Umpires, referees, and other sports officials
🤍 Save CareerUmpires, referees, and other sports officials play a vital role in the US economy, with 19K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $38,820, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).
💰 Salary Range
📈 Growth Outlook
moderate — 6% projected growth🤖 AI Automation Risk
Some tasks may be automated, but human skills remain essential.
🤖AI Impact Deep Dive: Umpires, referees, and other sports officials
🔬 AI Impact Deep Dive: Umpires, referees, and other sports officials
AI Collaboration Score
Measures how much AI tools are used as collaborative assistants in this role (0% = no AI involvement, 100% = AI-intensive workflow)
🔮 Future Outlook
The occupation is a hybrid of physical presence and objective data processing. While computer vision and AI can already automate 'calls' (like strike zones or out-of-bounds) with higher accuracy than humans, the role still requires physical presence to manage player conduct, ensure safety, and handle real-time interpersonal disputes on the field.
Analysis based on Microsoft "Working with AI" research (2025), O*NET task data v30.2, and Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational projections. Updated March 2026.
🌅A Day in the Life
🌟Career Outlook & Getting Started
Why It's Promising
With 6% projected growth and a median salary of $38,820, this career offers steady prospects. While the field is specialized, demand remains consistent.
How to Get Started
Entry typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Start by exploring relevant AP courses in high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering, and connecting with professionals in the field.
Who Is It For
Anyone interested in umpires, referees, and other sports officials who wants to build a rewarding career in this field.
🎓Majors & Top Schools
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Umpires, referees, and other sports officials make in 2026?▼
The median salary for a Umpires, referees, and other sports officials is $38,820 per year. Entry-level positions start around $23,292, while experienced professionals can earn up to $62,112 depending on location, specialization, and industry.
How do I become a Umpires, referees, and other sports officials?▼
Entry typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Start by exploring relevant AP courses in high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering, and connecting with professionals in the field. The typical education requirement is no degree required.
What degree do you need to be a Umpires, referees, and other sports officials?▼
Most Umpires, referees, and other sports officials positions require no degree required. However, some professionals enter the field through alternative paths like bootcamps, certifications, or self-directed learning.
What AP courses should I take to become a Umpires, referees, and other sports officials?▼
Check PathLeap for personalized AP course recommendations for Umpires, referees, and other sports officials. The right AP courses depend on your target college major and career specialization.
What does a Umpires, referees, and other sports officials do on a daily basis?▼
As a umpires, referees, and other sports official, your day involves a mix of specialized tasks that require both expertise and adaptability. You work with colleagues, clients, or patients depending on the setting, applying your training to solve real-world problems.
Is Umpires, referees, and other sports officials a good career in 2026?▼
With 6% projected growth and a median salary of $38,820, this career offers steady prospects. While the field is specialized, demand remains consistent. Job growth is projected at 6%, which is declining. The median salary of $38,820 also positions it competitively in the job market.
Will AI replace Umpires, referees, and other sports officialss?▼
Umpires, referees, and other sports officials has an AI automation risk score of 50/100 (Moderate). AI will change how this work is done, but the core skills remain valuable. Professionals who learn to work with AI tools will have a significant advantage.
What kind of person makes a good Umpires, referees, and other sports officials?▼
Anyone interested in umpires, referees, and other sports officials who wants to build a rewarding career in this field. Success in this role also depends on continuous learning and adaptability, especially as the field evolves with new technology and industry trends.
Is Umpires, referees, and other sports officials Right for You?
Take our career quiz to see how Umpires, referees, and other sports officials matches your personality. Get personalized AP course recommendations and see what similar students are exploring.
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