How much are NFL referees paid? Who is the highest paid one? (2024)

The NFL salary for officials changes depending on role, seniority and game. But, most NFL referees make enough money to work just as referees. While the official salary is undisclosed, studies have shown that an average NFL referee earns about $205,000, starting in 2019.

Besides earning a substantial pension plan on top of a flat fee per season, NFL referees are paid a per-game amount. They get a handsome reward for being selected to work a postseason game, which is double the amount paid in an in-season game. There was a report that showed the highest payment made for one off-game, $5000. That amount goes up to $10,000 when selected to officiate the Super Bowl.

The average official makes six-figures in just part-time work throughout the NFL season.

Officials also gain more experience attending in-season games and understanding the existing rules and regulations better.

Who is the highest paid NFL referee?

The NFL referees who were paid the most in the 2020-2021 season were Brad Allen and Walt Anderson, but their salaries have not been disclosed. The highest-paid female referee was Sarah Thomas, who was the first woman to officiate a major college football game, the first to officiate a bowl game, and the first to officiate in a Big Ten stadium.