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How much do college football referees make? This is a common question among fans who love the game and among new officials who want to work at the highest levels. The short answer is that college football officials are paid per game, not by salary, and the amount varies by division, conference, experience, and assignment. In top conferences, a single game can pay several thousand dollars. In lower divisions, it may be a few hundred dollars. In this guide, you will learn how pay works, what affects it, realistic earnings at different levels, and how the job compares to the NFL and high school officiating. Everything is explained in clear language so you can quickly understand the big picture and the details.
What Does a College Football Referee Do?
Before we talk about money, it helps to know what the job looks like. College football officiating is teamwork. A crew manages the game, enforces rules, keeps players safe, and communicates with coaches and TV. The job is demanding, physical, and very visible. Pay reflects not only the game time, but also the preparation and risk that come with big moments on live television.
The Crew and Each Role
A college crew usually has eight on-field officials: referee, umpire, center judge, line judge, down judge, field judge, side judge, and back judge. There is also a replay official and an operator in the booth for many conferences. The referee leads the crew, announces penalties, and handles game administration. The umpire and center judge focus on the interior line and game clock. The wings (line judge and down judge) manage the sidelines, line of scrimmage, and substitutions. The deep officials (field, side, and back judge) handle pass coverage, deep action, and game clock support. Replay officials review plays and help correct clear errors. Everyone has a defined area and task, and everyone is graded on performance.
What a Typical Work Week Looks Like
Officials do far more than show up on Saturday. During the season, crews study rule updates, watch training clips, and meet on video calls. They review their last game, study upcoming teams’ tendencies, and discuss mechanics. Travel starts Friday for many FBS games. Game day includes on-field warmups, pregame meetings with coaches, and communication with the TV truck. After the game, officials submit reports and await their weekly grading. Pay covers the game itself, but the preparation is a big part of the job and the time commitment.
How Officials Are Paid in College Football
Almost all college football officials are paid as independent contractors. There is no annual salary for most. You get a game fee for each assignment and may receive per diem, mileage, and lodging coverage. Postseason games pay more. Conferences and assigning organizations set the rates, which change over time and vary across the country.
Independent Contractors, Not Salaried Employees
College officials are not full-time employees of the NCAA or conferences. They receive a per-game fee and submit tax forms as independent contractors. This means no employer-paid benefits and no withholding. Officials are responsible for managing taxes, saving for retirement, and paying for many job-related costs like equipment and some travel items.
Game Fees, Travel, and Per Diem
The core of compensation is the game fee. At the high end, major conference games pay several thousand dollars per official. At lower levels, the fee is smaller. Travel and per diem policies differ by conference. Many conferences book flights and hotels directly or reimburse them. Per diem often covers meals and incidental expenses. Mileage reimbursement is common for officials who drive. When you compare pay between conferences, you must look at both the fee and what the conference covers, because out-of-pocket costs change the money you keep.
Postseason and Special Assignments
Conference championships, bowl games, and College Football Playoff assignments pay more than regular season games. These are showcase events with more pressure, more review, and more eyes on the crew. Selection depends on season grades and conference policies. Spring games, scrimmages, and clinics sometimes pay a small fee or per diem. They can help offset costs while improving skills, but the big checks come from in-season Saturdays and postseason charts.
Typical Pay by Level and Conference
Exact pay is not published by all conferences, and rates change. However, reported and commonly cited ranges give a realistic picture. Think in ranges rather than single numbers, because experience, position, and assignment type all matter.
Power Five Conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, Pac-12 era and successors)
At the top level of FBS, per-game fees for on-field officials are commonly reported in the range of about $3,000 to $5,000 per regular season game. Some conferences or certain senior positions may be a bit higher. Conference championship games often pay a premium, frequently in the ballpark of $4,000 to $6,000. College Football Playoff semifinals and major New Year’s Six bowls can pay more, often cited in ranges of $5,000 to $10,000 for on-field officials. The national championship typically pays at the high end of bowl rates, though exact figures vary by year and assignment policies. Replay officials in these leagues can receive substantial per-game fees as well, commonly cited around $1,000 to $2,500 depending on conference and game profile.
Group of Five Conferences (AAC, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, Sun Belt)
Group of Five regular season games typically pay less than Power Five but still offer solid rates. Reported ranges are roughly $1,500 to $3,000 per game for on-field officials, with some variation for seniority and position. Conference championships and well-known bowls generally offer a bump, often cited around $2,500 to $4,000 for the game fee. Replay officials in these conferences usually earn less than in the Power Five but may still receive several hundred to around a thousand dollars per game.
FCS (Football Championship Subdivision)
FCS game fees tend to land somewhere around $500 to $1,500 per regular season game, depending on the conference and the official’s role. Postseason FCS playoff games pay more than regular season contests, often in the range of $1,000 to $2,500. Replay is used in many FCS leagues and usually pays less than FBS replay but more than lower-division rates.
Division II
Division II officials often receive a few hundred dollars per game, commonly around $300 to $600 for regular season contests. Travel and per diem coverage varies by conference. Playoff rates increase but remain below FCS levels. Because travel can be regional and more officials drive to games, mileage policies often make a real difference in net pay.
Division III and NAIA
Division III and NAIA assignments typically pay the least at the college level but are still valuable stepping stones. Regular season fees are commonly in the range of about $200 to $400 per game for on-field officials. Conference and NCAA Division III playoff assignments increase the fee, often to the $400 to $700 range. Some NAIA postseason games can be a bit higher depending on event profile.
Replay Officials
Replay pay follows the same pattern as on-field work: Power Five leagues pay the most, then Group of Five, then FCS. In general, replay rates often range from a few hundred dollars at the lower levels to low thousands in major conferences. Replay professionals may work more games because they avoid travel constraints, but assignment policies differ widely.
Factors That Affect a Referee’s Pay
Two officials in the same conference may not take home the same amount for a season. Several factors decide the game fee and the net money after expenses. Understanding these factors helps explain why ranges vary and why career advancement matters so much.
Experience and Grading
Conferences rank and grade officials every week. Higher-graded officials often get better games and postseason assignments. Seniority can matter because the toughest games go to proven crews. A veteran with strong evaluations may work more TV games, rivalry weeks, or postseason slots, all of which raise total pay.
Position on the Crew
Not every official on the field earns the same fee. Referees, who lead the crew, sometimes receive a higher rate than other positions. Some conferences pay uniform rates; others have slight differences by position. Replay officials also have separate pay scales.
Game Importance and Television
High-profile games with national TV attention are harder assignments. They often come with more compensation and more scrutiny. While not every conference has a formal “TV bonus,” the most visible matchups usually land in higher-paying categories or lead to postseason selections that pay premiums.
Geography and Travel Distance
If a conference books flights and hotels, the official’s out-of-pocket travel cost may be small. If a league relies on mileage reimbursement, long drives can eat time and net income. Local officials who drive short distances keep more of the fee. Location also affects assignment frequency, since crews must reliably reach stadiums on time despite weather and airline issues.
Realistic Earning Scenarios
To make the numbers more concrete, here are sample seasons. These are simplified examples using commonly reported ranges. Your mileage will vary by conference, position, and policies. The point is to show how the math looks when you add games, travel, and postseason.
Scenario 1: Power Conference Veteran with a Bowl
Imagine a veteran in a major conference who works 12 regular season games at an average of $4,000 per game. That yields $48,000. If this official earns a New Year’s Six bowl at $7,000, total gross pay becomes $55,000. Add per diem for two-day trips at $75 per day and roughly 12 away games, and you might add another $1,800. If flights and hotels are covered by the conference, out-of-pocket travel costs are limited to incidentals and gear. After buying or replacing equipment and uniforms, paying for rule books, and covering some meals not covered by per diem, this official could reasonably net somewhere in the low-to-mid $50,000s for the season before taxes. Keep in mind, this reflects a strong year with a premium bowl assignment.
Scenario 2: Group of Five Rising Official
A Group of Five official might work 11 games at an average of $2,200 each. That is $24,200. If assigned to a conference championship at $3,000, total gross reaches $27,200. If the official drives to many games, mileage at the standard reimbursement rate can help, but there might be more out-of-pocket costs for hotels and meals depending on policy. After expenses and taxes, net earnings might land closer to the low-to-mid $20,000s.
Scenario 3: FCS Starter Working Regionally
An FCS official could work 10 regular season games at $900 each for $9,000. With one playoff game at $1,500, gross is $10,500. If the conference reimburses mileage and provides a modest per diem, out-of-pocket costs might be a few hundred dollars over the season. After gear and taxes, net could be in the $8,000 to $9,000 range. This is a very respectable side income for someone with a full-time weekday job.
Scenario 4: Division II or III Weekend Warrior
At Division II or Division III, an official might work 9 to 11 games, earning about $300 to $450 per game. Assume 10 games at $375 each, which is $3,750. If there is a playoff or rivalry assignment at $600, total gross is $4,350. Travel is usually by car and may be reimbursed at a set rate, which helps offset fuel and wear. After buying shoes, shirts, communication equipment, and flags, net may be around $3,000 to $3,500 before taxes. For newer officials building a career, these games are valuable, both for learning and for income.
What About Spring Games and Clinics?
Spring games, scrimmages, and summer clinics sometimes pay a small fee or per diem, such as $100 to a few hundred dollars. These events are more about learning, networking with supervisors, and preparing for the fall. They can cover some costs and help you get ready for a higher-paying autumn schedule.
Hidden Costs and The Money You Keep
A game fee does not equal take-home pay. Independent contractors must plan for taxes and job-related expenses. Officials who manage costs well can keep more of what they earn. Those who travel long distances without full reimbursement may keep less.
Taxes and Self-Employment
Officials usually receive a 1099 form for income. This means you must pay self-employment tax as well as income tax unless you structure your business differently with the help of a tax professional. Keeping records of mileage, gear, and training expenses can help when you file. Many officials set aside a percentage of every game fee to cover taxes later.
Gear and Technology
Uniforms, shoes, flags, whistles, radios, bean bags, travel bags, and cold-weather gear add up. Major conferences may require specific brands or radio models. You might spend several hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars per year on equipment and replacements. High-quality shoes and proper layers are investments in comfort and health during long seasons.
Training, Clinics, and Camps
Most conferences expect officials to attend clinics. Some are virtual. Others require travel and hotel stays. Registration fees, travel costs, and time away from work are all real considerations. These events are key for development and visibility, and they can pay off with better assignments.
Opportunity Cost and Time
Saturdays are spoken for, but much of the work happens Monday through Friday: film study, rules quizzes, fitness, and crew calls. Many officials also work high school or small college games on weeknights. The time commitment is significant, and the best officials treat the job like a second profession.
How College Pay Compares to the NFL and High School
College sits between high school and the NFL in both visibility and pay. Understanding the differences helps you set realistic expectations.
NFL Officials
NFL officials are part-time but operate under a league agreement that provides higher compensation than college. Publicly reported estimates suggest NFL officials can earn well into the six figures across the season when you combine base amounts and per-game or bonus structures, especially for veterans and postseason assignments. This is far above college rates. The pathway from college to the NFL is competitive and selective. Many years of top performance in FBS are common before an official gets a serious look.
High School Officials
High school game fees vary by state and level of play. Typical varsity football games often pay between about $80 and $150 per game, with some areas higher or lower. Playoff rates rise. While high school officiating offers steady assignments and community involvement, it is much less lucrative than college. However, it is the main entry path into college officiating and is excellent training for mechanics and game management.
Path to Higher Pay: How to Advance
The fastest way to earn more is to move up levels and get postseason games. That requires strong performance, great communication, and consistent availability. Here is how officials build toward higher-paying assignments.
Build a Strong Foundation at Lower Levels
Most college officials start in high school and small college leagues. You learn mechanics, positioning, and how to handle pressure. Crisp signals, good judgment, and hustle stand out. Supervisors notice officials who arrive prepared, move well, and help the crew function smoothly.
Get Noticed by Supervisors and Coordinators
Each conference has a coordinator of officials who watches film, grades performance, and makes assignments. Attend clinics where coordinators teach. Ask for feedback and use it. Be coachable. When supervisors trust you in tough spots, they put you on bigger games, which improves postseason chances and increases pay.
Fitness and Rule Mastery
Football moves fast, and college offenses push the tempo. Good positioning comes from conditioning. Officials who stay fit get better looks at plays and fewer mistakes. Rule study is also essential. Each year brings tweaks to timing, targeting, blocks below the waist, and more. Mastery reduces errors and upgrades your grading, which helps your assignments and income.
Managing the Sideline and Communication
College sidelines are crowded with players, coaches, media, security, and staff. Calm, clear communication prevents small issues from becoming big ones. Strong game management earns trust from supervisors and TV partners. Trust leads to assignments that pay more, especially rivalry games and bowls.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have similar questions about how much money college football referees make. These short answers will help clarify common doubts.
Do referees get bonuses for TV games?
Some conferences categorize games by profile, which can lead to different pay tiers. A national TV game might land in a higher pay category or help with postseason selection. Whether that is called a “bonus” or just a higher tier depends on conference policy. The general rule is that bigger games come with better compensation or future earning opportunities.
Are bowl trips free vacations?
Bowl assignments are work. The schedule is full, and expectations are high. Many bowls cover travel, hotels, and meals. The pay is higher than regular season games. However, officials must attend meetings, walk-throughs, and media-related timing rehearsals. It is a great experience but not a vacation.
Can you make a living as a college football referee?
Most college officials have full-time careers outside officiating. Even at the Power Five level, the money is usually a strong second income, not a replacement for a full-time job. Only at the NFL level does officiating pay approach a primary income for many officials. College officiating is best viewed as a professional craft you do in addition to your main career.
Do women and men get paid the same?
Within a conference, the pay rate for a given assignment is typically the same regardless of gender. What differs is assignment level and frequency, which depend on grading and supervisor decisions. As more women work in college and the NFL, opportunities continue to expand. Pay follows the assignment, not the official’s gender.
Latest Trends That Influence Pay
Officiating does not sit still. A few ongoing changes affect both pay levels and the costs officials manage.
Conference Realignment and Travel
As conferences shift membership, travel patterns change. Some leagues are now spread across larger regions, increasing flight time and complexity. When conferences cover air and hotel, the official’s net pay is protected. When they do not, mileage and travel time can reduce the money you keep. Realignment can also change the number of marquee games in a league, affecting the number of premium assignments.
Technology and Replay Expansion
Replay systems and communication radios are essential in modern college football. That means more training, more specialized skills, and sometimes more specialized pay structures. Replay officials may work more frequently because they avoid travel limitations, but they also face higher scrutiny with every review broadcast to the world.
Shortage of Officials
Many regions report shortages of officials at lower levels. While college football still attracts strong candidates, the pipeline depends on high school officials gaining experience. If shortages persist, colleges may invest more in training, recruitment, and retention. Over time, this can support pay stability or increases, especially at the small-college level where travel demands are significant for modest fees.
Key Takeaways
College football referees are paid per game, not by annual salary, and most are independent contractors. At the top level of FBS, regular season games commonly pay in the range of about $3,000 to $5,000, with postseason games higher. Group of Five games typically land around $1,500 to $3,000. FCS often ranges from $500 to $1,500, Division II around $300 to $600, and Division III and NAIA around $200 to $400 for regular season contests. Conference championships, bowls, and the College Football Playoff pay premiums. Replay officials also earn per-game fees, which are highest in major conferences. Net income depends on travel coverage, per diem, gear, and taxes. For most officials, college football is a strong second income, not a full-time job. Advancement comes from fitness, rules mastery, communication, and consistent performance.
Conclusion
So, how much do college football referees make? The true answer is, it depends on where you work, how often you are assigned, and which games you get. A Power Five veteran can gross tens of thousands in one season, especially with a high-profile bowl. A Group of Five or FCS official earns less but still builds a meaningful second income. Division II and III pay less but offer valuable experience and a pathway upward. Across all levels, the job demands preparation, fitness, and calm in the spotlight. If you are new and curious about the path, start local, learn the rules, get great at mechanics, and be coachable. If you do that, the assignments and the pay will grow with you.