College Football Referee Salary Explained

College football officials are easy to spot on Saturdays. They wear black-and-white stripes, move fast, and make split-second decisions. But how much do they earn for that work, and what does their pay include? This guide breaks down college football referee salary in clear, simple terms. You will learn how pay works at each level, what extras like travel and per diem look like, and how experience and assignments change the numbers. If you are new to officiating or just curious as a fan, this article will help you understand the full picture.

What Does a College Football Referee Do?

The Crew and Positions

A college football game is managed by a crew, not just one person. The “Referee” is the crew chief and wears a white hat. Other on-field officials include the Umpire, Down Judge, Line Judge, Field Judge, Side Judge, Back Judge, and often a Center Judge in many conferences. Each official watches specific areas and types of plays. There is also a Replay Official and an Observer or Evaluator assigned by the conference. Everyone has a role, and each job has different demands and risks. This matters for pay because some positions carry extra responsibility and may earn a small premium.

Beyond Saturday: Meetings, Film, Tests

Officials do a lot of work before they step on the field. They study rule books, take online tests, and attend weekly video calls. They also review film of teams and of their own calls. Conferences expect strong fitness levels, so many officials train during the week. Some crews have Friday walk-throughs, plus pregame meetings at the stadium. The game fee covers more than three hours on the field. It covers a full week of preparation and a professional standard for decision-making.

Pay Basics: How Referees Get Paid

Per-Game Fees vs Season Deals

Most college football officials are paid per game, not on a salary. The game fee depends on the level of play and the conference. Some leagues pay every official the exact same amount per game. Others add a small premium for the Referee (the crew chief) and for certain roles like the Center Judge or Replay Official. In a few cases, conferences make a season deal that includes a set number of games or a guaranteed rate, but per-game pay is the norm.

Independent Contractor Status and Taxes

College officials are almost always independent contractors, not employees. This means no employer benefits, no paid time off, and no retirement plan from the conference. It also means officials handle their own taxes. Pay often arrives via direct deposit platforms used by conferences and assigning groups. Officials typically receive a 1099 form and must plan for income tax and self-employment tax. Many keep careful records and may work with a tax professional to handle write-offs like mileage, travel, gear, and training if allowed by law.

Travel, Per Diem, and Reimbursed Costs

Conferences usually cover major travel. This can include flights, checked bags, rental cars, hotels, airport parking, and gas. Some conferences book travel directly; others reimburse after the trip. Many also pay a per diem (daily meal allowance), which can range from about 50 to 125 dollars per day depending on the league and the city. Mileage for driving may be paid at a set rate if officials use their own car. In most cases, lodging is covered or reimbursed. Uniforms and equipment are often out-of-pocket, though some conferences provide certain items or a small annual stipend. The key idea is that the game fee is pay for the work, and travel is either covered or reimbursed so you are not losing money to get to the game.

Salary Ranges by Level of College Football

FBS Power Four Conferences

At the top of college football, officials in major FBS conferences can earn several thousand dollars per game. A typical range for on-field officials is roughly 3,000 to 5,500 dollars per game in recent seasons, with the Referee sometimes receiving a modest premium on top of that. Replay officials usually earn less than the on-field crew, but their rates are still meaningful, often in the low to mid thousands per game depending on the league. Power conferences also tend to cover travel fully and pay reliable per diems. The highest-profile games, especially rivalry games and prime-time TV matchups, do not always pay more per se, but they can lead to postseason selection, which does pay more.

FBS Group of Five and Independents

In the Group of Five, pay is strong but usually lower than the Power Four. A common range is about 2,000 to 3,500 dollars per game for on-field officials. The Referee may receive a small premium. Replay pay is often lower, but still competitive. Travel is commonly covered or reimbursed, and per diem is typical. Some Group of Five officials also receive opportunities for non-conference games hosted by Power Four schools, which can pay at the higher rate of the home conference.

FCS Conferences

At the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), per-game pay is lower than the FBS but still solid. Typical on-field fees range from about 1,000 to 2,200 dollars per game. Replay rates are usually lower than on-field rates. Many FCS leagues also cover travel and pay a per diem, though details vary by conference and distance. FCS crews can work playoff games in November and December, which pay a premium compared to regular season games.

Division II

Division II officials usually earn hundreds per game rather than thousands. A common range is about 400 to 1,000 dollars per game. The exact number depends on the conference and the travel situation. Regional travel is common at this level, and mileage reimbursement can be important to cover driving costs. Per diem may be offered, but not always at the same level as FBS or FCS. Division II postseason assignments can add a little more pay late in the season.

Division III and NAIA

Division III and NAIA pay is meant to cover time and costs and provide a reasonable game fee for experienced officials. Typical per-game pay ranges from about 200 to 500 dollars. Some conferences pay closer to the top of that range for senior officials or for games with long travel. Travel reimbursements and per diem vary a lot at this level. Many officials at DIII and NAIA also work high school games during the week, which helps build experience and adds income.

Junior College and Club

Junior college pay is usually similar to or slightly below lower-level four-year schools. Typical fees range from around 150 to 300 dollars per game, with mileage or per diem depending on the region. Club football programs, where they exist, set their own rates and may operate more like a local assignment. Many officials use JUCO and club games as stepping stones to higher college levels.

Postseason and Special Assignments

Conference Championships

Conference title games usually pay more than regular season games. The bump can be significant, especially at the FBS level. Selection for a championship game is based on evaluations from the full season. Strong performance brings both recognition and a bigger check. Crews do not have to be from the same conference to work a title game, depending on the assignment rules in place that year.

Bowl Games and the College Football Playoff

Bowl games often pay a premium over regular season rates. Mid-tier bowls can offer several thousand dollars per official. The New Year’s Six bowls and College Football Playoff games pay much more. Fees for a CFP semifinal can be several times a regular season game. The National Championship assignment is rare and prestigious, and the single-game pay can exceed 10,000 dollars per official when total compensation is considered. These assignments also include high standards, multiple days of events, and strict evaluations.

Spring Games, Scrimmages, and Clinics

Spring football brings extra chances to work. Pay for spring games and controlled scrimmages is usually much lower than in-season contests, but they can offer valuable reps and contacts. Clinics and camps sometimes pay small stipends or cover travel, and they are central to moving up in the profession. Most officials attend at least one clinic every year to show skills and get film.

What Actually Lands in Your Pocket?

Sample Season Budget at FBS Level

Consider an experienced FBS official who works 11 regular season games and 1 bowl. If the game fee averages 3,800 dollars per game, that is about 45,600 dollars for the season. A bowl might add 5,000 dollars, bringing it to around 50,600 dollars in game fees. Per diem could add several hundred dollars more, while travel is usually covered so it does not eat into pay. Out-of-pocket costs still exist. Uniforms, shoes, and gear might total 400 to 800 dollars a year. Parking, extra meals, and small items add up as well. After taxes, the take-home depends on the person’s situation, but many plan for 25 to 30 percent to go to income and self-employment taxes. Realistic net income from the season might fall in the mid to high thirty-thousand range after those deductions, depending on expenses and tax planning.

Sample Season Budget at FCS Level

Now take an FCS official with 10 regular season games and 1 playoff. If the average fee is 1,600 dollars per game, that is 16,000 dollars, plus 2,000 dollars for a playoff, for around 18,000 dollars. Per diem might add a few hundred dollars. Travel is often covered but can vary with driving vs flying. Annual gear could be 300 to 600 dollars. After taxes and costs, the net might be near 12,000 to 14,000 dollars, depending on personal choices and conference policies.

Sample Season Budget at Division II or III

At Division II or Division III, figures are smaller but still meaningful for many families. Suppose an official works 9 games at 500 dollars per game. That totals 4,500 dollars. If travel mileage is paid and a small per diem is included on longer trips, the net after gear and taxes might be in the 3,000 to 3,500 dollar range. Many officials at these levels do it for love of the game, to build toward higher levels, and for the community around officiating.

Factors That Increase Pay

Experience and Evaluations

Experience is the greatest driver of higher pay. Conferences watch every official closely. They grade mechanics, positioning, rules knowledge, and game control. High marks lead to better games next week, then better schedules next year, and eventually to postseason. As officials climb from DIII to DII to FCS to FBS, the game fees rise with them. This path takes years and a lot of dedication.

Position on the Crew

The Referee has more responsibility. He or she runs the crew and is the public voice after reviews. Some conferences pay a premium for that leadership position. The Center Judge, added in many FBS games, also has unique duties that can bring small pay differences. But all crew members are professionals and are paid well for their role at the top levels. Replay officials, while not on the field, also require deep rule knowledge and calm under pressure, and their rates reflect that.

Geography, TV, and Game Profile

Leagues with heavy TV exposure tend to pay more because the product is high-stakes and the scrutiny is intense. Long-distance travel in certain regions can also influence total compensation when per diem and reimbursements are considered. A non-conference game featuring a ranked team can be a gateway to future opportunities, even if the fee that night is standard. It is common for officials to see an assignment as both a paycheck and a resume line for the postseason.

Availability and Reliability

Conferences value officials who say yes, arrive prepared, and perform consistently. If you are reliable and can travel on short notice, you may receive fill-in assignments that pay well. If you communicate well and take feedback, observers may choose you for better late-season games. Reliability is currency in officiating, and it can raise your total pay over time.

How Long Does It Take to Reach Top Pay?

A Typical Path from High School to FBS

Most college officials start by working high school games. After several seasons, strong officials may be invited to junior college or small-college assignments. With steady growth in mechanics and rules, they can move to Division II or Division III. The next step is FCS, which offers a meaningful jump in speed and complexity. Finally, the top reach the FBS. This journey can take 8 to 15 years or more. Urgency helps no one; steady progress and reliable performance do.

How Selections and Evaluations Work

Conference supervisors and observers score every game. They watch film, read reports, and talk with coaches. When an official shows consistent performance, that official gets more demanding games. Big assignments follow. Postseason is the clearest marker. If you continue to get playoff and bowl games, the path upward is open. Part of the work is off the field: clinics, tests, fitness, and mentoring. Officials who invest in their craft find their way to the best schedules.

Comparing College vs NFL Referee Pay

Why NFL Numbers Are So Much Higher

NFL officials, especially crew chiefs, can earn well into six figures in a season, including postseason. The NFL has a smaller number of games, a national TV footprint, a collective bargaining agreement, and a large revenue base. College football, even at the highest levels, uses many more officials across many more games each weekend, and most are independent contractors under separate conferences. That structure spreads the funds and keeps college game fees much lower than the NFL. College football also involves many different leagues, each with its own policies, which makes a single national number impossible.

Time Commitment and Lifestyle

In-Season Weekly Rhythm

An FBS or FCS official might spend several hours early in the week on film study and rules review. There is usually a midweek or Thursday conference call. On Friday, travel begins. Crews often meet at the stadium to check clocks, communication systems, and replay. Saturday is game day. After the game, officials travel home, often late at night. Sunday may include submitting reports and reviewing film. The rhythm is intense but predictable, and many officials balance it with day jobs and family.

Travel Realities

Travel can be one of the best parts of officiating, and one of the hardest. You will learn airports, rental counters, and hotel desks very well. Weather delays happen, and long drives happen too. Smart officials pack with a checklist, keep two of key items, and arrive early to avoid rush stress. Good travel habits protect your game performance and your pay. Conferences respect officials who handle travel smoothly, because a late arrival can disrupt the whole crew.

Physical Demands and Training

Football is fast, and college athletes are strong. Officials must run, change direction, observe blocking, spot the ball, and manage the clock. Heat in early season and cold in late season both present challenges. Many officials follow a regular fitness plan with cardio, strength, and mobility work. Good training reduces injury risk and helps an official stay sharp for 12 or more Saturdays in a row. Preventing one injury can protect a whole season’s earnings.

Benefits, Insurance, and Equipment

What Conferences Provide

Most conferences offer professional support, such as observers, training materials, and replay systems. Some provide travel booking, per diem, and game-day meals. A few offer limited accident or game-day insurance. However, long-term benefits like health insurance or retirement plans are not common because officials are contractors. It is wise for officials to carry their own insurance where needed and to plan their finances with this reality in mind.

What Officials Buy Themselves

Uniforms and gear are regular costs. Shirts, pants, undershirts, jackets, shoes, socks, whistles, bean bags, down indicators, game cards, and headsets form part of an official’s kit. Some items wear out faster, especially shoes. Many officials also buy rule books, training subscriptions, and clinic registrations. Keeping receipts helps with tax time. A clean, professional uniform and the right tools are part of the job and support better performance on the field.

Common Myths and Honest Realities

“Refs Are Full-Time Employees”

In college football, most officials are independent contractors. There is no salary and no year-round employment from the conference. The pay is per game. While the time commitment can feel like a second job, it is not a full-time employee role with benefits. Plan your life and money with that in mind.

“Big Games Mean Big Bonuses for Everyone”

A high-profile regular season game is exciting, but it does not always pay more than a standard game. The bigger pay jumps usually come in the postseason with bowls, championships, and playoffs. The path to those games is excellent work during the season, not just a big TV slot in October.

“You Need to Know Someone to Move Up”

Contacts help with any profession, and mentors are valuable. But the strongest path upward is performance. Supervisors grade film, and observers watch mechanics closely. Clinics are designed to give new officials a fair shot. If you pass tests, show strong presence, and handle tough plays well, opportunities follow. Preparation and consistency matter more than who you know.

Tips If You Want to Become a College Football Official

Start Local and Build Fundamentals

Work high school games and get as many snaps as possible. Learn proper positioning, signals, and crew communication. Keep a notebook. Ask veteran officials for feedback after each game. Fundamentals are the foundation, and they travel with you as you climb levels.

Find Mentors and Get Film

Join your local officials association. Attend meetings, rules sessions, and field clinics. Ask a respected official to mentor you. Collect game film when possible, even from a phone on a tripod. Video tells the truth about your mechanics and hustle. Supervisors appreciate officials who study their own clips and improve quickly.

Say Yes to Feedback and Clinics

Be coachable. When an observer gives notes, use them the next week. Register for college officiating camps. Perform well in drills. Show fitness, judgment, and calm under pressure. Clinics are like interviews on a field. Treat them that way. A single strong clinic can open doors to small-college assignments.

Keep a Smart Money Plan

Create a separate account for officiating income and expenses. Set aside part of every game check for taxes. Track mileage and receipts. Budget for gear replacement and clinic fees. When postseason comes, you will be ready to enjoy it instead of stressing over money. A simple plan turns a good officiating season into a great one.

Putting Numbers in Context

Why Ranges Matter More Than One Number

College football is not one league. It is many conferences with different budgets and policies. A referee in one FBS conference can earn a different amount than a referee in another. Even within a conference, roles can have different rates. That is why realistic ranges, not single numbers, offer the best guide. Also, optional items like extra travel days, late changes, or distance can shift what you take home. The big picture is consistent: higher levels pay more, playoffs pay more, and strong evaluations move you up.

What Changed in Recent Years

Game fees have trended upward at the top levels as TV money grew and as expectations rose for training and technology. Replay has become standard and added paid roles. Travel systems improved after seasons with disruptions, and many conferences now use direct deposit tools that speed up payments. Officials still face the same core task: make the game fair and safe. The market rewards the officials who do that well.

FAQ-Style Clarifications

Do college referees get paid if a game is canceled?

Policies vary. Some conferences pay partial or full fees if a game is canceled late, especially after travel begins. Others do not. Contracts and memos explain this before the season. Always read the fine print.

How fast do payments arrive?

Most conferences process payments within one to three weeks after a game. Some pay monthly. Travel reimbursements can take a bit longer if receipts are required. Many use online systems that speed up the cycle.

Can you make a living only as a college football official?

Most officials have another job. Even at top FBS levels, a 12-game season is not a full-time salary with benefits. That said, for experienced officials who also work clinics, teach at camps, and maybe officiate another sport, officiating can be a significant part of annual income.

Practical Money Tips for Officials

Budget for Gear and Upgrades

Set aside funds for new shoes each season and replace whistles, bean bags, and shirts as needed. Do not be stuck with old gear right before a big assignment. Plan purchases ahead of time to catch discounts and to avoid rush shipping costs.

Track Travel Smartly

Keep digital copies of receipts. Use one credit card for officiating expenses to make tracking easy. Record mileage as required by your conference. When reimbursements come, verify that the amount matches your records. Good habits protect your pay.

Plan for Taxes from Day One

If you set aside a portion of each game check for taxes, April will not surprise you. Talk to a tax professional if you are unsure about self-employment taxes and what expenses are deductible in your situation. Laws change, and good advice is worth the cost.

A Realistic Look at Risk and Reward

Handling Pressure

College football crowds can be loud. TV replays show every call. Officials must manage coaches and players and keep the game moving. This pressure is part of why the job pays what it does at higher levels. Training, rules study, and teamwork support good decisions. Over time, the ability to stay calm is a skill that leads to better assignments and higher pay.

Injury and Availability

If an official gets hurt, games get missed and pay drops. That is another reason fitness matters. Some officials cross-train in the offseason to prevent injuries. If you can avoid missing time, you protect your income and your spot in the rotation for big games.

Career Growth Beyond the Whistle

Evaluators, Instructors, and Assigners

As officials gain experience, they may earn money by teaching at clinics, evaluating other officials, or assisting with assigning crews. These roles do not replace game checks, but they add income and influence. Many top college officials help train the next generation while still working games themselves.

Pathways Toward the NFL

A small number of college officials move to the NFL each year. The path involves exceptional grades, strong presence, and success in top college games. NFL pay is higher, but selection is rare and the competition is intense. Still, the pursuit of that level can raise your performance and pay on Saturdays, even if you never make the jump.

Key Takeaways on College Football Referee Salary

The Short Version

At the FBS level, per-game fees often fall between 3,000 and 5,500 dollars, with higher pay for major bowls and playoff games. Group of Five officials earn somewhat less. FCS officials generally earn 1,000 to 2,200 dollars per game. Division II often pays 400 to 1,000 dollars, while Division III and NAIA range from 200 to 500 dollars. Travel is usually covered or reimbursed, per diem is common, and officials handle their own taxes as independent contractors. Experience, evaluations, and postseason assignments lift overall income over time.

Conclusion

College football referee pay is more than a single check for three hours on a Saturday. It reflects a week of prep, a season of evaluations, and years of growth. At the top levels, the pay per game can be strong, especially with postseason. At lower levels, the income covers costs and builds the skills needed to advance. Travel and per diem help, but independent contractor status means taxes and planning are on you. If you are thinking about officiating, start local, study hard, and be coachable. Do that, and the pay will follow the performance, one assignment at a time. For fans, knowing these details adds respect for the people in stripes. Their work keeps the game fair, and their pay reflects the skill and commitment needed to do it right.