Track and field sports have a variety of competitive events that require officials to oversee. Track officials closely monitor these events to ensure accuracy in distance throwing, jumping and running events, and that athletes adhere to rules and regulations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated the salary for track officials under the broad occupational title of umpires, referees and other sports officials in May 2010.
Salary
Track officials can work in a variety of industries related to amateur and professional track and field competitions. Most track officials played track and field sports in the past and understand the rules and regulations of one or several events. Employers require passing an exam to ensure each track official has specific knowledge of the sport. Organizations such as the USA Track and Field, which is the governing body for track and field sports in the United States, requires different levels of certification to officiate sporting events. The average salary for this occupation was $28,900 per year in 2010.
Percentiles
Salaries vary depending on the level of competition track officials oversee. Many of these professionals work part time. Salaries ranged from $16,310 to $50,350 per year, including the BLS's 10th through 90th percentiles. The 25th percentile earned $18,180 per year and the 75th percentile earned $34,100 per year.
Industries
Among the amateur and professional sports industries track officials work in, the spectator sports industry paid an average salary of $27,050 per year. In schools, including elementary, middle and high schools, the average salary was $36,320 per year. Local government agencies paid an average salary of $27,420 per year.
Job Outlook
Among all athletes and sports officials, the BLS expects 23 percent growth between 2008 and 2018. Employment of umpires, referees and sports officials is expected to increase 10 percent during this timeframe. The best opportunities are expected for part-time sports officials for high school events. Growth is expected due to many officials retiring through 2018 and the growing interest of those participating and watching many spectator sports.
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