Referees may often find themselves under the scrutinizing eyes of fans, but their compensation reflects the importance of their role in the NFL. In the pursuit of fairness on the field, these officials command significant salaries, especially when they reach the pinnacle—the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl Referee Salary
Referees may often find themselves at the receiving end of criticism, but their paychecks tell a different story. The life of an NFL referee is not just about officiating games; it’s also about raking in significant earnings.
According to source, the average salary for NFL officials stands at an impressive $201,000 per season. In 2019, under the agreement that expired in May 2020, game officials earned an average salary of $205,000.
Being an NFL referee proves to be just as lucrative as it is for other integral members of the league, including managers, players, and coaches. The refereeing staff, in particular, enjoys being among the highest-paid in the world, especially considering they are responsible for officiating only 17 games during a regular season.
How Much Does the Super Bowl Referee Make?
While official figures are often kept under wraps, the 2019 season shed some light on the matter. Referees, on average, pocketed a cool $205,000, equivalent to around $12,000 per game – a substantial figure for their role on the field.
Two factors contribute significantly to enhancing their overall earnings. Firstly, referees witness an increase in their paychecks for officiating postseason games. Secondly, accumulated years of experience make them eligible to officiate playoff games and, of course, the grand stage – the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl Bonus
The exact figures for Super Bowl bonuses remain undisclosed, but rest assured, it’s a significant addition to their regular salary. Money.com reports that NFL referees can earn a special bonus for officiating the Super Bowl.
In some cases, these bonuses can reach up to an average of $114,000. The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of their season, and every referee receives a bonus, with salaries ranging from $54,428 up to a maximum amount of $462,622.
The Pension Perk
In one of the recent negotiations, referees secured a substantial benefit – an annual deposit of approximately $18,000 into their pension fund. This perk goes beyond what many other professionals in the United States receive.
The latest contract, signed in 2019 and extending through May 2026, ensures that becoming a man in stripes isn’t just about the present but also secures a stable future.
How Much Does Super Bowl Referee Get Paid
While star athletes bask in the glory of big paychecks during the Super Bowl, the men in the striped shirts play a crucial role under immense pressure. According to source, referee pay is governed by a collective bargaining agreement between the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) and the NFL.
The most recent contract, signed in 2019 and lasting until May 2026, is not publicly available, but it continues to uphold the tradition of referees earning around $205,000 per season.
Not everyone can don the referee’s uniform at the Super Bowl. A minimum of 10 years spent officiating football games, including college-level matches, is a prerequisite before the NFL even considers an individual for such a prestigious role. This stringent criterion ensures that only seasoned and experienced referees handle the pressure of officiating at the highest level.
As we gear up for Super Bowl LVIII, it’s essential to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the referees who ensure fair play on the field. The likes of John Parry, Fred Bryan, Edgar Camp, Jeff Bergman, Steve Zimmer, Eugene Hall, and Terrence Miles are the individuals responsible for maintaining order and making crucial decisions under the spotlight.
So, while they might not match the paycheck of star players, the referees in the striped shirts have carved a niche for themselves in the NFL, both in terms of recognition and financial rewards.