In the world of professional soccer, referees are essential figures. Their work ensures that matches are played under the rules, maintaining order, fairness and safety. But while the spotlight focuses on players and coaches, a common question among fans and onlookers is: how much does a professional referee earn?
Although not all of them reach the high figures of the major European leagues, elite referees can have very competitive salaries, especially if they also participate in international competitions.
🏟️ What factors influence a referee’s salary?
An arbitrator’s salary depends on several key factors:
- Country and league in which he referees.
- Category (First, Second, etc.)
- If he/she is the main or assistant referee.
- Experience and recognition (being on the FIFA list, for example).
- Additional Competitions: UEFA, FIFA, Copa del Rey, etc.
Referees’ salaries in Spain.
In Spain, referees in the First Division (LaLiga EA Sports) have one of the best salaries on the continent. For years, refereeing has been fully professionalized at the elite level, allowing them to live exclusively from this activity.
➤ LaLiga main referees.
- Fixed annual base salary: 130,000$.
- Payment per match conducted: $4,200.
- Games per season (average): 20-25.
- Estimated total annual revenues: between $210,000 and $235,000.
➤ Assistant referees (linemen).
- Annual base salary: 70,000$.
- Payment per match attended: $2,100.
- Estimated annual total: between $110,000 and $120,000.
➤ VAR Referees.
- They also receive an additional payment for acting as video referees (VAR), around €1,500 per match.
➤ Second Division (LaLiga Hypermotion).
- Fixed annual salary: 60,000$.
- Payment per match: between $1,800 and $2,000.
- Estimated annual income: about $90,000 approx.
🌍 Salaries in other major European leagues.
Premier League (England).
English referees are among the highest paid in the world.
- Annual base salary: £70,000 – £200,000.
- Pay per match: £1,200 – £1,500.
- Estimated total annual income: more than £250,000 in cases of top arbitrators.
Bundesliga (Germany).
- Annual base salary: 80,000$.
- Payment per match: $5,000.
- Top referees can exceed €200,000 per year.
Serie A (Italy).
- Annual base salary: 90,000$.
- Payment per match: $3,800.
- Estimated annual total: between $150,000 and $180,000.
🌐 International referees: FIFA and UEFA.
Referees who are part of the FIFA group may be appointed for international tournaments (Euro Cup, World Cup, Champions League, etc.), where remunerations skyrocket.
➤ UEFA Champions League.
- Payment per match (group stage): 5.000$ – 6.000$.
- Final stages: up to $10,000 per match.
- In addition, per diem, lodging and travel expenses are covered.
➤ FIFA World Cup.
- Fixed salary for the tournament: around $70,000.
- Payment per additional match: $3,000 – $5,000.
- Top referees can earn up to $100,000 per tournament.
⚖️ How much does a referee earn in the lower divisions?
In categories such as Second RFEF or Third RFEF in Spain, referees are not professionals. They combine their refereeing work with other employment.
- Payment per match: between 100 € and 300 €.
- They do not have a fixed salary.
- Travel expenses partially covered.
Although refereeing is not the way to make a living at these levels, many do it with the aspiration of reaching the elite.
💬 Is it worth it to be a professional referee?
Being a referee is not just knowing the rules. It requires physical preparation, concentration, temperance under pressure, tactical knowledge and mental toughness. Top-level referees train almost like professional players and are constantly evaluated.
In return, when you reach the top, professional arbitration offers a stable, well-paid career that is highly valued internationally.
However, it also entails:
- Media exposure and constant criticism.
- Extreme pressure in important matches.
- High travel and training requirements.
✅ Conclusion.
Although they often go unnoticed, professional soccer referees play a key role and their salaries reflect the responsibility they assume. In the major leagues, a referee can earn more than $200,000 a year, while those who reach international tournaments can far exceed that figure.
It is a demanding and thankless career, but for those who choose it, it can be as exciting and profitable as any other in the soccer ecosystem.
