How much does a Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials make in California?
Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
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.
Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Salaries for Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials in California range from $33,420 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $128,650 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $35,340 and $104,060.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $33,420 | $16.07 | $2,785 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,340 | $16.99 | $2,945 |
| Median (50th) | $44,590 | $21.44 | $3,715 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,060 | $50.03 | $8,671 |
| 90th Percentile (Experienced) | $128,650 | $61.85 | $10,720 |
Note: The mean (average) salary of $64,770 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
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Compare Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS