Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
O*NET 27-2023.00 · SOC 27-2023
Umpire is a solid career choice. Median pay is $41k a year with +5.2% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 4,300 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Enforce rules and regulations during sporting events.
- →Signal penalties or violations to players and coaches.
- →Resolve disputes between players or teams during competition.
- →Position yourself to maintain clear sightlines during play.
- →Complete official game reports after each event.
Education & How to Get In
Umpire roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Umpire involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Umpire?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Umpire Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials is projected to grow 5.2% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·39% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·35% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Umpire make?
The median Umpire earns $41k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Umpire jobs?
Our model puts Umpire at 47 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 39% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 35% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Umpire a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.2% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 4,300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Umpire?
Most Umpire roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become an Umpire?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Umpire career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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