High School Baseball Umpire Salaries: How Much do They Earn?

High school baseball umpire pay varies by location and division of play. In general, high school umpires are paid per game. Below are some typical ranges you might expect:

• Junior Varsity (J.V.) Games: $30 – $50 per game for the home plate umpire. Base umpires (if used) might earn around $20 – $30 each.
• Varsity Games: $50 – $80 per game for the home plate umpire. Each base umpire usually earns around $30 – $50.
• Playoff and Tournament Games: $70 – $100+ per game for the plate umpire. High-stakes games often pay more. Base umpires can earn $40 – $60 in these contests.

Pay can differ by region. Larger school districts or state associations may pay above the national average, while smaller programs may offer lower rates. Many high school umpires double-book games to increase earnings (for example, calling both a JV game and a varsity game on the same day).

To illustrate, an umpire working three varsity games per week at $70 each can make $210 per week, before travel. In a full spring season, that adds up significantly (several thousand dollars). Many umpires also work multiple levels (freshman, JV, varsity) on doubleheaders.

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Factors That Influence Pay

• Experience: Veteran umpires often receive more assignments and can work more high-level games, boosting their income.
• Location: Umpire pay tends to be higher in regions with more funding for sports programs. Public school districts with larger budgets usually pay higher fees.
• Season Length: The number of games in your region's season matters. States with longer baseball seasons (more games) can offer more total pay opportunities.

High school baseball umpiring pay is generally comparable to other high school sports officiating pay. It might be similar to basketball or soccer officiating rates, though exact numbers vary. Because umpires are usually paid on a per-game basis, working more games directly increases your total income. Many officials also officiate multiple sports, which adds to their seasonal earnings.

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Why Umpiring Pays Off

Becoming a high school umpire can be financially rewarding relative to the time commitment. The schedules often fit evenings and weekends, which works for students or day-job holders. Over a season, even a part-time umpire can earn a few thousand dollars by filling open slots on the schedule. Plus, there’s the benefit of staying active and doing something you enjoy.

For example, if the average base pay is $60 and an umpire works 50 games a year, that's $3,000. Combine that with JV games and you could reach $4,000–$5,000 in a season. So umpiring can easily cover expenses like tuition or major bills for many.

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Interested in Umpiring?

If you want to learn more about high school baseball umpiring, Home Plate Umpires Association offers guidance. They can provide up-to-date information on pay rates in your state and help new umpires find their first assignments. Reach out to Home Plate Umpires Association to learn more about opportunities and compensation in high school baseball officiating. Start calling games and watch your experience and earnings grow!