Court Reporter Salary in 2026
Court reporters create verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings using stenography or digital recording equipment. They ensure accurate records for courts, depositions, and legislative sessions.
Median Salary
$61,000
$5,083/mo
Entry Level
$40,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$83,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
Court Reporter Overview
Court reporters create verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings using stenography or digital recording equipment. They ensure accurate records for courts, depositions, and legislative sessions.
Education
Associate's Degree
Experience
2-3 years
Industry
Legal
Total Jobs (US)
20K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Legal
Hourly Rate
$29.33/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,083
Court Reporter Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Court Reporter salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Court Reporter Salary
$68,000
$5,667/month · $2,615/biweekly · $32.69/hr
Court Reporter Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Court Reporter field.
Entry-level Court Reporters earn around $40,000, while the top 10% earn $90,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Court Reporters
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $72,000 | +$11,000 |
| New York | $70,000 | +$9,000 |
| Illinois | $63,000 | +$2,000 |
| Texas | $60,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $60,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Court Reporters
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $72,000 | +$11,000 |
| Los Angeles | $68,000 | +$7,000 |
| Chicago | $64,000 | +$3,000 |
| Miami | $62,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $60,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Court Reporter Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Court Reporter from entry level to expert.
$40,000
0-2 years
$62,000
3-7 years
$83,000
8-14 years
$97,000
15+ years
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Court Reporter Salary FAQ
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