NBA referee salary: How much do referees earn in the NBA per season?

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NBA referees are one of the most important parts of the game. They are also paid decently and increase with experience.

NBA referees’ decision-making is one of the most important factors in a game. With the game on the line, any minor mistake can change the dynamics of the game.

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NBA referees have a lot of obligations, including, reading the rulebook, calling fouls, and making the correct call during a game under pressure.

The world’s top players and fans always keep their eyes on every decision from the referee. Although being an entry-level referee in the NBA differs from being a seasoned senior-level ref, these officials are still paid a sizable sum of money annually. They get paid higher in crucial games like playoffs and NBA Finals.

How much a referee earns in NBA

NBA referees receive annual salaries ranging from $180,000 to $550,000. The wide variance in NBA referee compensation is because of the officials’ various statuses. Entry-level referees, who are essentially beginners, will make $600 for each game they officiate, or about $250,000 if they work full-time.

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Senior-level referees in the NBA are the highest level. Before they can achieve this recognition, these officials must have three to five years of experience. 

Once they achieve that experience, their salary skyrockets to $3,500 each game and an annual wage that hovers around half a million dollars. These officials will then be qualified to officiate postseason games when they will be paid an additional $5,000 for each game.

What is the role of the NBA referee?

The referee will have a more clear view of the game. They will be on the lookout for off-ball infractions like moving screens or paint violations but will be less accountable for straightforward foul calls on the ball. 

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The head referee will have a broader scope of control over the game than the umpire or referee and will be in charge of leading the officials on the court.

Sometimes, all three NBA officials will gather to discuss decisions. Video replay is also useful in assisting them.

Some of the popular NBA referees are Scott Foster, James Capers, Rodney Mott, Tony Brothers, and Sean Corbin.

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