The income of a soccer assistant referee, also known as a linesman, can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the level of competition, the country or region, and the individual’s experience and qualifications.
In general, at lower levels of competition, such as amateur or youth leagues, assistant referees may receive only a small stipend or no payment at all. At higher levels of competition, such as professional or international matches, assistant referees can earn significant salaries.
The income of the assistant referees in the United States at different competition levels
Competitions Levels | Per Game (approximate) |
Major League Soccer(MLS) | $900 ~ $1,200 |
United Soccer League (USL) | $500 ~ $700 |
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) | $250 ~ $350 |
College Soccer | $100 ~ $400 |
- Major League Soccer (MLS): According to reports, MLS assistant referees can earn between $900 and $1,200 per game. This translates to an estimated annual salary of $20,000 to $30,000.
- United Soccer League (USL): Assistant referees in the USL can earn around $500 to $700 per game, which equates to approximately $10,000 to $15,000 per year.
- National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL): Assistant referees in the NWSL can earn between $250 and $350 per game. This means they can earn an estimated annual salary of $5,000 to $10,000.
- College soccer: Assistant referees at the college level can earn anywhere between $100 and $400 per game, depending on the conference and level of play.
The income of the assistant referees in England at different competition levels
Competitions Levels | Per Game (approximate) |
Premier League | £850 ~ £1,100 |
English Football League (EFL) | £475 ~ £650 |
National League | £200 ~ £300 |
Non-League | £50 ~ £100 |
- Premier League: Assistant referees in the Premier League can earn between £850 and £1,100 per game, depending on their experience and seniority. They may also receive an annual retainer fee of around £35,000 to £40,000.
- English Football League (EFL): Assistant referees in the EFL can earn between £475 and £650 per game, with an annual retainer fee of around £15,000 to £20,000.
- National League: Assistant referees in the National League can earn between £200 and £300 per game, with an annual retainer fee of around £5,000 to £7,000.
- Non-League: Assistant referees in non-league football can earn between £50 and £100 per game, depending on the level of competition.
The income of the assistant referees in Spain at different competition levels
Competitions Levels | Per Game (approximate) |
La Liga | €3,000 to €3,500 |
Segunda División | €1,500 to €2,000 |
Segunda División B | €500 to €800 |
Tercera División | €200 to €300 |
- La Liga: The top tier of Spanish soccer, La Liga pays assistant referees an average of €3,000 to €3,500 per match.
- Segunda División: The second tier of Spanish soccer, Segunda División pays assistant referees an average of €1,500 to €2,000 per match.
- Segunda División B: The third tier of Spanish soccer, Segunda División B pays assistant referees an average of €500 to €800 per match.
- Tercera División: The fourth tier of Spanish soccer, Tercera División pays assistant referees an average of €200 to €300 per match.
The income of the assistant referees in Germany at different competition levels
Competitions Levels | Per Game (approximate) |
Bundesliga | €2,500 to €3,000 |
Level 2 Bundesliga | €1,500 to €1,800 |
3.Liga | €700 to €900 |
Regionalliga | €200 to €300 |
- Bundesliga: The top tier of German soccer, Bundesliga pays assistant referees an average of €2,500 to €3,000 per match.
- level 2 Bundesliga: The second tier of German soccer, 2. Bundesliga pays assistant referees an average of €1,500 to €1,800 per match.
- level 3 Liga: The third tier of German soccer, 3. Liga pays assistant referees an average of €700 to €900 per match.
- Regionalliga: The fourth tier of German soccer, Regionalliga pays assistant referees an average of €200 to €300 per match.
The income of the assistant referees in France at different competition levels
Competitions Levels | Per Game (approximate) |
Ligue 1 | €2,500 to €3,000 |
Ligue 2 | €1,500 to €2,000 |
Championnat National | €800 to €1000 |
RegionalligaChampionnat National 2 and 3 | €200 to €300 |
- Ligue 1: The top tier of French soccer, Ligue 1 pays assistant referees an average of €2,500 to €3,000 per match.
- Ligue 2: The second tier of French soccer, Ligue 2 pays assistant referees an average of €1,500 to €2,000 per match.
- Championnat National: The third tier of French soccer, Championnat National pays assistant referees an average of €800 to €1,000 per match.
- Championnat National 2 and 3: The fourth and fifth tiers of French soccer, Championnat National 2 and 3 pay assistant referees an average of €200 to €300 per match.
The income of the assistant referees in Belgium at different competition levels
Competitions Levels | Per Game (approximate) |
Jupiler Pro League | €1,500 to €2,000 |
Proximus League | €1,000 to €1,500 |
Division 1 Amateur | €300 to €500 |
Division 2 Amateur | €200 to €300 |
- Jupiler Pro League: The top tier of Belgian soccer, Jupiler Pro League pays assistant referees an average of €1,500 to €2,000 per match.
- Proximus League: The second tier of Belgian soccer, Proximus League pays assistant referees an average of €1,000 to €1,500 per match.
- Division 1 Amateur: The third tier of Belgian soccer, Division 1 Amateur pays assistant referees an average of €300 to €500 per match.
- Division 2 Amateur: The fourth tier of Belgian soccer, Division 2 Amateur pays assistant referees an average of €200 to €300 per match.