How Much Are High School Softball Umpires Paid

How much do high school softball umpires get paid? The short answer is: it depends. Pay can change from state to state, school to school, and even from one week to the next. Still, there are clear patterns that can help you understand what to expect. This guide breaks down typical game fees, extra payments like travel, how seasons work, the costs of equipment, and real examples so you can see what the money looks like in real life. Whether you are thinking about becoming an umpire or you simply want to know where the money goes, this article explains it in simple, friendly language.

What Do High School Softball Umpires Actually Make?

The quick answer: per-game pay

Most high school softball umpires are paid per game, not per hour. A common range for a regular-season game is about $55 to $95 per umpire. Varsity games are usually on the higher end, while junior varsity and freshman games are on the lower end. Many areas land near the middle, around $65 to $80. A standard game takes about two hours on the field plus travel, warm-up, and paperwork, so the total time commitment is closer to three hours. That means $65 to $80 per game often works out to roughly $20 to $30 per hour of your total time.

The real-world range you will hear

Because every state and local association negotiates its own fees, you may see numbers slightly below or above that range. Rural or smaller markets sometimes pay around $45 to $60 for sub-varsity games. Larger metro areas with higher living costs often pay $75 to $110 for varsity. Playoff games, rivalry nights, and tournament finals can be higher. If a school has budget stress or if there are many umpires competing for the same assignments, numbers can be a bit lower. If there is a shortage of officials or long travel, numbers can creep up.

Varsity, JV, and freshman differences

Most schools use a simple tier. Varsity pays the most, JV is a bit less, and freshman level is sometimes the lowest. A typical setup could look like $75 to $90 for varsity, $60 to $75 for JV, and $55 to $65 for freshman. Some associations might also pay a premium if you work as the plate umpire instead of on the bases. Others keep the fee the same for both umpires. You do not usually get paid more for a game that runs long unless local rules say so, which is uncommon at the high school level.

Why Pay Varies So Much

Location and cost of living

Pay is most influenced by where you work. Fees in large cities often rise with the cost of living, travel time, and traffic. In many states, urban districts have more money and fewer umpires, so they pay more to secure crews. In smaller towns, a shorter drive and closer schools can mean lower fees but also less time in the car. Think of pay as part of a larger puzzle: gas prices, commute time, and the number of schools in your area all matter, not just the fee itself.

Association contracts and school budgets

Local umpire associations often negotiate fees with leagues or school districts. When a new multi-year agreement is signed, rates can jump. If a district is tight on funds, increases may be small or delayed. The number of games on the calendar also matters. If a league plays many doubleheaders or a packed spring schedule, an association may push for higher rates or better travel pay. Each area has its own rhythm, and that is why your friend in a different state might report very different numbers than you see locally.

Crew size and assignment patterns

High school softball is usually worked by two umpires. Some areas occasionally use one umpire for sub-varsity if staffing is thin, but that is less common. Two-umpire crews split the workload and often receive the same fee per person. If an area needs three umpires for a championship game or a large tournament, fees might be adjusted. Crew size affects how many games an association can cover and how much leverage it has to negotiate better pay with schools.

Extra Money Beyond the Game Fee

Travel and mileage

Many schools pay a mileage allowance for travel from your home or a meeting spot to the game site. Mileage rates can range widely, often between $0.30 and $0.70 per mile. In some places, mileage is paid only if the game is outside a set radius. In others, there is a flat travel fee instead of mileage. For umpires who live far from the schools, this can add up to a significant portion of earnings over a season.

Per diem, parking, and incidentals

Some events, such as tournaments or long doubleheaders, offer small per diem payments to cover meals or parking. Urban schools may provide parking vouchers or reimbursements for meters or lots. Not every association includes these extras, but when they do, it helps offset out-of-pocket costs. Always ask your assignor or association how to submit receipts or mileage so you do not leave money on the table.

Postseason, rivalry games, and finals

When the regular season ends, many states increase pay for playoff rounds. Quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals often pay higher game fees, and travel is more likely to be covered. Special rivalry games and showcase events can also pay a premium. If you advance through ratings and evaluations, you may see a real jump in income during the high-stakes part of the season.

What Does a Typical Season Look Like?

In-season weekly rhythm

High school softball is typically a spring sport in many states, though exact months vary by region. A common pattern is two to four assignments per week, often on weekday afternoons and some Saturdays. Weather can move games, create doubleheaders, or push a heavy week into an even heavier schedule. An umpire with flexible work hours or a retired schedule often books more games. Students, teachers, and full-time workers may focus on evenings and weekends.

Sample weekly earnings math

Imagine you work three games in a week at $75 each, plus 20 miles round-trip at $0.50 per mile. Your game fees total $225. Mileage adds $10, for a weekly total of $235. If each game takes about three hours of total time including travel, that is roughly nine hours in the week, or about $26 per hour before expenses. In a busy spring month with four weeks like that, you could gross about $940. Add a Saturday tournament or a playoff game, and the number climbs. Weather, cancellations, and your availability will change the final total.

How Umpires Get Paid

On-site payment at the field

Some schools pay umpires on game day with cash or a check. In this setup, the athletic director or game manager gives each umpire an envelope before or after the game. The benefit is speed. The downside is tracking. You should keep a simple log of games, amounts, and dates so you can reconcile at tax time. Always confirm where and when to check in upon arrival so the process goes smoothly.

School district payroll or online systems

Many areas pay umpires through a school district payroll system or a third-party platform. You may need to submit a W-9, set up direct deposit, or approve game reports online. Payments might arrive every two to four weeks. This method is tidy and reduces the risk of lost checks, but it can take longer to receive your money. Keep copies of assignments and confirmation notes in case a game is missed in the system and needs to be added later.

Costs You Should Expect

Starter gear and uniforms

Umpiring does require upfront costs. A basic starter set for fastpitch softball includes a mask, chest protector, shin guards, plate shoes, base shoes, ball bags, indicators, brush, and at least two shirts, pants, and a hat. A solid beginner setup can run $300 to $600 if you buy new. Deals on used gear can lower that number, but safety equipment should be in good condition. Plate shoes are strongly recommended because they protect your toes against foul balls and tips.

Ongoing expenses and replacements

Over time you will replace shoes, pants, and shirts, especially if you work many games. You will also spend on fuel, parking, and sometimes dry cleaning. A typical season’s incidental costs beyond gear might be $100 to $300 depending on how much you work and how far you travel. Some associations also require specific shirt colors, logos, or patches. Building a small wardrobe of approved items helps you be ready for any assignment.

Licenses, dues, and clinics

Most state or local associations charge annual dues that might run from $50 to $150. Many states also require a background check, which can cost $20 to $50. Preseason clinics or rules meetings are often included in your dues, though advanced clinics may have separate fees. These costs are part of being certified to work high school games, and they support training, evaluations, and insurance.

Comparing Softball to Other Sports

Softball vs baseball

In many markets, high school softball and baseball pay similar fees. Baseball sometimes runs longer due to game pace and field size, but both sports often share the same fee schedule because they fall under the same negotiating group. Some areas pay slightly more for baseball varsity plates or extra innings, while others keep softball and baseball equal. When choosing what to officiate, consider not just fees but also game length, weather, and how many dates you can get.

Basketball, soccer, and volleyball

Pay in other high school sports varies by region. Basketball commonly pays per game, often similar to softball, but schedules cluster in winter and can include multiple games in a gym on the same night. Soccer can pay well, especially for center referees, but often involves more running and larger fields. Volleyball is indoors with reliable scheduling and warm conditions. Many officials cross over between sports to keep income steady across the school year.

Experience, Certifications, and Raises

Moving up to varsity and playoffs

Higher-paying games usually come as you gain experience and trust. Associations often have a pathway: start with sub-varsity, work clean mechanics, learn the rules deeply, handle game management well, and you will move into varsity. From there, strong evaluations can lead to district playoffs and state assignments. Each step up typically brings better fees, longer travel reimbursements, and a chance at marquee games that raise your profile and your pay.

Clinics, mentors, and ratings

To climb the ladder, focus on training. Attend clinics, ask for feedback from senior umpires, and study high school rulebooks and case plays. Some areas use formal ratings or observation reports. Others rely on assignor recommendations. Either way, if you show up prepared, keep calm under pressure, and communicate clearly with coaches and partners, you will stand out and earn more assignments at the levels that pay best.

How to Earn More as a High School Softball Umpire

Work more dates without burning out

The easiest way to increase income is to work more games. If your schedule allows, grab weekday assignments and one weekend tournament per month. Doubleheaders are efficient because your travel time is spread across two games. Be careful not to overload your calendar early in the season. Fatigue leads to mistakes and missed opportunities later, especially when playoffs arrive and fees are higher.

Join more than one association

If your area permits it, join a second association that covers other schools or nearby districts. This gives you access to more games and a wider range of fees. It also helps if one league has lots of rainouts or if your primary association is saturated with officials. Be honest with assignors about your availability so you do not double-book. Having options also gives you leverage to choose the best-paying or most efficient assignments.

Build relationships and say yes to last-minute calls

Assignors remember reliable umpires who answer the phone and fill holes. If you can step in for a last-minute varsity game, you may earn a long-term spot on that school’s preferred list. Coaches also remember officials who hustle, explain rulings clearly, and keep games on time. A good reputation often leads to better schedules and more postseason chances, which directly improves your pay.

Frequently Asked Money Questions

Can you make a living from high school softball umpiring alone?

For most people, no. High school softball is a part-time, seasonal income. A busy spring might bring in a few thousand dollars, not a full-time salary. Some officials combine multiple sports across the school year, plus summer ball or adult leagues, to create a larger stream of income. If you want a full-time career in officiating, the pathway usually involves college conferences, travel ball circuits, or professional opportunities.

Are there benefits like health insurance or retirement?

High school umpires are usually independent contractors. That means no benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off. You are responsible for your own coverage, gear, and taxes. The upside is flexibility. You set your availability and pick assignments that fit your life. The downside is that income stops when the season ends or if you are injured or sick.

How do taxes work for umpires?

In most cases, your game fees are taxable income. If you earn over a certain amount from an association or platform, you may receive a tax form, but even if you do not, you still need to report the income. Many umpires keep a simple spreadsheet of dates, schools, fees, mileage, and expenses like gear and dues. Talk with a tax professional about deducting mileage, uniforms, and supplies. Good records make tax time easier and can save you money.

Realistic Income Scenarios

The part-time parent or teacher

Picture a parent or teacher who works two games a week for eight weeks at $70 per game, plus occasional mileage. That is roughly 16 games and $1,120 in fees, maybe $100 to $200 more in travel pay. After a few small costs, the season might net around $1,000 to $1,200. It is not a second salary, but it can help with family expenses, saving goals, or summer fun money, and it keeps you active in your local sports community.

The retiree or flexible worker

Now consider a retiree who enjoys being around the game and can work three to four times a week, plus the occasional Saturday tournament. Over a two-month season, that could be 25 to 35 games. At an average of $75 per game, fees land between $1,875 and $2,625, plus mileage that might add a few hundred dollars. If they also get assigned to a couple of playoff dates, the total could move closer to $3,000 for the season.

The Bigger Picture

Why the job still matters

Pay matters, but so does purpose. High school softball gives umpires a chance to support student-athletes, teach fair play, and keep the game safe. Many officials love the field time, the teamwork with partners, and the satisfaction of handling a tough call well. If you enjoy being part of sports and want a flexible side income, the role can be very rewarding.

Trends and the push for better pay

Across the country, schools and associations are working to improve pay and keep officials. Shortages in some areas have led to increased fees, better mileage policies, and more training support. If you are thinking about joining, this is a good time. As you gain experience, you can aim for varsity, tournaments, and postseason crews that raise your earning potential and your enjoyment of the job.

Conclusion

High school softball umpires are most often paid per game, with common regular-season fees around $55 to $95 depending on level, location, and experience. Travel pay, playoff assignments, and tournaments can lift your total income, while gear and dues are the main costs. A typical season is part-time and seasonal, not a full-time income, but it can be a reliable and enjoyable way to earn extra money while staying close to the game. If you manage your schedule, invest in training, and build relationships with assignors and schools, you can move into higher-paying assignments and make the most of each season. The bottom line is simple: the work pays reasonably for a side gig, and the experience on the field can be worth even more.