How much do referees make in the NHL?

BEING a referee in the National Hockey League is a very demanding job that comes with long hours and little room for error.

The on-ice officials are crucial for the sport, however, many are unaware of how much money they actually make.

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How much do referees make in the NHL?

The NHL Officials Association is made up of 35 full time referees who are expected to work at least 73 games throughout the season.

While they might all have the same job, compensation varies based on years of experience.

During the 2022-23 NHL season, the collective bargaining agreement stated that refs could make anywhere from $220,602 to $482,226, according to Boardroom.

Additionally, linemen were making between $141,291 and $292,027.

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How do you become an NHL referee?

Referees are often former hockey players who have a strong understanding of the sport, however, everyone is eligible to apply.

Potential candidates must go through extensive training and receive an in-depth education regarding positioning, signals, and penalty calls, according to NBC Sports.

More information about becoming an NHL referee can be found here.

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What is the most a referee has made in the NHL?

It is not known exactly how much the current NHL refs make, however, back in 1966, Frank Udvari had the highest annual salary at $22,600, which was approximately $207,032 in 2022, according to NBC Sports.

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Udvari served as an NHL referee from 1951 to 1966, during which time, he worked 718 regular season games and 70 Stanley Cup Playoff games, according to his obituary.

Boardroom notes that the highest-paid officials as of July 2023 include:

• Kevin Pollock (1,488 career games since 2000)
• Marc Joannette (1,452 career games since 1999)
• Kelly Sutherland (1,389 career games since 2000)
• Eric Furlatt (1,328 career games since 2001)
• Dan O'Rourke (1,321 career games since 1999)
• Ian Walsh (1,321 career games since 2000)
• Chris Rooney (1,316 career games since 2000)
• Chris Lee (1,267 career games since 2001)
• Wes McCauley (1,217 career games since 2003)
• Gord Dwyer (1,125 career games since 2005)