Court Reporter
Court reporters use stenography machines, voice writing, or digital recording to create verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings, depositions, and other official events. They produce accurate legal records essential for appeals and case reviews. The BLS reports a median salary of $63,560 with 3% projected growth. Training typically involves an associate degree or certificate in court reporting, and many states require licensure. The RPR and RMR certifications enhance job prospects.
A Day in the Life
A typical day starts with setting up the stenography machine in the courtroom and testing equipment. The morning involves capturing testimony during a civil trial, marking exhibits, and flagging technical terms for later verification. During the lunch break, the reporter begins converting shorthand to readable text. The afternoon includes reporting on two deposition sessions at a law firm, proofreading a rush transcript, and uploading final transcripts to the court's filing system.
Key Stats
Education
Associate Degree
Salary Range
Entry: $40,000
Median: $63,560
Senior: $98,000
Job Growth