Court Reporters create word-for-word transcriptions at court proceedings, depositions, and other legal meetings. Simultaneous Captioners provide real-time captioning for the deaf or hard of hearing during live events. Both roles require exceptional typing speed, accuracy, and knowledge of legal terminology or event-specific jargon.
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $28,510.00 |
25th percentile | $31,760.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $54,500.00 |
75th percentile | $71,670.00 |
90th percentile | $87,810.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $13.71 |
25th percentile | $15.27 |
median (50th percentile) | $26.20 |
75th percentile | $34.46 |
90th percentile | $42.22 |
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners typically need a postsecondary certificate or associate's degree in court reporting. These programs often include coursework in stenography, machine shorthand, English grammar, legal procedures, and terminology. Acquiring proficiency in computer-aided transcription and real-time captioning technology is crucial for these roles. While completion of high school is necessary for entry into training programs, a college education beyond an associate's degree is not always required to pursue a career as a court reporter or simultaneous captioner. Training for court reporters and simultaneous captioners involves learning stenography techniques, practicing transcription skills, and familiarizing oneself with legal and medical terminologies. Students usually participate in internships or on-the-job training to gain practical experience in various settings such as courtrooms, depositions, or broadcast environments. Additionally, individuals may pursue certifications like the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) or Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR) to enhance their credentials and job prospects in this field.