Annual Salary of NHL Referees
In the fast-paced world of ice hockey, the role of NHL officials often goes unnoticed, but their importance cannot be overstated. These men and women, who preside over games as the judges and call penalties, are covered by a union and their contracts are collectively bargained.
When it comes to earnings, the numbers may surprise you. For the upcoming season, referees will earn $27,000 per round in the playoffs, while linesmen will take home $17,250. However, during the regular season, NHL referees and linesmen work tirelessly, officiating 73 and 75 games respectively, which translates to a salary range of about $165,000 to $250,000 per season.
This average salary per game for NHL referees and linesmen during the 2021-2022 season is estimated to be approximately $2,000 to $3,000 per game. This figure is primarily based on the number of games they officiate in a season, including regular season and playoffs.
Entry-level NHL officials might earn closer to $165,000 annually, resulting in about $2,000 per game. On the other hand, veteran NHL referees and linesmen can earn over $250,000 annually, closer to $3,000 or more per game.
NHL officials' jobs involve more than just calling penalties. Referees are responsible for maintaining order on the ice, while linesmen break up fights, rule on offsides, icing, and other line-related infractions.
Their salaries may seem high, but they are the best in their field. NHL officials also receive a range of benefits, including medical, dental, life insurance, career counseling, and more. They are even eligible for a pension and retirement fund.
Moreover, their travel expenses are covered, and they have protections to keep them from working too many games in a certain number of hours. A job listing from Reddit suggests the starting rate for NHL officials might be better than reported.
It's worth noting that minor-league officials make much less than their NHL counterparts. The maximum salary for NHL officials has increased and is now over $400,000 per season. In 2021, referees earned $25,400 per playoff-round worked, and linesmen earned $16,500.
For those seeking more specific details, the NHL Officials Association or NHLPA might provide exact contract details, although they generally keep these confidential. For comparison, junior or minor hockey official salaries are significantly lower than these NHL figures.
- If you're interested in keeping up with the salary and benefits of NHL officials, you might want to follow a blog that covers sports news and discussions, as they could quite possibly have articles about the salary range for referees and linesmen in the NHL, which can go from around $165,000 to over $250,000 per season, or approximately $2,000 to $3,000 per game on average.
- Aspiring hockey enthusiasts with a knack for officiating could consider careers in the minor leagues first, but it's crucial to note that their salaries are significantly lower compared to their NHL counterparts. For instance, during the 2021 season, referees earned $25,400 per playoff-round worked, while linesmen earned $16,500, a far cry from the over $400,000 maximum salary in the NHL.
