What is the minimum wage for an AFL umpire?

The national minimum wage for award-free adult employees is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. Casual umpires receive $33.05 per hour. If covered by a modern award, the award rate may be higher.

Are AFL umpires covered by a modern award?

Many umpires are likely covered by the Amusement, Events and Recreation Award 2020 or a similar award. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains the minimum rates for these awards.

How can I find the actual pay rate for my umpiring role?

Many leagues publish their pay rates, such as the Geelong Umpires and SEQ Senior Umpires. Check your league's website or contact your umpire coordinator.

AFL Umpire Salary: Understanding Pay Rates and Legal Minimums

The legal minimum for award-free adult umpires is $26.44 per hour (or $33.05 casual) from 1 July 2026, but actual AFL umpire pay rates vary widely by league, grade, and role, with senior field umpires in Geelong earning $185.40 per game.

AFL Umpire Salary: Legal Minimums and Actual Pay

When researching an "afl umpire salary", it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum wage and the actual rates paid by local leagues. The national minimum wage, set by the Fair Work Commission, is the floor for award-free adult employees. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour, or $33.05 per hour for casuals. However, many umpires are covered by a modern award—such as the Amusement, Events and Recreation Award 2020—or by an enterprise agreement, which can set higher minimums. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these obligations.

The Legal Minimum for Umpires

For an award-free adult umpire working ordinary hours, the minimum is $26.44 per hour. Casual umpires receive a 25% loading, bringing the minimum to $33.05 per hour. These rates apply to national-system employees who are not covered by an award or agreement. Some state public sector and local government employees may have different state awards. Always check the applicable award or agreement.

Actual Pay Rates from Leagues

Two examples of published pay rates for 2026 are available from the Geelong Umpires and SEQ Senior Umpires. The Geelong Umpires pay rates table shows senior field umpires in the GFNL/BFNL receiving $185.40 per game . This is not an hourly rate; it is a per-game payment. The SEQ Senior Umpire Pay Rates are also published by Play AFL Queensland . These rates are typically above the legal minimum and reflect the specific conditions of each league.

Comparing to the National Minimum

To compare a per-game rate to the hourly minimum, you would need to know the duration of the game. For example, if a senior field umpire works a 2-hour game, the $185.40 per game equates to $92.70 per hour, well above the national minimum. However, umpires also incur travel time, preparation, and other duties. The per-game rate often covers the entire match day commitment.

Super Guarantee

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. This applies to umpires who are employees, not independent contractors. The super is in addition to the quoted pay rate.

Junior and Introductory Rates

If you are under 21, award-free junior rates apply. For example, a 17-year-old umpire receives 57.8% of the adult rate, or $15.29 per hour (casual $19.11). Introductory rates for the first 6 months of employment are $25.74 per hour (or $978.10 per week). These are legal minimums; actual pay may be higher.

How to Check Your Rate

Use the Which minimum wage applies guide to determine if you are award-free or covered by an award. Then consult the Rate tables for the applicable modern award or the league's published pay rates.

Summary

The "afl umpire salary" is not a single figure. The legal floor is the national minimum wage, but most umpires earn more through award rates or league agreements. Always verify with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.