How much do umpires make in the world series
How Much Do MLB Referees Make? [2025 Salary Report]
They’re not in the spotlight like players, but Major League Baseball umpires play a crucial role in every pitch, call, and inning. With intense scrutiny from fans, managers, and broadcast crews, the demands of being an MLB official are high — and the pay reflects that.
So how much do MLB referees (technically, umpires) make in 2025? Here's a full breakdown of earnings at the major and minor league levels, plus factors that affect salary and job longevity.
MLB Umpires: Are They Full-Time Employees?
Yes. MLB umpires are full-time employees and part of a union — the
Major League Baseball Umpires Association (MLBUA)
. They receive a salary, benefits, and are assigned to work games throughout the entire regular season and into the postseason (based on performance).
How Much Do MLB Umpires Make in 2025?
As of 2025, the average salary for a full-time MLB umpire ranges from:
Entry-level umpires
: $150,000+ per year
Veteran umpires
: $250,000 to $430,000+ per year
The top-tier umpires with extensive postseason experience and seniority can earn well over $400,000 annually.
Additional Compensation
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How Much Do MLB Umpires Make?
MLB umpires are some of the highest-compensated officials among the major North American sports leagues.
On average, MLB umpires earn
$300,000
annually to regulate the many aspects that determine the flow and success of a game.
It’s no surprise: MLB umpires have a massive influence on game outcomes for 162 games each season, not including playoffs.
Here are the average salary figures and bonus estimates for MLB umpires:
Salary:
$300,000
Average pay per game:
$1,852
Playoff bonus:
$17,500 plus expenses
World Series bonus:
$20,000 plus expenses
MLB employs 19 full-time crews of four umpires each, equalling 76 total.
Similar to players, it requires years of minor league game experience (if they make it past the first step of the vetting process) to get the chance to call games at the highest level.
The only way a minor league umpire can earn the call-up to the big leagues is for an umpire to retire or be deemed unable to work.
Once they make it to the big leagues, their salaries take a major boost from about
$20,000
to at least
$150,000
.
Here is the salary range for MLB umpires based on experience level:
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Major League Baseball umpires occupy one of the most scrutinized positions in professional sports, making split-second decisions that can determine the outcome of games worth millions of dollars. While fans debate their calls from the stands, many wonder about the financial compensation these officials receive for their crucial role in America's pastime.
The answer reveals a profession that offers substantial financial rewards, particularly for those who reach the highest levels of the sport. MLB umpires earn significantly more than officials in most other sports, reflecting both the demands of their position and the revenue generated by professional baseball.
MLB umpires currently earn between
$150,000 and $450,000 annually
, according to Major League Baseball's official compensation structure. This wide range reflects the experience-based pay scale that governs umpire compensation.
Entry-level MLB umpires typically start around $150,000 per year, while veteran officials with decades of experience can earn upwards of $450,000 annually. The most senior umpires, particularly those regularly assigned to playoff games and the World Series, command the highest salaries i
MLB Umpire Salaries: How Much Do They Make? [2025 Guide]
Major League Baseball umpires play a crucial role in ensuring the game is officiated fairly and consistently. While players often dominate the headlines with their multimillion-dollar contracts, umpires also earn competitive salaries for their expertise and ability to handle high-pressure situations.
Understanding
how much MLB umpires make, how their salaries compare to other sports, and what factors influence their earnings
provides insight into the financial side of professional officiating.
How Much Do MLB Umpires Make?
MLB umpires earn an average salary ranging from
$150,000 to $450,000 per year
, depending on experience, seniority, and assignments.
Rookie umpires
typically start at around
$150,000 per season
.
Veteran umpires
with several years of experience can earn upwards of
$450,000 annually
.
Crew chiefs
, who lead umpiring crews and handle additional responsibilities, are the highest-paid and can make
over $500,000 per year
.
These salaries reflect the extensive training, travel, and pressure that come with the job, as umpires must make split-second decisions that can impact the out