High school soccer referees are typically paid per game, not on a salary or contract basis. The amount they receive depends on several core factors, including location, level of the match, certification status, and whether they serve as a center referee or assistant. While soccer officiating at the high school level doesn’t bring in professional-level income, it offers a steady, seasonal earning opportunity that rewards experience, reliability, and availability.
Pay for high school soccer officials ranges widely depending on state and district policies. In most regions, a center referee overseeing a varsity-level match will earn between sixty-five and one hundred and fifteen dollars per game. Assistant referees typically earn less, usually between forty and eighty dollars depending on the local association structure and the level of the game. These numbers are common across both boys' and girls' seasons.
Junior varsity games and freshman-level matches often pay slightly less than varsity contests. However, many schools schedule these games back-to-back, meaning a referee working both can earn a combined rate or two separate fees for the same evening. This makes doubleheaders an efficient option for maximizing income.
State athletic associations determine the base pay scales for their officials, and those scales are subject to cost of living, travel expectations, and the density of available referees in the region. In states with high participation and strong soccer infrastructure, referees often command higher per-game rates simply due to demand. In rural or low-population districts, pay may fall on the lower end of the spectrum and game assignments may be more spread out.
Urban school districts with high match volume and referee shortages are more likely to increase pay, especially during peak season. Some districts add mileage reimbursement or travel bonuses when referees are assigned outside their primary zone, although this is not universally applied.
A standard high school soccer officiating crew includes one center referee and two assistant referees. The center referee takes the lead on game control, stoppages, disciplinary action, and time management. Assistants cover the sidelines, focusing on offside calls, out-of-bounds decisions, and helping manage substitutions.
Because the center referee carries more responsibility, the pay is higher. For officials working multiple roles across a season, this distinction matters. Most associations track game assignments by role, and career referees often aim for center assignments to maximize their earnings.
The total seasonal income for a high school soccer referee depends entirely on game volume. During the fall or spring season, a referee working three to five nights per week could earn between two hundred and five hundred dollars weekly. Over the course of an eight-to-ten-week season, this could translate into a few thousand dollars in total compensation, especially when postseason work is included.
Officials who take on both boys’ and girls’ seasons, or who also officiate club or recreational matches outside of the school system, can scale that income up considerably. However, high school matches are generally seen as steady, predictable, and more structured compared to other game environments.
Referees are responsible for their own uniforms, gear, transportation, and annual certification costs. In most states, this includes registering through the high school athletic association, passing background checks, completing annual training clinics, and paying a certification or renewal fee. These expenses are not reimbursed and must be factored into overall income.
In return, certification ensures access to official game assignments, inclusion in the officiating rotation, and eligibility for playoff work. Referees in good standing with high availability and positive evaluations are more likely to be assigned to higher-level games that pay more.
As with other high school sports, soccer officiating has experienced a drop in participation in recent years. Referee shortages have led many associations to increase pay modestly or streamline scheduling systems to retain experienced officials. In certain areas, schools have even postponed or rescheduled games due to a lack of available referees. This trend, while challenging for scheduling, has slightly improved earning potential for those still active in the system.
High school soccer referees are paid by the match, with rates determined by level of play, officiating role, and regional standards. It’s a flexible but demanding job that offers steady seasonal income and a clear pathway for increasing earnings through experience, consistency, and certification. While most referees don’t take on the role for full-time income, it remains one of the more accessible and scalable officiating opportunities in high school sports.
