There are currently an estimated 20,400 referees in the United States. The referee job market is expected to grow by 9.8% between 2022 and 2032.
How employable are referees?
CareerExplorer rates referees with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 11,500 referees. That number is based on 2,000 additional referees, and the retirement of 9,500 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 |
| Connecticut | 250 |
| Minnesota | 250 |
| Alaska | 220 |
| Indiana | 220 |
| Iowa | 220 |
| Oregon | 210 |
| Georgia | 200 |
| Idaho | 170 |
| North Dakota | 130 |
| Kentucky | 130 |
| Nebraska | 120 |
| West Virginia | 100 |
| Delaware | 100 |
| Montana | 90 |
| Alabama | 80 |
| Vermont | 60 |
| Oklahoma | 60 |
| New Mexico | 50 |
| South Dakota | 50 |
| Maine | 40 |
| Wyoming | 30 |