How much do NFL referees make during the Super Bowl?

The Super Bowl is watched by millions around the world every year. While the main focus is on the players, another group feels just as much pressure which is the referees. These officials must make split-second calls that can decide the outcome of the biggest game in American sports.

With all that scrutiny, many people wonder: How much do NFL referees get paid for the Super Bowl?

How much do NFL referees make?

Unlike players who earn millions from their contract, NFL referees have a very different pay structure. The league does not publicly release exact salaries, but reports based on past collective bargaining agreements and insider estimates give a good picture.

On average, an NFL referee earns around $205,000 per season during the regular year.

This figure includes regular game fees, travel stipends, and sometimes retirement and health benefits. Broken down, this could mean around $11,000 to $12,000 per regular-season game if a referee works every week.Even though that number may sound high compared to many professions, referees are not full-time NFL employees. Most officials have other careers off the field from business professionals to educators and officiate as a part-time role alongside their primary jobs.

Once the regular season ends, selected referees are chosen to work playoff games. This is a merit-based selection, so only the best teams get to work in the postseason. Referees get paid more during postseason games, with estimates putting the amount at $3,000 to $5,000 per game. These bonuses show how important the game is and how much more work the officials do to get ready for games with larger stakes.

Why Super Bowl pay matters

The biggest payday for an NFL official comes when they are selected to work the Super Bowl.

Because the Super Bowl is the most watched and high-pressure game of the year, the NFL offers a significant bonus for those officials chosen to officiate it.

According to multiple sources, Super Bowl referees can earn a bonus ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 for just that one game. This amount is on top of their regular season and playoff earnings.For many referees, working the Super Bowl is both a career honour and a major financial boost. The extra compensation recognises the experience, consistency, and performance needed to earn the assignment.Despite this, officiating in the NFL remains a unique part-time profession. Referees must balance demanding travel schedules and hours of rule study, often while holding full-time jobs outside of football.