While MLB players can rake in millions, the salary of an umpire might surprise you. How Much Do Umpires Make in Major League Baseball? While they might not reach the heights of player salaries, it’s still a respectable and potentially lucrative career for those who dedicate themselves to the game. Let’s delve into the world of umpire salaries and the journey it takes to get there.
In 2018, the minimum player salary stood at $545,000, with some stars exceeding $30 million. On the other hand, MLB umpires started at a minimum of $150,000, complemented by various perks. Veteran umpires with years of experience could earn up to $450,000 annually.
However, aspiring umpires should be aware that the path to earning such a salary is demanding and requires perseverance.
According to MLB.com’s “How to Become an Umpire” guide, the initial step involves enrolling in one of the two umpiring schools sanctioned by Minor League Baseball Umpire Development: the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School or the Minor League Baseball Umpire Training Academy. These schools, located in Florida, offer month-long annual programs from January to February. The tuition for each program is approximately $2,400, increasing to around $4,000 with room and board.
Alt text: An MLB umpire attentively watching a baseball game, focusing on the batter and home plate.
Upon completing these courses, the top 15-20% of participants are selected for the Minor League Baseball Advanced Course, a week-long program in mid-February. The remaining participants gain firsthand experience of the challenges involved in becoming an MLB umpire.
Those who excel in the advanced course may be assigned to rookie or Class A short-season leagues, marking the beginning of their professional journey.
Similar to players, umpires must ascend through the minor leagues, a process that can span a decade or more. Like players, minor league umpires’ salaries are not substantial. According to MiLB.com, umpires in rookie and short-season leagues initially earn between $2,000 and $2,300 per month, potentially reaching up to $3,900 per month in Triple-A. Additionally, they receive a per diem of up to $66 per day.
However, these earnings are limited to the months when they are actively umpiring, which typically lasts around five months in the minor league season. Consequently, even Triple-A umpires may only earn around $20,000 annually. Therefore, most umpires hold a second job, particularly during the offseason, to supplement their income until they reach the major leagues.
Even the most skilled umpires can remain in Triple-A for an extended period due to the low turnover rate among MLB umpires. Several umpires have served for three decades or more. Joe West, for instance, has been an umpire since 1976 and is among the few to have officiated at least 5,000 games.
Securing a position as an MLB umpire is highly competitive, requiring patience as aspiring umpires wait for one of the 68 MLB umpires to retire or become unable to work. Job openings are infrequent, and some years see no new umpires called up to the major leagues.
Alt text: A close-up photo of an MLB umpire signaling a call during an intense baseball game.
Upon reaching the major leagues, the years of hard work and dedication finally pay off. Salaries and per diems ($340) increase by approximately 400 percent. Furthermore, the league covers first-class flights between series, as noted by Career Trend, eliminating the need for budget accommodations and long road trips.
In addition to attractive per diems and comfortable travel arrangements, MLB umpires receive approximately four weeks of vacation during the regular season, which is essential for managing the physical strain of prolonged periods in a crouched position.
While specific figures are not readily available, umpires selected for postseason work earn additional income for their overtime hours.
Overall, a career as an MLB umpire can be rewarding for those who reach the highest level.
However, MLB umpires are compensated less per game than their counterparts in other major sports leagues.
Maurice Moton of B/R reported on NFL referees, noting the average salaries of officials as follows:
NFL: $188,322
NHL: $212,500
MLB: $235,000
NBA: $375,000
While MLB salaries appear competitive at first glance, the MLB season features twice as many games as the NBA and NHL and significantly more than the NFL. Dividing by the number of games in each regular season yields the following per-game earnings:
NFL: $11,770
NHL: $2,591
MLB: $1,451
NBA: $4,573
In conclusion, while the journey to becoming an MLB umpire is long and arduous, the financial rewards and perks make it a worthwhile pursuit for those passionate about baseball and dedicated to officiating the game at the highest level.
