How Much Do Pickleball Referees Make?

Pickleball has exploded in popularity over the last decade, quickly becoming one of the fastest growing sports in America. With more people playing pickleball every day, there is a growing need for qualified referees to officiate matches and tournaments. But how much do pickleball referees actually make?

The amount of money a pickleball referee can earn varies significantly based on several factors. According to research from ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for a pickleball referee in the United States is $14.64. However, salaries range anywhere from $9.62 per hour on the low end to $17.31 per hour on the high end.

Key Factors That Determine Referee Pay

There are a few key factors that impact how much a pickleball referee gets paid:

Certification Level

Like many sports, pickleball has different referee certification levels that correspond with pay rates. Entry-level and lower certified refs make less than those with advanced certifications from organizations like the USA Pickleball Association. The more training and credentials a referee has, the more valuable their services are.

Tournament Level

The size and competitiveness of the tournament also plays a role. Referees earn more officiating high-level tournaments like pro events and national championships than local club matches. The most prestigious tournaments attract the top referees who command higher pay.

Location

Where the tournament is held can affect referee pay. Tournaments in major metro areas or destinations like California, Florida, and Las Vegas tend to pay more to account for higher costs of living and travel expenses.

Experience

With more matches under their belt, veteran referees develop skills that allow them to officiate top level tournaments. Their expertise commands higher hourly rates and bonuses.

Pay Ranges for Professional Referees

For referees who go pro, officiating pickleball can become quite lucrative. Here are some typical pay rates at the higher levels:

$30 – $50 per match – What most experienced referees make per match or game refereed.
$50 – $75 per match – The upper range earned by referees certified at the highest levels working top tournaments.
$500 – $1,000 per tournament – What a professional referee may earn for officiating an entire tournament.

The very best refs working the pro circuit can make $40,000 – $60,000 per year through a full schedule of events.

Pickleball Referee Pay vs. Other Sports

So how does pickleball referee pay stack up against other major sports?

NBA – $550+ per game
NFL – $500+ per game
MLB – $150+ per game
MLS – $150+ per game

Pickleball referees definitely make less than the major pro sports. But the pay is on par with other minor league sports like volleyball, lacrosse, and softball. And as pickleball continues to grow, referee pay rates will likely increase.

Becoming a Paid Pickleball Referee

If you’re interested in becoming a paid pickleball referee, here are some tips:

Get experience – Start by refereeing at local clubs and tournaments. The more matches under your belt, the better.
Get certified – Earn referee certifications from respected organizations like the USA Pickleball Association. This boosts your credentials.
Be willing to travel – Expand where you’ll referee to open up more paid opportunities at high-level tournaments.
Market yourself – Create a website, profiles, and marketing materials to get your services in front of tournament directors.

With passion for the sport and dedication to learning the intricacies of refereeing, it’s possible to get paid decent rates as a pickleball official. Just know it takes time to work up to the highest levels.

The Bottom Line

Pickleball refereeing can be a fun and rewarding side gig for those who love the sport. While the pay generally starts lower, experienced refs can earn $30 – $50 per match or up to $1,000 for a full tournament. The very top professionals make a solid yearly income in the $40k – $60k range. As pickleball continues its meteoric growth, look for referee pay rates to steadily rise as well.

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