The question of how much Premier League referees earn is often raised by football fans who see these officials making tough decisions under intense pressure every week.
While players and managers grab the headlines, referees quietly take on a demanding and critical role that also comes with a respectable salary. But what exactly do they earn, and how does their pay compare to other professions in the UK?
What Is the Role of a Premier League Referee?
Premier League referees are tasked with enforcing the rules, maintaining discipline, and ensuring a fair game across some of the world’s most high-stakes football matches.
They oversee the match from start to finish, making critical decisions, often with the support of VAR and assistant referees.
To officiate at this level, referees must maintain peak physical fitness, possess deep knowledge of the game, and continuously undergo assessments to maintain high standards. It’s not a job for the faint-hearted, and the compensation reflects both the difficulty and the responsibility involved.
Who Employs Premier League Referees?
Premier League referees are employed by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), an organisation jointly funded by the Premier League, the English Football League (EFL), and The Football Association (FA). PGMOL not only hires referees but also manages their training, performance reviews, and development.
They are responsible for assigning referees to fixtures and overseeing the pathway from lower-tier leagues to the elite level of English football officiating.
How Much Do Premier League Referees Earn in 2025?
In 2025, the salary structure for Premier League referees reflects both their experience and seniority. Referees in the Select Group 1 (SG1), which includes 21 full-time officials, are paid a base salary ranging from £72,000 to £148,000.
- The average annual salary for a referee in SG1 is approximately £180,000.
- Top-tier officials such as Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver are understood to earn around £250,000.
- Less-experienced referees in the group are paid closer to £125,000.
This base salary is boosted further by match fees, typically ranging from £1,000 to £1,500 per game, depending on the match and the role.
How Are Match Fees and Bonuses Calculated?
In addition to base pay, Premier League referees can receive performance-based bonuses. These are determined through:
- Regular evaluations by PGMOL
- Feedback from an independent Key Match Incidents Panel, which includes former players and coaches
- Accuracy in decision-making and VAR usage
- Professional conduct across the season
These bonuses can significantly increase total annual earnings, especially for referees consistently assigned to high-profile matches.
Do Assistant Referees Earn Less?
Yes, assistant referees do earn less than central referees, but their pay is still substantial. According to PGMOL’s chief, Howard Webb, the average salary for assistant referees in the Premier League is around £110,000 per year.
While their responsibilities differ, focusing on offsides, throw-ins, and supporting VAR, they are just as essential to the success and integrity of each match.
How Do Championship and WSL Referees Compare?
Referees in the Championship, known as Select Group 2 (SG2), have a slightly different structure:
- Base salary: Estimated around £120,000
- Match fees: Paid on top of this baseline
- May act as fourth officials in Premier League games
Meanwhile, from the 2021–22 season, PGMOL began managing referees in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and the Women’s Championship.
This group, called the Women’s Professional Game Match Officials, includes both men and women and is led by Rebecca Welch, the first woman to referee in the Premier League.
Their pay is more varied and currently lower than their male counterparts in the Premier League, but with growing investment in the women’s game, that gap may reduce in future seasons.
Can Premier League Referees Earn More Internationally?
Yes, Premier League referees can supplement their income by officiating in international and continental competitions such as:
| Competition | Estimated Match Fee |
| UEFA Champions League | £5,300 – £9,000 per match |
| UEFA Europa/Conference League | Similar to Champions League |
| FIFA World Cup | £38,700 – £54,000 (excluding bonuses) |
| FIFA Club World Cup | Variable based on tournament |
These international appointments are prestigious and offer financial bonuses, often pushing annual earnings well beyond their domestic salary.
Are There Limits on Extra Income for Referees?
While international fixtures are a key earning opportunity, referees have faced restrictions on officiating outside UEFA or FIFA competitions.
For example, after Michael Oliver, Darren England, and Dan Cook officiated a game in the United Arab Emirates just before a controversial VAR mistake, PGMOL banned Premier League referees from taking such appointments.
This move was driven by concerns about conflict of interest and maintaining the integrity of the league.
How Does the Referee Salary Compare to Other Professions?
Here’s how Premier League referee salaries stack up:
| Profession | Average Salary |
| Premier League Referee | £180,000–£250,000 |
| Pilot / Air Traffic Controller | £91,208 |
| Chief Executive | £81,328 |
| IT Director | £81,588 |
| Medical Specialist Practitioner | £73,320 |
When factoring in pension and national insurance contributions, PGMOL’s total cost per referee averages £240,000, placing them among some of the UK’s highest-paid professionals.
What Does the Future Hold for Referee Salaries?
As the Premier League continues to grow in global popularity and revenue, referee salaries are likely to follow suit. Investment in training, the implementation of VAR technology, and increased scrutiny mean that officiating will only become more complex, and valuable.
Further integration of referees into international competitions and elite tournaments could also see salary growth for top-tier officials in the years ahead.
Conclusion
In 2025, being a Premier League referee is not just a prestigious role, it’s a financially rewarding career. With base salaries ranging from £72,000 to £148,000 and total earnings often exceeding £250,000, the role reflects both the skill and the pressure it carries.
Referees also have the chance to boost earnings through performance bonuses and international fixtures, making this career path more lucrative than many might expect.
FAQs
How many referees are in Select Group 1?
There are currently 21 full-time referees in Select Group 1 (SG1), the top tier of Premier League officiating.
Do Premier League referees have other jobs?
Most are now full-time employees, though some assistant referees may hold other roles depending on their schedules.
Are Premier League referees full-time employees?
Yes, Premier League referees in SG1 are full-time and receive salaries, match fees, and benefits through PGMOL.
What qualifications are needed to become a Premier League referee?
A referee must progress through grassroots levels, complete FA qualifications, and consistently perform to move up the ranks.
Can referees be demoted from Select Group 1?
Yes, poor performance or consistent errors may lead to relegation from SG1, though this is uncommon.
How are referees selected for international games?
Selections are made by UEFA and FIFA, often based on experience, performance, and rankings.
What is the retirement age for Premier League referees?
There is no fixed age, but referees usually retire by their mid-to-late 40s, depending on fitness and performance.
