how much do premier league referees get paid

3 minutes ago 1
Nature

Premier League referees in 2025 get paid based on their experience and seniority, with salaries ranging widely.

Salary Range

  • Junior referees earn around £72,000 to £125,000 annually.
  • More experienced referees earn between £170,000 and £180,000 per year on average.
  • The highest-paid Premier League referees, such as Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver, can make up to £250,000 annually.

Additional Income

  • Referees receive match fees of approximately £1,100 to £1,500 per game.
  • Video Assistant Referees (VAR) receive separate match fees, about £837 to £850 per game.
  • Performance bonuses are awarded based on the number of matches officiated and accuracy.
  • Referees who officiate at international competitions or Champions League matches earn extra payments.

Context

  • This salary is considered high compared to referees in other leagues and makes Premier League referees some of the best-paid officials worldwide.
  • The average UK annual salary in 2024 was about £34,963, making referees’ pay quite substantial in comparison.

In summary, Premier League referees can expect to earn from around £70,000 for less experienced officials, up to £250,000 or more for the top referees including bonuses and match fees in the 2025 season.