Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
Court reporters create word-for-word transcriptions at trials, depositions, and other legal proceedings. Simultaneous captioners provide similar transcriptions for television or for presentations in other settings, such as press conferences and business meetings, for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Is court reporters and simultaneous captioners a good career?
It scores 13/100 and ranks #600 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($72,420)
Possible tradeoffs
- Employment is projected to decline (-0.3% through 2034)
What court reporters and simultaneous captioners earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. court reporters and simultaneous captioners earn between $53,760 and $100,780 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
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- Typical education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow little or no change through 2034.
Education
Many court reporters and simultaneous captioners attend programs at community colleges or technical institutes that lead to either a certificate or an associate’s degree. Either credential qualifies applicants for many entry-level positions. Certification programs prepare students to pass the licensing exams and typing-speed tests required by most states and employers.
Most court reporting programs include courses in English grammar and phonetics, legal procedures, and legal terminology. Students also practice preparing transcripts to improve the speed and accuracy of their work.
Some schools also offer training in the use of different transcription equipment, such as stenotype machines or steno masks.
Completing a court reporting program typically takes 2 or 3 years.
Training
After completing their formal program, court reporters and simultaneous captioners must undergo on-the-job training. The length of training varies by type of reporting or captioning but typically includes training on the specific equipment and technical terminology that may be used during complex medical or legal proceedings.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Many states require court reporters and simultaneous captioners to be licensed or certified by a professional association. Licensing requirements vary by state and by method of reporting or captioning.
Certifications typically require the successful completion of a written test, as well as a skills test in which applicants must type, record, or transcribe a minimum number of words per minute with a high level of accuracy.
In addition, professional associations often require court reporters and simultaneous captioners to obtain a certain amount of continuing education credits in order to renew their certification.
State licensing and continuing education requirements are available on the state association’s or state judicial agency's website.
Important qualities
Concentration. Court reporters and simultaneous captioners must be able to focus for long periods so that they remain attentive to the dialogue they are recording.
Detail oriented. Court reporters and simultaneous captioners must produce error-free work because they create transcripts that serve as legal records.
Listening skills. Court reporters and simultaneous captioners must give their full attention to speakers and capture every word that is said.
Writing skills. Court reporters and simultaneous captioners need a good command of grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Related occupations
How much do court reporters and simultaneous captioners make?
The national median wage is $72,420 a year, with the middle half earning between $53,760 and $100,780 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is court reporters and simultaneous captioners a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 13 of 100 and ranks #600 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -0.3% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a court reporters and simultaneous captioner?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award.
Where do court reporters and simultaneous captioners earn the most?
Among states, California pays the highest median ($116,020). Local pay for every state and metro is below.