Amanda Knapp
As of April 2025, the average hourly pay for a basketball referee in the United States is $18.14. In Illinois, the average hourly pay for a basketball referee is $17.58, with salaries ranging from $34.94 to $8.15. The pay varies depending on the level of the game and the number of referees. For example, three referees at a varsity boys' or girls' basketball game in Illinois are paid $80 per game, while two referees at the freshman level are paid $55. Illinois referees can be fully licensed by age 17 to work any level of IHSA contests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average hourly pay for a basketball referee in Illinois | $17.58 |
| Salary range | $8.15 - $34.94 |
| Average salary | $36,560 |
| Top-paying cities | Chicago, Arlington Heights, Addison |
| Minimum age to become a referee | 17 |
| Number of referees for varsity boys or girls | 3 |
| Pay for varsity referees per game | $80 |
| Number of referees for sophomore level games | 2 |
| Pay for sophomore level referees per game | $60 |
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What You'll Learn
Referee pay structure
The pay structure for high school basketball referees in Illinois varies depending on several factors, including the level of competition, the number of referees per game, and the specific region or city within the state. Here is a detailed breakdown of the referee pay structure in Illinois for high school basketball games:
IHSA Officials Pay Structure:
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) sets the pay rates for licensed referees in various sports, including basketball. The pay rates per game for IHSA basketball officials vary based on the level of competition and the number of referees assigned to each game:
- Varsity Level: Three referees earn $80 each, while two varsity umpires get paid $70 each.
- Sophomore Level: Two referees earn $60 each, and a three-person crew makes $55 per referee.
- Freshman Level: Two referees make $55 for an 'A' and 'B' game, but this increases to $65 if there is only one game.
Doubleheaders result in double pay for referees. Additionally, some schools may start paying line judges for the upcoming seasons.
Other Factors Affecting Pay:
- Postseason Pay: The IHSA establishes a 'baseline' fee for officials during postseason play, which may differ slightly by sport due to varying levels of postseason play, the number of officials required, and the duration of events.
- Review and Adjustment: The IHSA reviews its pay structure periodically, along with the amounts schools receive for hosting post-season events, to adjust to trends in the market.
- Location and City: The pay for referees can vary significantly depending on the city or region within Illinois. For example, Chicago and Arlington Heights offer higher salaries than the state average.
- Experience and Skill: The pay range for basketball referees in Illinois suggests that skill level, experience, and location can influence earnings. More experienced or skilled referees may have opportunities for advancement and higher pay.
- Demand and Supply: The current demand for licensed IHSA officials exceeds the supply, leading to potential opportunities for multiple games and additional compensation for referees.
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Referee training and licensing
To become a referee in Illinois, you must be 17 years old as a minimum and register online with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). The IHSA licenses referees and umpires in a variety of sports, including basketball.
Once registered, you will receive a rules book to help you prepare for the officiating exam. The test is open-book, and you will need to achieve a passing grade of 80% to become licensed.
After passing the exam, you will be a fully licensed referee in Illinois, able to officiate any level of IHSA contests. However, there are still a few things you must do during your first year as an official. You must watch an online rules presentation to stay up-to-date with the latest rules and interpretations, and you will be expected to attend a clinic to learn the correct officiating techniques and mechanics. You will need to do this every year to keep on top of rule changes.
Illinois referee training can begin as early as 15 years old. 15 and 16-year-olds who pass the training program are considered provisionally licensed officials and can work local youth leagues, junior high games, and 9th-grade games.
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Referee demand and supply
There is a high demand for licensed Illinois High School Association (IHSA) officials, but a short supply. This has resulted in statewide athletic directors hiring officials for multiple games on a given night, which means extra compensation for those willing to take on more than one game. The IHSA is responsible for licensing referees and umpires in sports including basketball, soccer, gymnastics, football, hockey, water polo, track, lacrosse, volleyball, wrestling, baseball, softball, cheer, and dance.
The process of becoming a referee in Illinois begins with registering online with the IHSA. After registering, individuals will receive a rule book to prepare for the officiating exam, which is open-book. Once licensed, individuals must watch an online rules presentation to stay up-to-date with the latest interpretations and rule changes. This presentation must be viewed each year, and individuals are expected to attend a clinic to learn the correct officiating techniques and mechanics. Illinois referee training can begin as early as age fifteen, with 15 and 16-year-olds who pass the training program considered provisionally licensed officials, able to work local youth leagues, junior high games, and 9th-grade games. By age 17, individuals can be fully licensed to work any level of IHSA contests.
The pay structure for IHSA officials varies and is reviewed every few years. For example, each of the five varsity officials in central Illinois—referee, umpire, head line judge, line judge, and back judge—earn $90 per game. Sophomore or JV officials make $80 per game, while freshman officials make $70. Officials doing two games in one night receive both fees for each respective game. For postseason pay, the IHSA establishes a 'baseline' fee to guide how much they will pay officials by sport.
As of January 7, 2025, the average hourly pay for a basketball referee in Illinois is $17.58. Salaries range from as low as $8.15 to as high as $34.94, with the majority ranging between $13.27 and $19.57. The average pay range for basketball referees in Illinois varies greatly, suggesting many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience. However, the basketball referee job market in Illinois is not very active, with few companies currently hiring, and Illinois ranking 50th out of 50 states nationwide for basketball referee salaries.
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Postseason pay
While specific fee amounts for basketball referees are not publicly available, the IHSA has indicated that postseason pay will increase in the coming year, along with the amounts schools receive for hosting these events. This adjustment aims to keep up with trends in the space.
The pay structure for high school basketball referees in Illinois is reviewed periodically, typically every few years, to ensure it remains up-to-date and competitive.
In addition to postseason pay, the compensation for high school basketball referees in Illinois can vary based on the specific game or tournament. For example, doubleheaders typically result in double pay for referees. The number of referees assigned to a game can also impact their earnings. For instance, three referees working a varsity boys' or girls' basketball game would each earn $80, while a three-person crew for a sophomore-level game would make $55 per person.
As of April 2025, the average hourly pay for a basketball referee in Illinois was $17.58, with salaries ranging from $8.15 to $34.94. However, these rates can vary significantly based on skill, location, and experience.
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Referee salary by city
The salary of a referee in Illinois varies depending on the sport and the city. As of January 2025, the average hourly pay for a basketball referee in Illinois is $17.58, with salaries ranging from $8.15 to $34.94. The average annual salary for a basketball referee in Illinois is $36,560. However, the salary can be higher in certain cities. For example, Chicago pays 6.4% above the average, while Addison beats the Illinois average by 3.4%.
For other sports, the salary range for a hockey referee in Illinois is $41,350 to $53,840 per year, with an average salary of $47,443. Chicago and Bedford Park are reported to be among the cities that pay the highest wages for hockey referees.
In terms of youth soccer referees, the average hourly salary in Illinois is $17.11. The average annual salary for this position is $35,590, but FIFA jobs can pay up to $34,279 more.
For WWE referees in Illinois, the average hourly salary is $20.28. The average annual salary for this position is reported to be $42,190, with Chicago, New Lenox, and Northbrook being the top three cities offering above-average salaries.
It is worth noting that referee salaries can vary based on factors such as skill level, location, years of experience, and cost of living. Additionally, the demand for licensed referees in Illinois is high, but the supply is short, which may impact salary negotiations.
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Frequently asked questions
As of January 2025, the average hourly pay for a basketball referee in Illinois is $17.58 per hour. The pay range for basketball referees varies, suggesting that salary may be dependent on skill level, location, and years of experience.
The three referees used in varsity boys' or girls' basketball games make $80 per game. On the sophomore level, two referees make $60 per game, while a three-person crew makes $55 each. For freshman games, two referees make $55, but $65 if there is an 'A' and 'B' game.
The average salary for a basketball referee in Illinois is $36,560. Jobs in the basketball referee category, such as Director of Player Development, can pay as much as $43,480 (118.9%) more than the average referee salary.
