Women's College Soccer Referee Pay: Complete Breakdown

Women’s college soccer referee pay is comparable to men’s at similar levels, though exact rates can vary by region and conference. Below are typical pay ranges:

• NCAA Division I (Women’s): Center referees usually earn around $150 – $250 per game. Assistant referees earn about $100 – $150 each. These amounts are similar to men’s D-I soccer, though some conferences may offer slightly different rates.
• NCAA Division II (Women’s): Center referees commonly make $100 – $200 per game, and assistants around $60 – $120.
• NCAA Division III (Women’s): Center referees often get $70 – $150 per game, while assistants make $40 – $80.
• Other Levels: NAIA or junior college women’s games typically pay in the range of $60 – $120 for center referees.
• Professional Context: For perspective, top professional women’s leagues like the NWSL pay referees around $500 per game, which is higher than college fees.

Postseason matches (conference tournaments and NCAA tournaments) often pay higher fees. For example, an NCAA Final Four match might pay $300–$500 for the center referee.

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Factors Affecting Pay

• Division and Conference: Power conferences (SEC, ACC, etc. for women’s soccer) tend to pay on the higher end. Smaller conferences pay at the lower end.
• Position: The center referee gets the listed fee; assistant referees earn a percentage of that fee.
• Experience: Senior referees with high credentials may be selected for big games and tournament matches.
• Game Importance: NCAA tournament games, especially final rounds, come with higher stipends.

Men’s and women’s college soccer salaries are converging, but men’s is still generally higher, especially in major conferences. However, at many schools, referees work both men’s and women’s games and may negotiate similar pay.

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Example Earnings

To illustrate, an experienced Division I women's referee working 25 games at $800 each would make $20,000. Division II officials doing 15 games at $300 each would make $4,500. These figures show that college officiating can provide a solid income for part-time officials.

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Trends and Developments

As of 2025, many conferences are working toward equalizing pay for men’s and women’s basketball and soccer officials, reflecting growth in women’s sports. In some areas, women’s referees now earn the same fee as men’s for comparable games. This trend is likely to continue.

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Become a Women’s College Soccer Referee

Becoming a women’s college soccer referee typically starts with officiating at the high school and club level. Gaining experience and earning U.S. Soccer certification (typically Grade 6 or 7) is required. KC Soccer Officials can guide aspiring referees through the certification process. They offer training and resources to help you reach collegiate level. They can also inform you about pay rates and available assignments. With dedication and training, you can reach the college level and benefit from the competitive pay rates in women's college soccer officiating.