While the focus in high school hockey tends to stay on players and coaches, referees play a central role in keeping the game organized, safe, and fair. Their compensation reflects regional standards, game level, and sometimes even the availability of officials in that area. Unlike professionals, high school hockey referees are typically paid per game rather than on a salaried basis. Still, the numbers can vary more than most people assume.
High school hockey officials are not full-time employees. They are contracted per game, and rates are usually set by state athletic associations, local officiating boards, or regional hockey federations. In most cases, a single varsity hockey game pays somewhere between seventy and one hundred and twenty dollars per official. Junior varsity or freshman games tend to pay less, often falling in the fifty to seventy-five dollar range.
When officials work multiple games back-to-back — such as a JV and varsity doubleheader — they may receive a combined rate or two separate payments depending on the policy of the school or league. Overtime games do not typically result in increased pay unless agreed upon in advance or dictated by local bylaws.
Geography plays a significant role in referee compensation. States with large hockey infrastructures, such as Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Michigan, tend to offer slightly higher rates due to demand, game volume, and cost of living. In less hockey-dense regions, pay may be lower, and opportunities for consistent work may be limited.
Experience also matters. Newer referees may start with youth leagues or lower-tier high school games before getting assignments for higher-level varsity contests. Assignors often prioritize officials with more game management experience, particularly in rival matchups or postseason games, which can come with a slight pay bump.
Certification is another factor. Most state athletic associations or governing hockey bodies require referees to be certified through annual training and rule testing. Those certified at higher levels may be eligible for better-paying assignments. Some regions even use a tiered system to determine eligibility for postseason work or regional tournaments.
Very few high school hockey referees treat officiating as a primary income source. It is most often a supplemental or part-time role, frequently held by former players, coaches, or sports enthusiasts. During peak season, a referee working three to four games per week could realistically earn between eight hundred and sixteen hundred dollars per month, depending on location and level.
Across a full high school hockey season, which typically runs from November to March, the total earnings for a consistently active referee might range from three thousand to six thousand dollars. Some may earn more by picking up travel games, tournaments, or working at the youth and club level outside of school-sanctioned play.
Unlike professional leagues, high school hockey officials are responsible for their own travel and equipment. Mileage is sometimes reimbursed if the game location is outside the referee's home district, but that varies by association. Otherwise, fuel and transportation fall on the official.
Gear is another out-of-pocket expense. Referees are expected to supply and maintain their own skates, pads, whistles, striped jerseys, and helmets. This initial investment can total several hundred dollars, particularly for first-year officials. While it is tax-deductible in most cases, it still cuts into the overall profitability of the job.
One growing factor in recent years is the overall shortage of officials. Across youth and high school sports, there has been a drop in referee participation due to scheduling demands, incidents with fans or coaches, and stagnant pay. In hockey, this has caused some associations to increase pay modestly in an effort to retain and attract qualified officials.
As a result, certain regions are now paying closer to the top end of the range even for less experienced referees, particularly if they are willing to travel or cover multiple games per week. This trend is not yet consistent nationwide, but it's becoming more common in areas where the officiating pool is shrinking.
High school hockey referees are paid per game, with rates largely determined by region and level of play. While it’s not a full-time income for most, it can be a reliable and respectable supplemental source of earnings during the season. For those with a background in the sport and the willingness to manage games under pressure, the compensation reflects a balance between time commitment and game intensity, with opportunities to increase income through volume and postseason assignments.
