Playing in the Super Bowl is undoubtedly a massive honor. Yet, so too is officiating NFL’s biggest game. So, what are referees paid for their efforts?
Salary revealed: the massive 5-figure bonus NFL referees earn for a single Super Bowl game
The line-up for Super Bowl LX is set, with the Seattle Seahawks taking on the New England Patriots in San Francisco. As the Super Bowl approaches, we have wondered, just how much do the game’s referees earn?
Who are the Super Bowl LX referees?
The NFL announced that Shawn Smith will be the lead referee in San Francisco, heading up an officiating crew that will also include Umpire Roy Ellison, Down Judge Dana McKenzie, Line Judge Julian Mapp, Field Judge Jason Ledet, Side Judge Eugene Hall and Back Judge Greg Steed.
The NFL has announced the full officiating crew for the Super Bowl.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 20, 2026
Shawn Smith is the head referee. pic.twitter.com/GMzehYLFTB
How much are NFL referees paid?
Widespread reports place the yearly salary received by NFL referees at around $200,000 to $250,000. However, that pay packet only includes the regular season; postseason games are extra, at an estimated $3,000 to $5,000 per non-Super Bowl playoff clash. If officials make it all the way to the Super Bowl, they’re then thought to pocket an additional $40,000 to $50,000, according to several media outlets.
Where do these figures come from?
The current salaries paid to NFL referees have not been made public. Instead, they are estimated based on the information available in previous, expired collective bargaining agreements between the NFL Referees Association and the league.
Statement from Executive Director of the NFL Referees Association, Scott Green: “It is insulting and preposterous to hear conspiracy theories that somehow 17 officiating crews, consisting of 138 officials, are colluding to assist one team.” pic.twitter.com/4AaAtEqdqC
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 4, 2025
Do NFL referees have other jobs?
At present, there are no full-time referees in the NFL. They’re allowed to have other jobs, and many do. To become an NFL referee, the league requires officials to have at least 10 years of experience in the game. Of that decade, at least five must have been spent officiating at a high level in college football.
“They’ve always been part time,” explains Ben Austro, founder of Football Zebras. “You’ll see lawyers, teachers, educator... entrepreneurs who have the ability to take a little bit of time off work.”
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In the Super Bowl LX officiating crew there is a health insurance salesman, a physical therapist and a tax fraud investigator, amongst others.
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