When it comes to the world of sports, referees and umpires play an important role in ensuring that the rules of the game are followed. The job of officiating games can be quite demanding, and it is not uncommon for referees and umpires to be paid well for their services. But which sport pays referees the most?
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the most popular sports in the United States, and it is also one of the highest paying sports for referees. Umpires in MLB typically earn between $120,000 and $350,000 per year, with those at the top of the salary scale earning up to $450,000.
MLB umpires also receive a pension and other benefits, including health insurance, travel allowances, and expense accounts. The league also provides umpires with a 401(k) retirement plan, which allows them to save up to $18,000 per year.
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is another high-paying sport for referees. Referees in the NBA typically earn between $150,000 and $550,000 per year, with the highest-paid referees earning up to $700,000.
Like MLB umpires, NBA referees also receive a pension, health insurance, travel allowances, and expense accounts. The NBA also provides referees with a 401(k) retirement plan, allowing them to save up to $18,000 per year.
National Football League
The National Football League (NFL) is the highest paying sport for referees. Referees in the NFL typically earn between $150,000 and $3 million per year, with the highest-paid referees earning up to $5 million.
The NFL also provides referees with a pension, health insurance, travel allowances, and expense accounts. The league also offers a 401(k) retirement plan, allowing referees to save up to $18,000 per year.
College Sports
College sports are also a lucrative option for referees, as they typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 per year. The highest-paid referees in college sports are typically those who officiate in the highest levels of competition, such as Division I basketball and football.
In addition to salary, college referees also receive a pension, health insurance, travel allowances, and expense accounts. Some colleges also provide referees with a 401(k) retirement plan, allowing them to save up to $18,000 per year.
Conclusion
Overall, the sport that pays referees the most is the NFL. Referees in the NFL typically earn between $150,000 and $3 million per year, with the highest-paid referees earning up to $5 million. Major League Baseball (MLB) is another high-paying sport for referees, with umpires typically earning between $120,000 and $350,000 per year. The National Basketball Association (NBA) is also a high-paying sport for referees, with referees typically earning between $150,000 and $550,000 per year. College sports are also a lucrative option for referees, as they typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 per year.