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.
SOC: 27-2023.00
Common Job Titles
Horse Show Judge
Major League Baseball Umpire (MLB Umpire)
Referee
Sports Official
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate player actions and game situations for rule infractions in real-time competitive athletic events, making immediate determinations of compliance with regulations.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess contested plays and close calls under time pressure, using critical thinking to determine appropriate rulings.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate fairness principles with authoritative decision-making when managing high-stakes competitive environments and emotionally charged situations.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for game integrity and sportsmanship standards while interacting with coaches, players, and spectators during competitive events.
Proficient
Hands-onDemonstrate mastery of positioning and movement patterns to maintain optimal field of view while tracking fast-paced athletic action.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret complex rule applications and situational exceptions for coaches and players, clarifying decisions with clear verbal communication.
Proficient
MindsetReconcile conflicting perspectives among competing parties through negotiation and de-escalation techniques in high-pressure game situations.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply sport-specific rules and penalty protocols during live athletic competitions, ensuring fair play and consistency.
Developing
Hands-onOperate officiating equipment and communication devices including whistles, penalty flags, timing devices, and headsets during competitive events.
Developing
KnowledgeApply current rule updates and regulatory changes through continuous study and certification maintenance across multiple sport seasons.
Developing
MindsetEngage in collaborative officiating crew coordination building trust and maintaining consistent standards with fellow officials throughout events.
Developing
KnowledgeExplain officiating decisions and penalty determinations through verbal and written documentation for league administrators and review processes.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
15,080
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $25,070. 25th percentile: U.S. $30,920. 50th percentile: U.S. $38,820. 75th percentile: U.S. $53,560. 90th percentile: U.S. $93,180. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$25,070
10% of workers earn the following or more
$93,180
Workers on average earn
$52,800
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
English Language3.4/5
Education and Training2.9/5
Administration and Management2.9/5
Customer and Personal Service2.7/5
Psychology2.5/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
