There are currently an estimated 21,100 referees in the United States. The referee job market is expected to grow by 7.6% between 2016 and 2026.
How employable are referees?
CareerExplorer rates referees with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 9,100 referees. That number is based on 1,600 additional referees, and the retirement of 7,500 existing referees.
What’s the supply of referees?
The referee industry is concentrated in California, Colorado, New York
Referee job market by state
| State Name | Employed Referees |
|---|---|
| California | 2,200 |
| Colorado | 1,270 |
| New York | 1,220 |
| Texas | 1,030 |
| Illinois | 980 |
| Kansas | 810 |
| Missouri | 810 |
| Utah | 780 |
| Florida | 680 |
| Michigan | 650 |
| Virginia | 570 |
| Wisconsin | 540 |
| Tennessee | 500 |
| Ohio | 460 |
| Washington | 460 |
| Massachusetts | 410 |
| Arizona | 380 |
| Louisiana | 370 |
| North Carolina | 320 |
| New Jersey | 290 |
| Pennsylvania | 270 |
| Minnesota | 250 |
| Connecticut | 250 |
| Alaska | 220 |
| Iowa | 220 |
| Indiana | 220 |
| Oregon | 210 |
| Georgia | 200 |
| Idaho | 170 |
| North Dakota | 130 |
| Kentucky | 130 |
| Nebraska | 120 |
| Delaware | 100 |
| West Virginia | 100 |
| Montana | 90 |
| Alabama | 80 |
| Oklahoma | 60 |
| Vermont | 60 |
| New Mexico | 50 |
| South Dakota | 50 |
| Maine | 40 |
| Wyoming | 30 |