The creation of verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings, speeches, conversations, meetings, and other events is done by court reporters. This information is often recorded, captured in shorthand, or obtained using a stenotype machine. It is then transcribed and provided to lawyers, judges, and the public, upon request. Court reporters must ensure that an accurate and complete legal record results. They also sometimes assist trial attorneys and judges with official record information searches. Many are now providing real-time translation and closed-captioning services for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
Court Reporter Skill Set:
Active Listening
Writing
Reading Comprehension
Time Management
Monitoring
Speaking
Required Abilities:
Oral Comprehension
Speech Recognition
Written Expression
Near Vision
Selective Attention
Oral Expression
Written Comprehension
Tools Used by Court Reporters:
Cassette Players or Recorders
Microphones
Notebook Computers
Photocopiers
Stenotype Machines
At a Glance: Salary Statistics
Court Reporter Salaries for Industries
Popular Industries
Salary
Business Support Services
$48,760
State Government
$55,240
Local Government
$57,830
Federal Executive Branch
$55,680
Typical Work Activities
Documenting/Recording Information
Interacting With Computers
Getting Information
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Court Reporter Salaries for Popular Cities and States
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job prospects for court reporters look excellent over the next several years, especially for certified individuals. Employment growth is being stimulated by the increased demand for real-time captioning and translating of broadcasts for hearing-impaired individuals as well as the need for accurate transcription of court proceedings. Between 2010 and 2020, 14 percent employment growth is projected, which is greater than the average for all U.S. occupations.
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Area of specialization determines how much training is required to become a court reporter. In addition, there are licensing requirements, which vary by state. Those who perform electronic recording and transcribing learn on the job. Becoming a novice voice writer usually takes under one year but it may take two years or more to become proficient in real-time voice writing. On average, approximately 33 months is required to become a real-time stenographic court reporter. Approximately 100 postsecondary technical and vocational colleges and schools offer this training. Over 60 programs are certified by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). Each includes courses in real-time reporting and stenotype computer-aided transcription. Students must capture at least 225 words per minute in order to complete an NCRA-certified program.
According to an occupational survey conducted by O*Net, 75 percent of respondents in this career possessed an associate’s degree and an additional 20 percent had taken some college courses. Only four percent had obtained their bachelor’s degree. Tuition for degree programs varies by level of degree and school and most U.S. colleges and universities offer some type of financial aid. To serve as a voice writer, some states require individuals to pass a test and earn a state license. As an alternative, the National Verbatim Reporters Association has three national voice writing certifications and earning these qualifies an individual for licensure within the home state.
Related Occupations
Several other types of workers record information, type, and process paperwork on a regular basis. Information processing and data entry workers enter data into a computer and perform clerical duties.
Human resources assistants record employee information into paper files and databases.
Medical transcriptionists transcribe medical reports that are recorded by healthcare practitioners regarding office visits, diagnostic studies, chart reviews, and treatment summaries. Interpreters and translators interpret sign or oral language or translate written content from one language to another.
