Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
Umpires, referees, and sports officials enforce rules at competitive athletic events across all levels—from youth leagues to professional sports. They make judgment calls on infractions, assess penalties, and maintain fair play during games and competitions. Work takes place on fields, courts, ice rinks, and other sporting venues.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against umpires, referees, and other sports officials and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves officiating multiple games or matches, requiring advance preparation of rule knowledge and equipment checks. During events, officials position themselves strategically to observe play, make rapid decisions on rule violations, and communicate penalties to coaches and athletes. Between competitions, officials may attend training sessions, review rulebooks, and travel to different venues. Evening and weekend events are common.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECR. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're drawn to this work if you like being in charge of competitive situations and making structured, rule-based decisions. You're detail-oriented, understand procedures, and can stay calm under pressure when athletes and crowds react to your calls.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $47,930 | $67,600 | $69,330 | 420 |
| North Dakota | $48,060 | $63,920 | $85,310 | 180 |
| South Carolina | $37,300 | $61,290 | $61,290 | 50 |
| Wisconsin | $39,740 | $57,000 | $63,360 | 300 |
| Ohio | $27,160 | $55,040 | $57,750 | 580 |
| Louisiana | $34,430 | $50,080 | $65,230 | 310 |
| Illinois | $35,310 | $49,070 | $82,960 | 690 |
| Massachusetts | $33,170 | $48,400 | $91,570 | 250 |
| West Virginia | $30,320 | $46,490 | $60,160 | 50 |
| Arizona | $32,240 | $46,440 | $56,920 | 210 |
| Indiana | $37,870 | $46,140 | $46,790 | 170 |
| Vermont | $37,530 | $46,080 | $48,680 | 80 |
All 34 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against umpires, referees, and other sports officials and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-2023.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.