You’re standing behind the plate on a humid Tuesday evening. The catcher is leaning in, the pitcher is staring at the glove, and a dozen parents are ready to scream if you miss a strike call by an inch. In that moment, you might wonder if the paycheck is actually worth the headache. Or maybe you're the parent wondering where that $200 registration fee goes every spring.
Honestly, the answer to how much do little league umpires make is kind of a "it depends" situation. It’s a weird mix of pure volunteerism and surprisingly decent side-hustle money. While Little League International pushes the "volunteer" spirit, the reality on the ground in 2026 is that many local leagues have started opening their wallets just to keep the games running.
🔗 Read more: Saints Score and Game Update: What’s Happening at the Superdome Right Now
The Big Split: Volunteers vs. Paid Contractors
If you go strictly by the book—the Little League "Green Book"—umpires are supposed to be volunteers. It’s part of the whole community ethos. You’ll find thousands of people, mostly parents or former players, who do it for the love of the game and maybe a free hot dog from the concession stand.
But let’s get real. Finding people willing to get yelled at for free is getting harder every year.
Because of that, many local boards have moved toward a "stipend" or "per-game fee" model. If you're working in a league that pays, you aren't an employee. You’re usually an independent contractor. This means you’re responsible for your own gear, your own gas, and—if you make enough—your own taxes.
The Average Paycheck in 2026
Recent data shows a massive range in pay. Nationally, the average annual pay for someone classified as a Little League Umpire is roughly $47,598, but that number is a bit misleading. That’s for people who treat this like a full-time seasonal job, working multiple leagues, travel ball tournaments, and weekend marathons.
For the average person doing a few games a week, you’re looking at:
- Junior Umpires (Teens): $20 to $45 per game.
- Adult Umpires (Local Rec): $50 to $80 per game.
- Solo Games: If you're the only ump out there, many leagues will pay you 1.5x the standard rate. It's a lot more work, but the $90-$120 for two hours can feel pretty good.
Why Location Changes Everything
Where you live matters more than how good your eye is. In high-cost areas like California or Colorado, the rates have to be higher just to get people to show up.
In Berkeley, California, for example, umpires are averaging closer to $28 an hour. Contrast that with a small rural league in the Midwest where you might be lucky to get $30 for a whole game. Some leagues in Alaska, like in Nome or Sitka, actually report some of the highest pay rates in the country, often topping **$55,000 annually** for those who work the short but intense summer season.
✨ Don't miss: Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC: Why This Matchup Is Actually Getting Intense
The Travel Ball Factor
It’s important to distinguish between "Little League" (the specific organization) and "Travel Ball." If you’re working a weekend tournament for a private organization, the pay is significantly higher.
- Weekend Tournaments: You can easily clear $500–$700 in a single weekend.
- Triple Crown or USSSA: These often pay $60 to $100 per game depending on the age group.
Many umpires use the local Little League games as "training" or a way to give back, while making their "real" money on the travel circuit.
Little League World Series: The Ultimate Volunteer Gig
Here is the most surprising fact about the whole profession: the umpires you see on ESPN at the Little League World Series in Williamsport? They aren't getting paid a dime.
In fact, it costs them money.
To work the World Series, you have to be one of the best in the world. You have to be nominated, vetted, and selected. And yet, Little League International maintains a strict policy that these umpires are volunteers. They generally have to pay for their own travel to Pennsylvania. The league might cover housing and some meals, but there is no game fee.
Why do they do it? For the prestige. It’s the "pinnacle" of youth sports officiating. Once you have a World Series on your resume, you can command much higher fees in the private tournament world or move up into high school and collegiate officiating.
The Hidden Costs of the Job
Before you start counting your cash, remember that being an umpire isn't all profit. If you're serious about it, you’re basically running a small business.
- The Gear: A decent set of shin guards, a chest protector, and a quality mask will set you back $300 to $600 easily. Don’t forget the "clicker" (indicator), plate brush, and ball bags.
- Uniforms: You need the "powder blue" or "MLB black" shirts, specific grey slacks (not just any grey pants), and the proper hat. Most leagues won't give you these for free.
- Training: While local clinics are often free, the high-level umpire schools—like those run by Little League University—can cost money for registration and travel.
- The "Parent Tax": This is the emotional cost. You will be criticized. You will be told your eyesight is failing. You’ll have to develop a thick skin, which is a skill that takes time to build.
Moving Up the Ladder
Umpiring is one of those rare side hustles where you can actually "level up."
Most people start with Machine Pitch or AA. It’s low stakes. The kids are learning, and the parents are usually just happy to be outside. As you get better, you move to Majors (11-12 year olds), where the pitching gets real and the rules get complicated.
If you want to make more money, the path is clear:
- High School (OHSAA, etc.): $65 to $100 per game.
- College (NCAA): $150 to $450 per game.
- Minor Leagues: This is where it becomes a "job," but ironically, entry-level minor league guys often make less per hour than a busy travel ball umpire because of the travel and low base salary (around $20k-$25k a season).
The Bottom Line on Umpire Pay
So, how much do little league umpires make? If you’re looking for a primary income, this isn’t it—unless you are willing to travel and work year-round in states like Florida or Arizona. But if you’re a teacher looking for summer cash, or a college student wanting to make $150 on a Saturday afternoon, it’s a solid gig.
💡 You might also like: Packers Score Last Night: Why the Wild Card Collapse to Chicago Still Stings
Just remember that the IRS is watching. If you make more than $600 from a single league, they are legally required to send you a 1099-NEC.
If you want to get started, don't just show up at the field. Look up your local district's Umpire-in-Chief (UIC). They are usually desperate for help and will walk you through the background check and the initial training.
Actionable Steps for Aspiring Umpires:
- Register with the Little League Umpire Registry: It’s free and gives you access to the latest rule changes and training videos.
- Invest in a good mask first: Your safety is worth more than the $60 you’ll make in your first game.
- Shadow a veteran: Ask to work the bases for a game while an experienced umpire handles the plate. You’ll learn more in six innings than in six hours of reading a rulebook.
- Track your mileage: Since you’re likely an independent contractor, those miles to and from the ballpark are tax-deductible.