FAQ
Court Reporter FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a court reporter.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a court reporter: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about court reporters
Is there demand for court reporters?
Yes, many areas have shortages.
How long does training take?
Often two to four years.
Can court reporters work remotely?
Many depositions and captioning jobs are remote.
How much does a court reporter make?
The median annual wage for court reporters was $72,420 ($34.82 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $42,130 and the highest 10% earned more than $130,560.
How long does it take to become a court reporter?
Most people need about 2–4 years of training. Most court reporters complete a postsecondary court reporting program and must reach high writing speeds. Many states require certification.
Do you need a degree to be a court reporter?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Is court reporter a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -0.1% from 2025–35 (little or no change), with about 1,800 openings each year. Upsides include shortage of reporters creates demand; a common challenge is that demanding training.
What skills does a court reporter need?
Key technical skills include stenography, realtime writing, legal and medical terminology, and transcript production. Employers also value concentration, accuracy, and discretion.
What certifications are available for court reporters?
Common credentials include Registered Professional Reporter (RPR), Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR), Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC), and Certified CART Provider (CCP). Many states require court reporters to be certified or licensed, often through the RPR or a state CSR exam.
Still deciding?
Try the Court Reporter fit quiz, compare with Paralegal, or explore Court Reporter training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-3092 (Court reporters and simultaneous captioners).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Court reporters and simultaneous captioners (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.