Job description template

Court Reporter Job Description Template

A copy-ready court reporter job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
How to use this template

Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows court reporters earn a median of $72,420 ($34.82/hour); the middle 50% earn $53,760–$100,780.

Job title

Court Reporter

Job summary

[Company name] is seeking a dependable court reporter to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will record legal proceedings word for word, produce official transcripts and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.

Responsibilities

  • Record legal proceedings word for word
  • Produce official transcripts
  • Read back testimony on request
  • Provide live captioning
  • Prepare and maintain dictionaries
  • Swear in witnesses where allowed
  • Meet transcript deadlines
  • Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations

Required qualifications

  • Postsecondary nondegree award
  • Current license or certification as required by [state]
  • Working knowledge of stenography and realtime writing
  • Concentration and accuracy
  • [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]

Preferred qualifications

  • Registered Professional Reporter (RPR)
  • Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR)
  • Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC)
  • Experience with stenotype machines

Skills

  • Legal and medical terminology
  • Transcript production
  • Proofreading
  • Captioning software
  • Discretion
  • Professionalism

Work environment and schedule

Reporters work in courtrooms, law offices and remotely; captioners often work from home. Hours vary; freelance reporters and captioners may work irregular hours to meet deadlines.

Pay and benefits

$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]

Equal opportunity

[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Tips for a court reporter job posting that attracts applicants

  • Use the title candidates search for. “Court Reporter” is the clearest; alternates include Stenographer, Broadcast Captioner, CART Provider.
  • Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
  • Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
  • Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of a court reporter so applicants self-select accurately.
  • Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Court Reporter training: widens your applicant pool.

Next steps

Screen and interview with our Court Reporter hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.

Team pricing