Court Reporter Salary

Court reporters create verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings, depositions, and meetings using stenography machines or voice-writing technology. The role requires completion of a 2-3 year court reporting program and state certification (RPR, CSR, or state-specific). Federal court reporters and freelance deposition specialists typically earn above the OEWS median. The role is increasingly competitive with digital recording in some jurisdictions but remains required in others by state statute.

The 10th-to-90th percentile spread is $39,710 – $98,990. That gap reflects experience, certification, employer type, geographic cost of living, and shift differentials where applicable.

Geography matters. Metropolitan areas in California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington tend to pay above the national median. Rural and lower-cost states often pay below — though cost-of-living adjustment narrows the real difference.

Credentials compound. Additional certifications, specializations, or advanced degrees consistently push earnings into the 75th and 90th percentile bands. Employer type (hospital vs. private practice, public vs. private sector) also drives meaningful pay variation.