Court reporters transcribe legal proceedings using stenography machines, earning a median salary of $67,310 annually (BLS 2024). They need certification through NCRA, NVRA, or state-specific programs, requiring 2-4 years of training and the ability to type at least 225 words per minute in shorthand with 95% accuracy. Employment is projected to change little or not at all through 2034, with about 1,700 annual job openings from replacement needs.
Court reporters are trained stenographers who transcribe verbatim records of legal proceedings using specialized shorthand machines. They’re the guardians of the judicial process, ensuring every word spoken in courtrooms becomes part of the permanent legal record.
Many court reporters work as independent contractors, expanding beyond courtrooms to transcribe speeches, meetings, and live broadcasts as “simultaneous captioners.” This flexibility allows them to control their schedules and earning potential.
If you want to become a court reporter, you need to do more than learn shorthand and type quickly.
Court reporters hear it all: descriptions of murders, divorces, bankruptcy, white-collar crime, courtroom outbursts… the amusing and the tragic.
You must maintain your composure and remain attentive to details, no matter how intense things get. The role demands exceptional focus, accuracy, and professionalism under pressure.
This guide covers what court reporters do, why they’re essential to court proceedings, how to become a court reporter, certification requirements, and salary expectations for 2026.
What Does a Court Reporter Do?
Court reporters create verbatim records of legal proceedings using stenography, not word-for-word typing. They’re more than excellent note-takers. The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) refers to them as the “guardians of the judicial process” because their work ensures impartial and entirely accurate records of each proceeding.
During proceedings, court reporters use specialized stenotype machines to capture testimony at speeds exceeding 225 words per minute. They document every spoken word, including questions, answers, objections, rulings, and sidebar conversations.
Daily Responsibilities
Much of a court reporter’s work happens after the actual typing is done:
- Transcribing stenographic notes into official transcripts
- Double-checking recordings against written records
- Formatting documents to match court requirements
- Verifying the accuracy of names, technical terms, and legal citations
- Proofreading and editing for spelling and grammar
- Organizing and indexing records for easy reference
- Providing transcripts to judges, attorneys, and parties upon request
- Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive proceedings
Beyond the Courtroom
Court reporters also work in settings that require on-demand stenography:
- Depositions and discovery proceedings
- Arbitration and mediation sessions
- Closed-captioning for television broadcasts
- Realtime transcription for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals
- Corporate meetings and shareholder events
- Government hearings and legislative sessions
- Academic conferences and public lectures
Independent contractor court reporters manage their own business operations, including scheduling clients, setting rates, invoicing, and marketing their services.
Court reporters work alongside other legal professionals, each playing distinct roles in the judicial process. Legal secretaries handle administrative tasks and document preparation, while law clerks conduct legal research and draft documents. If you’re exploring legal careers, you might also consider becoming a paralegal, which offers broader responsibilities in legal research and case management.
Are Court Reporters Still in Demand?
Court reporters remain in steady demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects little or no employment change (0%) for court reporters and simultaneous captioners from 2024 to 2034. However, about 1,700 job openings are expected annually, primarily from workers retiring or leaving the profession.
Why Technology Hasn’t Replaced Court Reporters
Court reporters are active participants in proceedings who can accurately transcribe speakers who:
- Talk over one another
- Speak quietly or quickly
- Have strong accents or speech impediments
- Use technical or specialized terminology
- Make unclear or ambiguous statements
Current technology can’t perform these tasks with the accuracy required for legal proceedings. Court reporters can ask speakers to repeat themselves, clarify statements, and spell unfamiliar terms to ensure record accuracy.
Technology as an Enhancement
Modern court reporters use technology to enhance their capabilities. As the NCRA explains, court reporters providing real-time transcription offer one of the most accurate and widely accepted methods for immediate voice-to-text translation, allowing attorneys and judges to access transcripts immediately.
Today’s stenography machines feature:
- Computer-aided transcription (CAT) software that suggests translations
- Realtime translation displays for immediate transcript viewing
- Cloud backup systems for instant record preservation
- Integration with court case management systems
- Voice recognition assistance for quality checks
While AI transcription tools are increasingly used, they don’t yet match the legal accuracy required for official court records. Technology can fail during power outages or system crashes. With human court reporters, continuity is easier to maintain even when technical problems occur.
How to Become a Court Reporter
Becoming a court reporter requires specialized training, certification, and dedication to developing high-speed stenography skills. Requirements vary by state, but most court reporters follow a similar path.
Step 1: Complete Court Reporting Training
Most aspiring court reporters attend accredited court reporting programs offered at community colleges, technical schools, or specialized institutes. Programs typically take 2-3 years to complete, depending on your pace and the credential you pursue.
Training programs cover:
- Machine shorthand theory and practice
- Legal terminology and procedures
- Computer-aided transcription (CAT) software
- Grammar, punctuation, and proofreading
- Court procedures and ethics
- Medical and technical terminology
- Speed building exercises (progressively faster dictation)
Students must develop speed gradually, typically progressing from 60 words per minute to the required 225 words per minute over several semesters.
Step 2: Develop Required Speed and Accuracy
Court reporters must type at least 225 shorthand words per minute with 95% accuracy to pass national certification exams such as the RPR. State requirements may vary, with some requiring even higher speeds for literary, jury charge, and testimony transcription.
This speed development takes consistent practice. Most students spend 1-2 years building speed after learning the basics of stenography theory.
Step 3: Obtain Certification
While not all states require court reporter certification, obtaining credentials significantly improves job prospects and earning potential. Many employers prefer or require certification even when states don’t mandate it.
Certification demonstrates dedication to your profession and validates your skills to employers and clients.
Court Reporter Certification Options
Three major organizations offer nationally recognized court reporter certifications: the NCRA, National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA), and United States Court Reporters Association (USCRA).
NCRA Court Reporter Certifications
The NCRA offers the most widely recognized certifications in the profession. The RPR (Registered Professional Reporter) requires candidates to type at least 225 words per minute with 95% accuracy. Each certification serves different career levels and specializations:
| Certification | Level | Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) | Entry-Level | 225 wpm with 95% accuracy, pass written and skills exams | New court reporters seeking credibility and job opportunities |
| Registered Merit Reporter (RMR) | Intermediate | NCRA member, holds RPR, passes the advanced skills exam | Experienced reporters advancing their careers |
| Registered Diplomate Reporter (RDR) | Advanced | Hold RMR, 5+ years NCRA membership | Senior professionals seeking the highest credential |
| Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR) | Specialty | NCRA member, hold RPR or higher, pass the realtime exam | Reporters providing live transcription services |
| Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC) | Specialty | Pass captioning-specific exam | Broadcast and closed-captioning professionals |
| Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS) | Specialty | Pass the videography and technical exam | Videographers working with court reporters |
All NCRA certifications require continuing education to maintain credentials, ensuring professionals stay current with technology and best practices.
NVRA Court Reporter Certifications
The National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA) uniquely certifies both stenotype reporters and voice reporters. The NVRA requires proficiency in both voice writing and realtime transcription for certification.
Stenotype reporters use traditional stenography machines, while voice reporters (also called voice writers) repeat testimony into stenomasks—specialized masks that prevent their voices from disrupting proceedings. The mask connects to speech recognition software that creates realtime transcripts.
Voice reporters’ work produces immediate transcripts, similar to realtime captioning you see on live television. While stenographers also work in realtime, they typically need to review and edit their transcripts afterward to ensure 100% accuracy.
The NVRA offers several national certifications for both traditional stenographers and voice reporters, each with specific skill requirements and testing standards that ensure rigorous professional competency.
United States Court Reporters Association Certification
Federal courts employ court reporters just as state and local courts do. The United States Court Reporters Association offers the Federal Certified Realtime Reporter (FCRR) certification, which requires membership in USCRA to sit for the exam.
While the FCRR isn’t always required for federal court positions, it’s strongly preferred and demonstrates proficiency in the specialized procedures and requirements of federal court reporting.
Court Reporter Salary and Pay Ranges
Court reporter salaries vary significantly based on experience, certification level, employment type, and location. Understanding the earning potential at different career stages helps you set realistic expectations and plan your career path.
National Salary Overview
According to the BLS, court reporters and simultaneous captioners earn a median salary of $67,310 per year in May 2024. However, this median figure doesn’t tell the complete story of earning potential in this profession.
| Experience Level | Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 10th | Less than $39,100 |
| Mid-Career | 50th (Median) | $67,310 |
| Senior/Top Earners | 90th | More than $127,020 |
Salary by Employment Type
Court reporters work in various settings, with compensation varying significantly by employer (May 2024 BLS data):
- Local Government: $75,150 annually
- State Government: $74,660 annually
- Business Support Services: $51,290 annually
- Freelance/Independent Contractors: Highly variable ($40,000-$150,000+) based on client base and specialization
Factors Affecting Salary
Several factors influence a court reporter’s earning potential:
- Certification Level: RPR, RMR, and RDR credentials command higher rates
- Realtime Capabilities: CRR certification increases demand and pay
- Experience: Speed, accuracy, and reputation grow with time
- Specialization: Medical, technical, or complex litigation expertise
- Employment Model: Freelancers control their rates but manage business expenses
- Geographic Location: Urban markets and high-cost areas pay more
- Technology Proficiency: Advanced CAT software and editing skills
Freelance vs. Salaried Employment
Many court reporters are salaried employees at courthouses, receiving consistent paychecks and benefits. Others work as freelance contractors, giving them control over their schedules and earning potential.
Freelance court reporters typically charge per page of transcript (often $3-$6 per page) or daily appearance fees ($400-$1,200 per day), depending on market rates and case complexity. Successful freelance reporters can significantly exceed median salaries, but they manage their own health insurance, retirement, taxes, and business expenses.
When comparing legal career options, it’s helpful to review earning potential across roles. Explore paralegal salaries by state to see how court reporter compensation compares to other legal professions.
Career Outlook and Job Growth
The court reporting profession offers stable career prospects with opportunities for advancement and specialization. Court reporters earn $17,810 more per year than the median wage for all occupations ($49,500) as of 2024, placing them solidly in the middle-class to upper-middle-class income bracket.
Job Market Trends
Employment is projected to change little or not at all (0%) from 2024 to 2034. Despite limited employment growth, about 1,700 openings for court reporters and simultaneous captioners are projected each year on average over the decade. Most openings will result from the need to replace workers who retire or exit the profession.
Court reporters will continue to be needed to create detailed, accurate records of legal proceedings. Technology may make transcription work more efficient, but court reporters will still be required to review and edit digitally produced documentation.
Demand Drivers
Several factors support continued demand:
- Federal Regulations: Requirements for captioning on television, the internet, and other technologies
- Aging Population: Older Americans experiencing hearing loss need CART services
- Accessibility Requirements: Movie theaters and sports stadiums providing closed captioning
- Legal System Needs: Courts requiring accurate, detailed records
- Technology Review Needs: Human experts needed to verify AI-generated transcripts
Advancement Opportunities
Experienced court reporters can advance by:
- Earning advanced certifications (RMR, RDR, CRR)
- Specializing in complex case types (medical malpractice, patent litigation)
- Starting their own court reporting firms
- Training new court reporters as instructors
- Moving into legal videography or digital evidence management
- Providing CART services (Communication Access Realtime Translation) for accessibility
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a court reporter?
Most court reporting programs take 2-3 years to complete, depending on the credential you pursue and how quickly you develop the required stenography speed. The BLS notes that achieving a court reporting program typically takes 2 or 3 years. The speed-building component often takes the longest, as students must progress from basic stenography to 225 words per minute with 95% accuracy for national certification.
Do court reporters make good money?
Court reporters earn competitive salaries, with a median income of $67,310 annually as of May 2024 (BLS). Top earners make more than $127,020, particularly in government positions or established freelance practices. Court reporters earn $17,810 more per year than the median wages of all occupations, making this a solidly middle-class to upper-middle-class career with strong earning potential.
Is it hard to become a court reporter?
Becoming a court reporter is challenging but achievable with dedication and practice. The most difficult aspect is developing the required speed of 225 words per minute in stenography while maintaining 95% accuracy for national certification. This skill development takes consistent practice over 1-2 years. Students must also master legal terminology, court procedures, and CAT software. However, with structured training programs and persistent practice, motivated students complete court reporter training every year.
Are court reporters still in demand?
Yes, court reporters remain in steady demand. At the same time, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects little or no employment change (0%) from 2024 to 2034, and about 1,700 job openings are expected each year due to workers retiring or leaving the profession. Technology hasn’t replaced court reporters because they provide accuracy, realtime clarification, and reliability that automated systems can’t yet match for legal proceedings.
What does a court reporter do?
Court reporters create verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings using stenography machines. They capture every spoken word during trials, depositions, hearings, and other legal proceedings. After proceedings, they transcribe their stenographic notes into official written transcripts, proofread for accuracy, verify names and terminology, and format documents according to court requirements. The NCRA calls them “guardians of the judicial process” because their work creates the permanent, official record that parties can review and courts can reference.
How fast do court reporters type?
Court reporters must type at least 225 shorthand words per minute with 95% accuracy to pass national certification exams such as the RPR. State requirements may vary. Experienced court reporters often achieve speeds of 260-300 words per minute or higher, allowing them to capture rapid dialogue, multiple speakers, and complex testimony accurately.
Do court reporters type every word?
Yes, court reporters create verbatim (word-for-word) records of legal proceedings. They use stenography—a specialized shorthand system where key combinations represent sounds, words, and phrases—rather than typing each letter individually. This stenographic method allows them to capture speech at conversational speed. After the proceedings, they translate their stenographic notes into standard written English, creating complete, accurate transcripts of everything said.
What’s the difference between court reporters and legal transcriptionists?
Court reporters attend proceedings in person and create realtime transcripts using stenography machines, capturing testimony as it happens. Legal transcriptionists work after the fact, listening to audio recordings and typing what they hear. Court reporters need specialized stenography training and certification, while legal transcriptionists need excellent typing skills and knowledge of legal terminology, but don’t require stenography certification. Court reporters also earn significantly more due to their specialized skills and realtime capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Court reporters earn a median salary of $67,310 annually (BLS May 2024), with top earners making more than $127,020, significantly above the national median of $49,500 for all occupations.
- Training takes 2-3 years and requires developing a stenography speed of at least 225 words per minute with 95% accuracy to pass national certification exams like the RPR.
- Certification through NCRA, NVRA, or state-specific programs significantly improves job prospects and earning potential, even when not legally required.d
- Employment is projected to change little or not at all (0%) through 2034, with about 1,700 annual job openings, primarily from retirement replacements.
- Technology enhances rather than replaces court reporters, as they provide real-time clarification, accuracy with multiple speakers, and reliability that AI systems can’t yet match for legal proceedings.s
- Freelance court reporters control their schedules and earning potential, often exceeding median salaries with established client bases and advanced certifications.
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Salary Disclaimer: 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.
