How Much Do Basketball Referees in Albuquerque Make?

Becoming a basketball referee in Albuquerque is not only a great way to stay involved in the game, but it also provides a steady source of income. Referee pay varies based on experience, game level, and league assignments. Whether you're officiating youth games, high school matchups, or competitive leagues, there are plenty of opportunities to earn.

If you’re interested in becoming a basketball referee, Dream Big Albuquerque can help with training, certification, and game assignments.

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How Much Do Basketball Referees Make Per Game?

Basketball referee pay is based on game level, with youth leagues paying the least and varsity or competitive leagues offering higher compensation. Here’s a breakdown of expected earnings per game in Albuquerque:

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Youth Basketball (Recreational & Competitive Leagues)

• Head Referee: $25 – $50 per game
• Assistant Referee: $20 – $40 per game

Middle School Games

• Head Referee: $40 – $60 per game
• Assistant Officials: $30 – $50 per game

High School Basketball (NMAA Varsity & JV Games)

• Varsity Head Referee: $65 – $90 per game
• Varsity Assistant Officials: $50 – $75 per game
• Junior Varsity & Freshman Games: $40 – $65 per game

Adult & Semi-Pro Leagues

• Head Referee: $75 – $150 per game
• Assistant Officials: $60 – $120 per game

Tournament games and championship matches often pay more, especially for experienced officials.

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How Many Games Can a Basketball Referee Work in a Day?

One of the biggest advantages of officiating basketball is the ability to work multiple games in a single day. Many referees work:

✅ 2–4 games per day on weekends
✅ 1–2 games per night during the week
✅ Tournament weekends with back-to-back game opportunities

A referee working 3 games per day at $50 per game can earn $150+ per day, making it a great side hustle or even a primary source of income for dedicated officials.

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How to Increase Your Earnings as a Basketball Referee

• Gain Experience & Certification – The more experienced and certified you are, the more you can earn.
• Work Playoffs & Tournaments – Postseason games and tournaments often pay higher rates.
• Take Multiple Assignments – Many referees officiate multiple games per day or week.
• Advance to Higher Levels – High school varsity and semi-pro leagues offer better pay.

Dream Big Albuquerque helps referees find the best game assignments and maximize their earning potential.

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Why Become a Basketball Referee?

✅ Competitive pay and flexible scheduling
✅ Stay active and engaged in the basketball community
✅ Develop leadership, decision-making, and communication skills
✅ Opportunity to progress to higher-level games with increased pay

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Ready to Start Officiating?

Basketball referees in Albuquerque can earn $25 – $150 per game, with plenty of opportunities to officiate multiple games per day. Whether you're looking for a side job or a stepping stone to higher-level officiating, refereeing is a great way to earn money while staying involved in the sport.

Dream Big Albuquerque provides training, certification support, and game assignments to help you start your refereeing career.

Contact Dream Big Albuquerque today to begin your journey as a basketball referee!