Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
O*NET 27-3092.00 · SOC 27-3092
Court Reporter is a risky career choice. Median pay is $72k a year with -0.1% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 1,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Transcribe spoken courtroom testimony into written records
- →Provide real-time captions for live television broadcasts
- →Read back recorded testimony when requested by judge
- →Produce certified transcripts of legal proceedings for attorneys
- →Use stenography equipment to capture speech at high speeds
Education & How to Get In
Most Court Reporter positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Court Reporter involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Court Reporter?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Court Reporter Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners is projected to decline 0.1% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·46% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·30% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Court Reporter make?
The median Court Reporter earns $72k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Court Reporter jobs?
Our model puts Court Reporter at 54 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 46% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 30% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Court Reporter a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 0.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 1,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Court Reporter?
Most Court Reporter roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Court Reporter?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Court Reporter career right for you?
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