How Much Money Do College Baseball Umpires Make

How much money do college baseball umpires make? It’s a simple question with a layered answer. Pay depends on your level (Division I, II, III, NAIA, or JUCO), which conference you work in, how far you travel, whether the game is part of a weekend series or a midweek matchup, and whether it’s regular season or postseason. Umpires are also independent contractors, so per-game fees, mileage, and per diem policies can vary widely. In this guide, we’ll break it down in clear, beginner-friendly terms, show realistic earning scenarios, and explain what affects your paycheck so you can see what a season might actually look like.

The Short Answer: Typical Pay Ranges at a Glance

If you want a quick take, here’s the general picture most umpires see across the United States. Remember, these are ranges, not guarantees, and they can move up or down based on the conference, game format, and your experience.

Regular Season Per-Game Fees

Division I: roughly $350 to $700 per game in many conferences, with higher-paying leagues sometimes going above that range for premium weekend series. Midweek games can be on the lower end, weekend rivalry series on the higher end.

Division II: commonly $200 to $450 per game. Some strong DII conferences trend higher; local travel can influence how assignments are distributed.

Division III/NAIA/JUCO: typically $150 to $350 per game. Proximity and the local supply of umpires can push pay up or down.

Postseason and Tournament Premiums

Conference tournaments and NCAA postseason rounds usually pay more than regular-season games. It is common to see a 20% to 50% bump for conference tournaments, while NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals can offer higher per-game rates or flat series stipends that exceed typical regular-season pay. Umpires selected for the biggest stages can earn a notable premium for those assignments, plus travel support.

Travel, Mileage, and Per Diem

On top of the game fee, umpires often receive mileage reimbursement (commonly in the ballpark of about $0.45 to $0.65 per mile, though some conferences use the IRS standard rate and others set their own). Per diem for meals commonly ranges from about $40 to $80 per day, and hotels are frequently covered by the host school or reimbursed. These extras can make a big difference, especially on multi-day road trips.

How College Baseball Umpire Pay Is Structured

College baseball umpiring isn’t a salaried job. It’s gig-based work, often managed by conference assigners who book crews and set expectations. Understanding how the money flows will help you plan a season and avoid surprises.

Independent Contractor Basics

College umpires work as independent contractors, not employees of the NCAA or the schools. That means you typically fill out a W-9 for each paying organization and receive a 1099 for your income at tax time if you cross the reporting threshold. You’re responsible for tracking your income and expenses, and you pay self-employment taxes on your net earnings.

Who Actually Pays You

Payment usually comes from the conference office or directly from schools, depending on the arrangement. Some conferences centralize payments; others have host schools cut checks. The assigner coordinates crews, but the financial logistics can differ from league to league.

Crew Size and Assignments

Most regular-season college games use three-person crews; some high-profile games and many postseason contests use four. You’ll be paid individually, but the crew format can affect per-game rates set by the conference. In some leagues, there’s one flat fee for every umpire on the crew. In others, there might be a small premium for the plate umpire or for working a doubleheader. Always confirm how your specific conference handles this.

Regular Season vs. Postseason: What Changes

The biggest jumps in pay usually show up in the postseason, when games are high-stakes and crews may expand to four umpires with replay elements. Travel support tends to improve too, which helps your net earnings.

Conference Tournaments

Conference tournaments generally come with a pay bump. Some leagues pay a higher per-game fee, while others offer a flat daily rate for working multiple games. Per diem and hotel coverage are common for tournaments, and mileage terms are usually clear up front. These details are worth confirming before you accept the assignment.

NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals

Umpires selected for NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals are typically among the better-graded officials from the season. Pay can be per game or a series-based stipend that reflects the intensity and visibility of the event. The combined earnings (game fees plus travel, hotel, and per diem) usually exceed a normal week of regular-season games.

College World Series and Major Events

The highest-stage assignments often include a premium stipend that covers multiple dates, travel support, and per diem. While this is rare air for most umpires, it’s a meaningful financial and professional milestone for those who reach it.

What a Season’s Earnings Can Look Like

Range is helpful, but examples tell the story. Here are three realistic, simplified scenarios. Your mileage, literally and figuratively, will vary. These are not promises—just illustrations to help you estimate.

Scenario 1: Local D3/NAIA/JUCO Umpire

Games: 28 single games and 6 doubleheaders from February to May, mostly within an hour’s drive.

Game fees: Assume $225 per single game and $200 per game in a doubleheader. That’s (28 x $225) + (12 x $200) = $6,300 + $2,400 = $8,700 in game fees.

Mileage: Let’s say you average 40 miles round-trip for 30 of those dates, reimbursed at $0.55/mile. That’s roughly 30 x 40 x $0.55 = $660.

Per diem: Many single-day local games won’t include per diem; doubleheaders might. Assume modest per diem on 6 doubleheader dates at $50 each = $300.

Estimated gross: Around $9,660 for the season.

Expenses: Gear replacement, association dues, and a few unpaid meals could total $600 to $1,000. After basic expenses, you might net around $8,800 to $9,000 before taxes. Self-employment taxes and income tax will reduce that further.

Scenario 2: Regional D2/D1 Mix, Weekday and Weekend

Games: 20 midweek D2/D3/NAIA games, 16 D1 weekend games (spread across eight series), plus 4 postseason tournament games.

Game fees: Midweek at $275 each (20 x $275 = $5,500). D1 weekends at $475 each (16 x $475 = $7,600). Postseason bump at $600 each (4 x $600 = $2,400). Total game fees = $15,500.

Mileage and per diem: Assume you drive farther for weekends, with two to three hotel nights per series covered or reimbursed. Rough estimate: $1,000 to $1,600 in total mileage reimbursements and $700 to $1,200 in per diem.

Estimated gross: Roughly $17,200 to $18,300 including travel/per diem reimbursements.

Expenses: Extra gear, uniforms, association dues, clinics, and meals beyond per diem might total $1,200 to $1,800. Before taxes, your net could land around $15,500 to $17,000.

Scenario 3: High-End D1 with Postseason

Games: 30 to 40 D1 games across regular season weekends, a few midweeks, plus selection to work a conference tournament and an NCAA Regional or Super Regional.

Game fees: Let’s assume 36 regular-season D1 games at $550 each = $19,800. Conference tournament: 4 games at a higher rate, say $700 each = $2,800. NCAA assignment: a series-based or per-game total that might range from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on format and days worked. Total potential game fees = roughly $24,600 to $26,600.

Mileage and per diem: With longer trips and multiple hotel nights covered, reimbursements and per diem can add a few thousand more. A reasonable estimate: $2,000 to $3,500.

Estimated gross: Around $26,600 to $30,100 including travel/per diem reimbursements.

Expenses: Top-tier umpires often spend more on travel gaps, premium gear, and clinics. Budget $1,500 to $2,500. Before taxes, your net might land between $24,000 and $28,000, with self-employment taxes still to pay.

What Determines Your Game Fee

Your per-game pay isn’t random. Several variables drive the number you see on your assignment notice.

Division and Conference Strength

Higher divisions generally pay higher fees, but not always. Some strong D2 conferences out-pay lower-tier D1 leagues for certain games. Within D1, power conferences tend to pay more than smaller conferences. Assigners weigh budgets, travel expectations, and crew size when they set rates.

Experience and Evaluations

Umpires build seniority over seasons and earn better assignments when their performance is graded well. That usually translates to more D1 weekends, more postseason opportunities, and higher overall earning potential. New college umpires typically start in lower divisions or as fill-ins and move up by consistently performing well.

Game Type: Midweek vs. Weekend

Midweek games often pay less than weekend series. The weekends carry more fan interest, larger crews, and higher intensity, which conferences often recognize in the rate. Doubleheaders can be paid per game, and the rate may be the same as a single game or adjusted depending on the conference policy.

Crew Size and Plate Assignments

Some leagues pay a flat rate for all umpires. Others may add a small premium for the plate assignment because it’s physically and mentally taxing. Clarify whether your conference differentiates pay by position and whether a four-umpire crew changes your per-game fee.

Travel Distance and Living Area

If you live close to many schools, you’ll have more options without heavy travel. Umpires who cover large regions may see more assignments with stronger fees but also incur more time on the road. Some conferences prefer local officials for midweeks to cut mileage costs, especially during busy portions of the schedule.

Travel, Per Diem, and Hotels: The Hidden Part of Pay

Two umpires with the same game fee can net very different amounts because of travel and per diem policies. These details matter.

Mileage Reimbursement

Many conferences reimburse mileage per car rather than per umpire. Carpooling can be strategic if you can split miles fairly among the crew. Always confirm whether the rate follows the IRS standard or a conference-specific number, and whether there’s a cap or minimum distance rule.

Per Diem Policies

Per diem is most common on multi-day road trips or tournaments. Some schools use a flat daily amount; others reimburse actuals with receipts up to a cap. Know whether your per diem covers the travel day and whether partial days are prorated.

Hotel Coverage

Hotel rooms are often booked by the host school or reimbursed. Check whether you have a single room or if the policy pairs umpires to share rooms. Understand the check-in and check-out timing and whether incidentals are your responsibility.

Weather and Cancellations

Baseball is weather-sensitive. Some conferences have a show-up fee if a game is canceled after you arrive. Others pay a reduced rate for a suspended game or a full rate if a certain number of innings are completed. Clarify these policies for your schedule so you’re not surprised when rain rolls in.

Expenses You’ll Pay Out of Pocket

Because you’re an independent contractor, you’ll cover your own gear, association dues, training, and a chunk of travel-related costs not covered by per diem. Plan for these upfront to avoid eroding your net pay.

Gear and Uniforms

Initial gear can be expensive: mask, chest protector, shin guards, plate shoes, base shoes, multiple shirts and jackets, pants tailored for plate and base, ball bags, indicators, and equipment bag. A reasonable setup can run from several hundred dollars to over a thousand, especially if you buy high-quality protective gear. You’ll also replace shirts, pants, and shoes periodically due to wear and tear.

Association Dues, Clinics, and Tests

Expect yearly dues for local or regional umpire associations. Many conferences require rules tests, mechanics clinics, and sometimes in-person evaluations that carry registration fees. These are investments that help you improve and qualify for better assignments, but they do add up.

Insurance and Background Checks

Some organizations require liability insurance and background checks. Fees are usually modest but should be part of your yearly budget.

Taxes and Bookkeeping

Set aside a portion of every payment for taxes. A common rule of thumb is to reserve 25% to 30% for federal, state, and self-employment taxes, but your situation may differ. Keep a mileage log, save receipts, and track your per diem. Good records make tax time easier and help you see your true net income.

Extra Ways Umpires Earn Money

Your college season is just one piece of the puzzle. Many umpires add income in the fall and summer or by supporting training and camps.

Fall Ball and Off-Season Scrimmages

College programs run fall exhibitions and scrimmages that need officials. These games often pay less than in-season contests but are great for staying sharp and adding income without heavy travel.

Summer Collegiate Leagues

Leagues like the Cape Cod League, Northwoods League, and others pay for a busy summer slate. The pay structures vary: some are per game, others are stipends with housing involved. These games mimic college-level competition and can boost your resume and your bank account.

Camps, Clinics, and Evaluation Events

Umpire camps sometimes pay instructors and evaluators stipends. While these are not typically big moneymakers, they can offset costs and help you build relationships with assigners and coordinators who influence your college assignments.

How to Move Up and Earn More

Higher pay follows higher-level assignments. That path is built on skill, reliability, and networking.

Master the Fundamentals

Strong strike zone, crisp mechanics, excellent timing, and professional game management are non-negotiable. Seek feedback from veteran umpires and evaluators. Video your plate work when possible and review it honestly.

Know the NCAA Rule Book and Mechanics

Rules knowledge separates good from great. Stay current with annual rule changes and points of emphasis. Conferences often share training materials—take them seriously. Clean mechanics make your crew look sharp and reduce game issues.

Be Reliable and Professional

Answer assignment requests quickly, arrive early, communicate travel details with your crew, and handle coaches with composure. Assigners talk; your reputation for consistency will bring better games and more postseason opportunities.

Network with Assigners and Coordinators

Many conferences use a handful of assigners who also work with summer leagues and fall events. Introduce yourself professionally, attend camps they recommend, and be patient. A strong season in a lower division often leads to a trial game or two in a higher division the next year.

Comparing Baseball to Other College Sports

People sometimes ask why college baseball umpires don’t make the same as basketball or football officials. The answer boils down to different economics and schedules.

Event Size and Budgets

College football and basketball draw larger TV audiences and gate revenues, which support higher per-game pay for officials. Baseball has many more dates with smaller crowds on average, so budgets are spread across more games. That changes the arithmetic for conferences and schools.

Number of Assignments

Baseball offers more opportunities across a season. While a single football game might pay more, there are fewer of them. Baseball umpires can stack many assignments if they manage travel and availability well, which can bring annual totals into a healthy side income range.

Common Myths and Realities

Let’s clear up a few misunderstandings that float around dugouts and message boards.

Myth: College Umpires Are on Salary

Reality: College baseball umpires are paid per game as independent contractors. There is no standard salary, and benefits like health insurance are not provided by conferences or schools.

Myth: Everyone in Division I Makes the Same

Reality: Even within D1, game fees vary by conference, game type, and sometimes by crew format. Postseason assignments pay more, and not everyone receives them.

Myth: Travel Is Always First-Class and Fully Covered

Reality: Policies vary, but expect economy travel and practical hotel arrangements. Many leagues do cover hotels and per diem on multi-day trips, but not every midweek game includes extras. Mileage rules can differ and may be paid per vehicle, not per umpire.

Negotiating and Protecting Your Earnings

You won’t negotiate like a free agent, but you can protect your time and money by understanding policies and keeping excellent records.

Confirm the Details Before You Go

For every assignment, know the per-game fee, whether it changes for doubleheaders, the mileage rate, per diem rules, hotel coverage, and the weather/cancellation policy. If a school books the hotel, get confirmation in writing, including dates and room type.

Track Everything You Spend and Earn

Use a simple spreadsheet or expense app to log miles, per diem, meals not covered, gear purchases, dues, clinic fees, and payments received. Accurate records help at tax time and prevent underpayment or miscommunication about reimbursements.

Communicate with Your Crew

Coordinate carpooling to maximize mileage efficiency. Talk about arrival times, plate rotations, and contingency plans for weather. Crews who plan ahead spend less and avoid last-minute scrambles that eat into their net pay.

Future Trends in College Umpire Pay

College sports are changing fast, and umpire compensation tends to evolve with budgets, technology, and travel realities.

Replay and Technology Roles

More conferences are using replay in some form, which can affect crew size and responsibilities. In some cases, replay-related duties may come with a small premium or require additional training. As technology expands, expect policies—and possibly compensation structures—to adjust.

Conference Realignment and Travel

Realignment can stretch a conference map across multiple states, increasing travel demands. Longer trips often bring better travel support and per diem, but they also mean more time away. Keep an eye on how your conference responds and whether it updates reimbursement policies.

Inflation and Cost-of-Living Adjustments

Per-game fees, per diem rates, and mileage reimbursements don’t always keep up with inflation. Some leagues update regularly; others lag. If your expenses rise faster than your fees, your net will shrink, so choose assignments with eyes open.

Putting It All Together: Is College Umpiring Worth It?

College baseball umpiring can be a rewarding way to stay close to the game, sharpen your skills, and earn meaningful side income. The ceiling is highest for umpires who reach top-level Division I and postseason assignments, but even local D3 or NAIA schedules can produce several thousand dollars a season, especially if travel is light and you stack doubleheaders.

That said, it’s not a path to getting rich. You’ll work long days, drive plenty of miles, invest in gear, and manage your own taxes. The umpires who get the most from it see the work as a craft: they care about the strike zone, about handling tough situations with respect, and about representing the game well. The money follows performance, reliability, and relationships.

Conclusion

So, how much money do college baseball umpires make? For many, regular-season game fees range from about $150 to $700 per game depending on the level, with top Division I assignments sometimes higher. Postseason pay is better, and travel support—mileage, hotels, and per diem—can add a meaningful boost. A modest local schedule might bring in around $8,000 to $10,000 before taxes, a mixed D2/D1 slate could reach the mid-teens, and a strong D1 season with postseason can climb into the mid to upper five figures in gross seasonal earnings when reimbursements are included.

Your true take-home depends on expenses and taxes, so careful planning matters. If you love the game, commit to improving, and build trust with assigners and crews, college umpiring can deliver both pride and pay. Start where you are, keep learning, and let your work open doors to higher-level opportunities and higher-paying assignments.