How to Become a Court Reporter in 2025

Updated October 29, 2025

Court reporters capture and preserve the official record of legal proceedings, a critical function in the justice system.
From high-tech digital recording to traditional stenographic transcription, this career blends technology, precision, and legal knowledge.

Whether you’re drawn to the tech side or to hands-on legal documentation, this guide explains how to become a court reporter in 2025, what training is required, and what salary and job growth to expect.

Court Reporter Salary Snapshot

U.S.
U.S. Median Pay $67,310 $32.36 per hour
Job Outlook 0.0% 0 jobs (2024–2034)
1,700 openings/yr
Data Year: 2024 Source: BLS OEWS

Court Reporter Overview: Digital vs. Steno

Modern court reporting now follows two main pathways:

Type Description Tools & Technology Typical Training
Stenographic Reporter Uses a stenotype machine to record every spoken word in shorthand Stenotype machine, CAT (Computer-Aided Transcription) software 18–36 months
Digital Court Reporter Operates specialized recording systems and produces certified transcripts from audio Multi-channel recording software, foot pedals, transcription tools 6–12 months

Which Path Is Right for You?

  • Stenographic reporting requires real-time shorthand typing (225+ WPM) and offers the highest earning potential.
  • Digital reporting is faster to learn, more affordable to train for, and increasingly in demand in courts, depositions, and government hearings.

Training Programs & Equipment Requirements

Court reporter training blends technical proficiency with legal and linguistic accuracy.
Most programs are offered through community colleges or specialized academies.

Core Coursework

  • Legal and medical terminology
  • Transcript formatting and editing
  • Courtroom procedures
  • Real-time writing or digital audio capture
  • Grammar, punctuation, and proofreading

Equipment Essentials

  • For Stenographic Reporters: Stenotype machine, CAT software, headset, and laptop
  • For Digital Reporters: High-quality audio recorder, foot pedal, transcription software, and dual monitors

Online programs now provide self-paced training, allowing students to complete certification-ready coursework within 12–24 months.

Explore Criminal Justice Programs

Certifications & Licensing

Court reporters often need state certification or licensure, depending on where they plan to work.

National Certifications

  • NCRA – Registered Professional Reporter (RPR)
    The most recognized national credential for stenographic reporters.
  • AAERT – Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) / Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET)
    Required or preferred for many digital reporting roles.

State Licensing

Many states require a court reporter license, typically involving:

  • A skills test (speed and accuracy)
  • A written exam covering court procedures and ethics
  • Continuing education every 1–2 years

Optional Specializations

  • Real-Time Reporter (CRR)
  • Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC)
  • CART Provider (Communication Access Realtime Translation)

These advanced credentials expand opportunities into closed captioning and remote reporting.

Timeline, Costs, and Job Outlook

Path Duration Estimated Cost Median Annual Pay*
Digital Reporter 6–12 months $2,000–$7,000 $50,000–$65,000
Stenographic Reporter 2–3 years $10,000–$20,000 $65,000–$90,000
Realtime / Captioning Specialist +6 months $2,000+ $80,000–$100,000+

court reporter Salary and Job Outlook

Based on BLS occupation: Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners (27-3092)
Data Year: 2024 • U.S.

Median Pay (2024) $67,310 $32.36 per hour
Job Outlook (2024–2034) 0.0% 0 jobs (2024–2034) • 1,700 annual openings

Mean Pay (2024)

$74,630 per year $35.88 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $39,100

$18.80 per hour

25th Percentile $50,210

$24.14 per hour

75th Percentile $92,710

$44.57 per hour

90th Percentile $127,020

$61.07 per hour

Employment Outlook

2024 17,700
2034 17,700

Employment: 17,700 → 17,700 jobs by 2034 (0.0%)

1,700 projected openings each year

Additional Details

Share of U.S. Employment
0.0%
Employment per 1,000 Jobs
0.08
Employment RSE
3.1%
Projected Annual Openings
1,700

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. www.bls.gov/oes

Job Outlook:
Employment for court reporters and captioners is projected to grow 3–4% through 2034, driven by increased demand for digital transcripts and live captioning.

FAQs

Is court reporting still a good career in 2025?
Yes. Demand remains steady, especially for trained digital reporters who can operate remote recording and transcription systems.

What’s the difference between a stenographer and a court reporter?
All stenographers are court reporters, but not all court reporters use steno. Some use digital or voice-capture systems instead of shorthand.

Can court reporters work remotely?
Absolutely. Many work from home transcribing depositions, hearings, or broadcasts.

Is certification required everywhere?
Not in all states, but professional certification significantly improves hiring potential and pay rates.

Next Steps

Court reporting combines technology, accuracy, and purpose, offering strong income potential and flexibility.
Whether you pursue the digital or stenographic path, accredited training programs can help you start within months.

Compare schools below to find the right court reporting program for your goals.

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