Aside from the coaches and players, being a referee in the Premier League is the most scrutinised position.
With the ability to make game-changing decisions, in sports, often facing intense pressure and criticism from fans, players, and coaches alike. Despite this, the financial rewards for officiating in the PL can be substantial.
This article delves into the salary structure of Premier League referees, compares it with other top European leagues, outlines the requirements to become a referee, and highlights some of the most famous referees in PL history.
How much are Premier League referees paid?
Premier League referees receive a combination of an annual salary and match fees. As of 2025, their salaries are based on experience and rank within the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
According to The Athletic, the annual salaries of Premier League referees range from £73,191 to £147,258. In addition to this base salary, referees earn approximately £1,116 per match they officiate.
This means that a top-tier referee officiating all 38 league matches could earn around £189,666 in a season, not including bonuses for performance or additional duties like being a video assistant referee (VAR).
Several factors influence the salary structure for referees:
• Experience: More experienced referees command higher salaries.
• Rank: Referees are categorised into different ranks within PGMOL, affecting their pay.
• Match fees: Each match officiated adds to their total earnings.
The pay structure also differentiates between main referees and assistant referees. While main referees earn a higher match fee (approximately £1,116), assistant referees receive about £850 per match.
How Premier League referee salaries compare to rest of Europe
Compared to other leagues, PL referees earn way less than their counterparts in leagues like La Liga or the Bundesliga. For instance, La Liga referees earn an average annual salary of around £124,256 along with higher match fees.
The average salary for PL referees is estimated to be around £70,000 per year when combining base pay and match fees. In contrast, top referees can exceed this figure significantly depending on the number of matches officiated and additional roles.
When comparing PL referee salaries with other major European leagues:
From this table, it is evident that Premier League referees are among the lower earners compared to their counterparts in Spain's La Liga or Germany's Bundesliga.
Conditions to meet to become a Premier League referee
Referees typically start at lower levels before progressing through various tiers of officiating. They must demonstrate competence and gain experience at semi-professional and professional levels before being considered for PL matches.
Becoming a Premier League referee requires dedication and meeting specific criteria:
• Age requirement: Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
• FA referee course: Completion of this course is mandatory.
• Experience: Gaining experience through officiating lower-level matches is essential.
• Physical fitness: Regular training sessions are held to ensure referees maintain peak physical condition.
• Continuous development: Referees must engage in ongoing training and performance analysis.
The pathway typically involves starting at grassroots levels and gradually moving up through semi-professional leagues before reaching the national level.
Most famous referees in Premier League history
Throughout its history, the Premier League has seen several notable referees who have made significant impacts on the game:
• Howard Webb: Known for officiating at both domestic and international levels including World Cup finals. Webb is now the chief operating officer at PGMOL.
• Mike Dean: A controversial figure known for his charismatic style and extensive career in the PL.
• Mark Clattenburg: Officiated major finals including the UEFA Champions League and was known for his authoritative presence on the pitch.
• Antony Taylor: He’s been an active referee for 14+ years and has officiated almost 400 Premier League games. Taylor has international experience refereeing the final of the UEFA Super Cup 2020, Nations League 2021, FIFA Club World Cup 2022 and UEFA Europa League 2023.
• Michael Oliver: He is reported to be one of the highest-paid referees in the Premier League. Oliver has been refereeing in the Premier League since 2010 and has four domestic finals and several Champions League and World Cup games under his belt.
These referees not only contributed to the integrity of the game but also became household names due to their performances during crucial matches.
Interesting facts
• The highest-paid referee in the Premier League can earn upwards of £200,000 annually when factoring in all match fees and bonuses.
• In the UEFA Champions League, referee’s salaries take a huge bump as they receive about £6,147 per match.
• Referees also have opportunities to officiate international matches which can significantly boost their earnings.
In conclusion, while Premier League referees may not earn as much as players or officials in other leagues like La Liga or Bundesliga, they still enjoy competitive salaries that reflect their vital role in maintaining fairness and order on the pitch.
The journey to becoming a top-tier referee is challenging but rewarding for those passionate about football.