Shigoto Zukan
日本語

How to become umpires, referees, and other sports officialseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Sports & Fitness Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$40,710
25th–75th pct. $32,260–$57,160
Top pay (est.)
$107,800
Top 10% $82,960
Pay in 5 years
$47,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$55,600est.
$47,800–$64,600
Outlook score
61/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
35%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+5.2%
4,300 openings / yr

How to become umpires, referees, and other sports officials

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials

Key skills

Critical Thinking
3.5
Monitoring
3.1
Speaking
3.1
Reading Comprehension
3.1
Judgment and Decision Making
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Active Learning
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

English Language
3.4
Education and Training
3.3
Administration and Management
3.0
Customer and Personal Service
2.9
Psychology
2.5
Computers and Electronics
2.5
Communications and Media
2.5
Administrative
2.1

What the work involves

Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsGetting InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Important abilities

Far VisionSelective AttentionOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityPerceptual Speed

Education of workers

High school diploma
43%
Less than high school
24%
Bachelor's degree
14%
Post-secondary certificate
10%
Doctoral degree
5%
Associate's degree
5%

Training before entry

1–2 years
24%
3–6 months
24%
1–3 months
19%
Up to 1 month
19%
None / short demo
10%
4–10 years
5%

Related work experience

None
38%
Over 10 years
14%
2–4 years
14%
4–6 years
14%
1–3 months
10%
3–6 months
10%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as umpires, referees, and other sports officials

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.