Umpires, referees, and other sports officials
SOC Code: 27-2023Also known as:
Athletic Events Scorer, Baseball Umpire, Basketball Manager, Basketball Referee, Basketball Scorekeeper
Median Annual Salary
$38,820
+5.7% growth (2024-2034)
5K
Openings/Year
19K
Current Jobs
What Umpires, referees, and other sports officials Do
Officiate at competitive athletic or sporting events. Detect infractions of rules and decide penalties according to established regulations. Includes all sporting officials, referees, and competition judges.
💰 Salary
$38,820
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.7%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
5K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
19,300
Projected Employment (2034)
20,400
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Top Skills Required
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Judgment and Decision Making
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain standards of play and to ensure that game rules are observed.
- Inspect game sites for compliance with regulations or safety requirements.
- Resolve claims of rule infractions or complaints by participants and assess any necessary penalties, according to regulations.
- Signal participants or other officials to make them aware of infractions or to otherwise regulate play or competition.
- Teach and explain the rules and regulations governing a specific sport.
- Inspect sporting equipment or examine participants to ensure compliance with event and safety regulations.
- Report to regulating organizations regarding sporting activities, complaints made, and actions taken or needed, such as fines or other disciplinary actions.
- Confer with other sporting officials, coaches, players, and facility managers to provide information, coordinate activities, and discuss problems.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do umpires, referees, and other sports officials make?
The median annual salary for umpires, referees, and other sports officials is $38,820.
What education do umpires, referees, and other sports officials need?
Most umpires, referees, and other sports officials positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming umpires, referees, and other sports officials a good career choice?
Umpires, referees, and other sports officials is projected to see +5.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 4,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for umpires, referees, and other sports officials?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to umpires, referees, and other sports officials?
Umpires, referees, and other sports officials may also be known as: Athletic Events Scorer, Baseball Umpire, Basketball Manager, Basketball Referee, Basketball Scorekeeper, Clerk of Scales, Clocker, Dance Critic, Diving Judge, Dressage Judge, Equestrian Events Judge, Flag Football Referee, Football Referee, Handicapper, Harness Racing Handicapper, Hoof and Shoe Inspector, Horse Identifier, Horse Race Starter, Horse Race Timer, Horse Show Judge.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.