How much do NFL refs make?

NFL officials are some of the most scrutinized people in the sports world. So, how much do they get paid to receive the vitriol of fans everywhere?

No, not enough isn’t the right answer.

League officials are scrutinized every week on a molecular basis from yours truly and others, and there’s really nothing they can do about it. With the level the game is dissected, play by play, Roger Goodell wouldn’t have it any other way.

NFL refs continue to volunteer for said duty, however, meaning there must be some benefit to this gig long-term. So, how much do NFL officials make?

How much do NFL refs make?

As of 2019, an NFL official made an average salary of $205,000. That a respectable mark for anyone, and it suddenly makes more sense as to why someone would choose it as a career path.

NFL referee salary

Per reports, Brad Allen and Walter Anderson were the highest-paid officials in the league last season.

So, officials aren’t paid seven-figures by any means, but at the very least they can make a decent living while receiving ridicule from all directions on social media. It’s not the perfect system, but it’s a start.

As much as we make fun of them, most fans could not do what referees do. There’s a reason we’re watching from home, throwing stones from a couch.