Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Court Reporter is a professional responsible for creating verbatim transcriptions of legal proceedings, such as trials, hearings, and depositions, to ensure a precise and complete legal record. They use specialized equipment to capture every word spoken during these proceedings.
Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Short-term
Projected Growth: 2.8% (average)
Annual job openings: 1,700
Direct AI exposure: 13% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 92% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $72K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $42K per year | $54K per year | $72K per year | $101K per year | $131K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $21K above the national average. | ||||
Court Reporters primarily work in courtrooms, but they may also work in attorneys' offices, government agencies, or freelance, covering depositions, arbitrations, and other legal proceedings. The job requires attention to detail and accuracy under potentially high-pressure conditions.
Court Reporting is a critical role within the legal system, providing a precise record of what is said during legal proceedings. This occupation demands excellent listening skills, fast and accurate typing, and a strong grasp of legal terminology and procedures. Court Reporters must be able to concentrate for long periods, often under the pressure of strict deadlines and the fast-paced environment of legal proceedings.
The role has evolved with technology. While traditional stenography remains prevalent, digital recording and voice writing are becoming more common. Regardless of the method, the goal remains the same: to produce an accurate and complete record of proceedings.
Court Reporters must be impartial and maintain confidentiality, as they often handle sensitive information. The job can offer a unique insight into the legal process and provides the opportunity to work on diverse cases, each presenting its own set of challenges and learning experiences.
Most Court Reporters complete a post-secondary certificate or associate degree in court reporting from a community college or technical institute, typically requiring about 2-3 years of study. Professional certification or licensure may be required depending on jurisdiction, and often involves passing a skills-based examination in stenography or voice writing.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
