage stressful situations more effectively.

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

To thrive as a Referee, you need a deep understanding of the sport’s rules, quick decision-making abilities, and often certification from a recognized officiating body. Familiarity with scorekeeping systems, video review technology, and communication devices is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, assertiveness, and composure under pressure help referees manage players, coaches, and high-stakes situations. These competencies are crucial for ensuring fair play, maintaining order, and upholding the integrity of the game.
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Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 57% Part Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,897 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Youth Soccer Referee

City of New Berlin, WI

New Berlin, WI • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Temporary

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Salary: $25.00 - $35.00 Hourly
Location : City of New Berlin Activity and Recreation Center, 15321 W. National Ave, WI
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Number: 202600027
Department: Recreation
Division: RECREATION
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Recreation Program Specialist, the Youth Soccer Referee is responsible for rules enforcement and the supervision of participants in the program. The Soccer Referee will make appropriate judgment calls during games and act as a score keeper to report back to the Recreation Specialist.
This position needs to be available on Saturdays September-October. Games are typically played between 8:00am-3:00pm.
Must be available on Friday, August 21st from 5:30-7:00pm for referee training.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
  • Professionally represent the New Berlin Recreation Department.
  • Referee Youth Soccer Games in accordance with New Berlin Youth Athletics (NBYA) guidelines.
  • Enforce rules and assist in rules clarification.
  • Observes, enforces and explains all game rules and regulations.
  • Make decisions on any point not specifically covered in rules.
  • Invoke and impose penalties for violations of adopted rules.
  • Ensures a safe playing environment for participants. Includes inspecting sporting equipment (cleats, shin guards), mitigating poor player behavior, and monitoring field conditions.
  • Start and end games according to the schedule or weather cancellation policy.
  • Keep accurate scoring records and mark them on game sheets.
  • Reports problems or needs to management.
  • Report to work at least 15 minutes prior to game-time and stay until the field is clear.
  • Communicate equipment and/or supply needs with management.
  • All other duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Possess an interest in working with peers in a competitive setting.
  • Must have knowledge and ability to enforce the rules of Soccer as designated.
  • Ability to keep simple score of game.
  • Manage a time clock during a game.
  • Previous umpiring, instructing, coaching and/or competitive playing preferred.
  • Frequently required to stand, squat, stoop, and run for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, courteously and tactfully with participants, staff, city officials and the public.
  • Ability to present a positive image of the department and the City.

No Benefits Available

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