How Much Do High School Football Referees Get Paid in New Mexico?

If you’re thinking about becoming a high school football referee in New Mexico, one of the first questions you might have is simple: what’s the pay like? The short answer—it’s solid, especially for part-time work with a flexible schedule. Plus, you get to stay involved in the game, stay active, and earn money doing something you enjoy.

In this guide, we’ll break down what you can expect to earn per game and how to get started. If you’re in the Albuquerque area, Dream Big Officials can help you get trained, certified, and on the field.

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Typical Pay for High School Football Referees in New Mexico

Your pay will depend on the level of the game and your role on the crew. Here's a general breakdown:

Varsity Games

• Referee (White Hat): $95–$110 per game
• Other Crew Members (Umpire, Line Judge, etc.): $85–$100 per game

Junior Varsity & Freshman Games

• Referee/Crew: $65–$85 per game

Middle School Games

• Usually fall in the range of $50–$70 per game

In some areas, travel stipends or mileage reimbursements may also be included if you’re driving a longer distance to the field.

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How Many Games Can You Work?

One of the best parts of officiating high school football is that the schedule is consistent. Most games are played:

• Thursday and Friday evenings for high school varsity
• Saturday mornings or afternoons for JV and middle school
• Occasional weekday or weekend tournaments or make-up games

Depending on your availability, you might work one or two games a week, or pick up additional assignments and earn more during the season. A typical referee working 2–3 nights a week could bring in $200–$300 or more weekly, depending on the level and location.

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What Affects Referee Pay?

Several factors can influence how much you’ll earn as a high school football official:

• Experience – New officials might start with sub-varsity or middle school games and move up over time
• Your role on the crew – Referees (white hats) earn a bit more than other positions
• Type of game – Playoff games or rivalry matchups sometimes come with premium rates
• Availability – The more open your schedule is, the more assignments you can take

Dream Big Officials helps new referees build experience and work their way up, while also making sure assignments match your comfort level.

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Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. Officiating is more than just a paycheck. You also get:

• A front-row seat to the action
• A flexible side income that fits into your week
• A chance to stay active and involved in the sport you love
• Ongoing support and community through your local referee association
• Opportunities to grow into college or higher-level officiating

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Get Started with Dream Big Officials

If you're in or around Albuquerque and want to start working high school football games, Dream Big Officials can help you every step of the way. They’ll guide you through certification, help you get your gear, and start assigning you games once you're ready.

Whether you’re brand new to officiating or returning after some time away, they’ll make sure you feel confident and supported on the field.

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Ready to Start Earning?

Contact Dream Big Officials today and learn how to get certified and start officiating high school football games in New Mexico.