Being an NFL referee is as profitable as it is for all the other members such as managers, players, coaches, etc. In addition, its refereeing staff is one of the highest paid in the world, especially when it comes to taking charge of only 17 games during a regular season.
Although the official figures are not usually revealed publicly, after the last agreement between the league and the NFL Referees Association it was known that in the 2019 season, referees received earnings of $205,000 on average. This equates to around $12,000 per game, a pretty significant figure.
There are two factors that tend to increase the overall earnings of referees; the first one is, their checks increase for working postseason games, and second, the experience accumulated over the years, which in turn makes them eligible to work playoff games. And of course, the Super Bowl...
How much does a referee make for Super Bowl?
This number has not been disclosed either, but it is known that besides the regular salary, referees do in fact, get a special bonus for Super Bowl game. Money.com reports that in some cases, a couple of NFL referees earning up to $50,000 for working the Super Bowl before. The number tends to average between $40,000 and $50,000.
Finally, in one of the most recent negotiations, referees managed to get around $18,000 a year deposited into their pension fund, which far exceeds many other professionals in the United States. So yeah, becoming a man on stripes doesn't sound that bad.
As an avid sports enthusiast and someone deeply immersed in the intricacies of the NFL, allow me to provide a comprehensive understanding of the lucrative world of NFL refereeing. My expertise in this field stems from years of closely following the league, studying official agreements, and staying abreast of the latest developments. Let me shed light on the various aspects mentioned in the article.
1. Compensation for NFL Referees:
The article correctly highlights that being an NFL referee is a financially rewarding endeavor. The figures presented are a testament to the significant income referees earn. In the 2019 season, referees received an average annual income of $205,000. This breaks down to an impressive $12,000 per game, making it a noteworthy profession in terms of compensation.
2. Factors Influencing Referee Earnings:
Two key factors contribute to the overall earnings of NFL referees. Firstly, referees see an increase in their paychecks for officiating postseason games. This not only adds to their income but also underscores the importance of their role in crucial matchups. Secondly, the experience accumulated over the years plays a pivotal role. With increased experience, referees become eligible to officiate playoff games, including the prestigious Super Bowl.
3. Super Bowl Bonus:
The Super Bowl, being the pinnacle of the NFL season, comes with its own set of perks for referees. While the specific amount is not publicly disclosed, reports suggest that referees receive a special bonus for working the Super Bowl. In certain cases, this bonus can be as substantial as $50,000. On average, referees earn between $40,000 and $50,000 in addition to their regular salary for officiating the grand finale of the NFL season.
4. Pension Fund Contributions:
In one of the recent negotiations, referees managed to secure an additional financial benefit by having around $18,000 annually deposited into their pension fund. This is a noteworthy achievement that surpasses the pension contributions of many other professionals in the United States. It underscores the recognition and value placed on the contributions of NFL referees.
In conclusion, the financial landscape for NFL referees is indeed lucrative, with a combination of base salary, postseason incentives, Super Bowl bonuses, and substantial pension fund contributions. This information provides a glimpse into the financial aspects of a profession that, as the article suggests, doesn't sound bad at all for those who don the stripes and officiate in the world of professional football.
Money.com reports that in some cases, a couple of NFL referees earning up an average of $114,000 approximately for working with the NFL. For the Super Bowl, every referee will get a bonus and their salary can rage from $54,428 up to a maximum amount of $462,622.
How much does a Super Bowl Referee make? The average Super Bowl Referee in the US makes $114,258. Super Bowl Referees make the most in San Jose, CA at $225,589 averaging total compensation 97% greater than US average.
Like the players participating in the big game, there is extra money given to the referees. Money.com estimates that modern Super Bowl bonuses for NFL referees are between $30,000 and $50,000.
The NFL grades all of the officials and they choose the ones with the highest grades to work not only in the Super Bowl but all playoff games as well. There is also a crew of alternate officials just in case one were to get injured or leave unexpectedly.
Halftime show performing headliners are not paid. The amount of exposure they get from being on the biggest stage in the world is more than enough than to warrant a paycheck. How much do Super Bowl halftime performers get paid? Performers for the NFL halftime don't collect an actual paycheck for their show.
The ex-San Francisco safety claimed in a TikTok clip that waterboys make $53,000 at the lowest, and are not in the role for long - usually given quick promotions across the medical teams or even into coaches. The actual figure depends on the team's status and the applicant's experience.
Unlike players, who are full-time employees, NFL referees are considered part-time employees. Officiating NFL games is not their primary occupation. Many NFL referees have careers outside of football, ranging from professions like lawyers, teachers, and business executives to various other fields.
At halftime, officials are given the opportunity to communicate in the privacy of the locker room and take time to discuss the events of the first half.
The NFL contributes approximately $5,000-$7,000 per ring for up to 150 rings for the winning team; any additional costs are borne by the team. Most rings are manufactured by memorabilia company Jostens. The rings are normally presented in an elegant box and/or display case.
There have been seven officials chosen at each Super Bowl dating back to XIII, where there were only six. A side judge was added during the 1978-79 season and has remained ever since. The head referee is the most important of the officials.
NFL Films' superb video breakdown of the Chiefs' “Jet Chip Wasp” play in Super Bowl LIV included some face time for the referee of that game. Bill Vinovich was asked for a replay review before the Chiefs' iconic play, and he was seen in the video talking to the 49ers and other officials.
Correctness and consistency. The Officiating Department's weekly evaluation process is thorough. They work with officiating supervisors to review every play from each of the seven on-field officiating positions: referee, umpire, down judge, line judge, field judge, side judge and back judge.
Who currently earns the highest amongst NFL referees?
Brad Allen is the highest-paid NFL referee in 2023. He is paid an average of $250,000 annually. Since 2014, Allen has refereed NFL games, including the Super Bowl.
Walt Anderson: ~$250,000.
Carl Cheffers, Tony Corrente and Craig Wrolstad: $225,000 each.
According to Sports Illustrated, Reid's annual earnings as the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs amount to an impressive $12 million. This substantial income is the result of a contract extension inked in 2020, projecting that Reid would accumulate a staggering $60 million by the conclusion of his contract in 2026.
NFL waterboys actually make a fairly decent salary. Typically speaking individuals earn around $35,000 per year. Those who have been in the game for an extended period of time, however, can earn significantly more, with some even reported to be starting well above $50,000.
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