There are currently an estimated 19,300 referees in the United States. The referee job market is expected to grow by 5.7% between 2024 and 2034.
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 1,100 referees.
What’s the supply of referees?
The referee industry is concentrated in California, Missouri, Colorado
Referee job market by state
| State Name | Employed Referees |
|---|---|
| California | 1,950 |
| Missouri | 1,240 |
| Colorado | 1,120 |
| Utah | 1,100 |
| Illinois | 690 |
| Texas | 650 |
| New York | 630 |
| Ohio | 580 |
| New Jersey | 420 |
| North Carolina | 400 |
| Washington | 400 |
| Tennessee | 380 |
| Michigan | 340 |
| Pennsylvania | 320 |
| Minnesota | 320 |
| Louisiana | 310 |
| Wisconsin | 300 |
| Kentucky | 290 |
| Georgia | 280 |
| Florida | 280 |
| Virginia | 260 |
| Massachusetts | 250 |
| Oklahoma | 220 |
| Arizona | 210 |
| Connecticut | 200 |
| Iowa | 190 |
| Maine | 180 |
| North Dakota | 180 |
| Indiana | 170 |
| Idaho | 170 |
| Oregon | 170 |
| Vermont | 80 |
| South Dakota | 80 |
| Montana | 60 |
| Mississippi | 60 |
| West Virginia | 50 |
| South Carolina | 50 |
| Nebraska | 40 |