How Much Do Youth Sports Referees Make in New Mexico?

If you're thinking about becoming a youth sports referee in New Mexico, you're probably wondering how much money you can actually make doing it. The answer? More than most people think—and with a flexible schedule, too.

Whether you’re a high school student, a college athlete, a teacher, or just someone looking to stay active and earn extra income, officiating youth sports can be a solid part-time job. And if you're in the Albuquerque area, Dream Big Officials is a great organization that can help you get started and get on the field.

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Average Pay for Youth Sports Referees in New Mexico

Referee pay in New Mexico depends on the sport, the level of competition, and your role in the game. Here’s what you can expect for some of the most common youth sports:

Football

• Youth games (elementary to middle school): $35–$55 per game
• Junior Varsity (JV) and lower high school levels: $60–$85 per game

Soccer

• Recreational youth soccer: $25–$40 per game
• Competitive/travel leagues: $40–$60 per game
• Assistant referees typically earn $20–$35 per game

Basketball

• Youth leagues (elementary/middle school): $30–$50 per game
• Competitive or high school sub-varsity: $50–$65 per game

Baseball/Softball

• Coach pitch or tee ball: $25–$40 per game
• Older age groups (kid pitch and up): $40–$60 per game
• Plate umpires typically earn more than base umpires

Keep in mind, many leagues schedule back-to-back games, especially on weekends. That means you could easily work 3–4 games in a single day, turning a few hours into $100 or more.

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What Affects Your Pay as a Referee?

Several factors influence how much you’ll earn:

• Age group: Older and more competitive divisions usually pay more
• Sport: Some sports have higher pay scales based on demand and game length
• Role: Center or lead officials generally earn more than assistant or support roles
• Experience level: New officials might start on the lower end of the pay scale but can quickly move up
• Tournament work: These usually pay more per game or offer bonuses for working full-day events

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How Often Can You Work?

Refereeing youth sports is one of the most flexible part-time jobs you can find. You decide how often you want to work. Most games are scheduled:

• Evenings during the week
• Saturday and Sunday mornings or afternoons
• Tournaments or camps during school breaks or holidays

Whether you're looking to work once a week or fill up your weekends, you can build a schedule that works for you.

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Why Refereeing is Worth It

Refereeing isn’t just a paycheck—it’s also a great way to:

• Stay active and involved in sports
• Build leadership and communication skills
• Gain confidence and decision-making experience
• Give back to your local community
• Be part of something bigger, while still having control over your time

And yes, it’s a great side income too.

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Want to Start Refereeing in New Mexico? Work with Dream Big Officials

If you're in the Albuquerque area or surrounding regions, Dream Big Officials is here to help you get started. They’ll walk you through the certification process, help you get your gear, and connect you with local games that fit your availability and interests.

Dream Big Officials supports new referees with training, mentorship, and real assignments—so you’re not left figuring it out on your own.

Ready to Earn Money on the Field?

Contact Dream Big Officials today to learn how to become a certified youth sports referee in New Mexico and start picking up paid game assignments near you.

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