Court reporters play a vital role in the legal system, creating accurate transcripts of legal proceedings, depositions, and other significant events. As we step into 2025, understanding the earning potential in this profession is more important than ever—especially for those considering a career in this field or aiming to advance. This article breaks down everything you need to know about court reporter salaries in 2025, including average pay, influencing factors, experience levels, job outlook, and more.
Average Salary for Court Reporters in 2025
In 2025, the average salary for court reporters in the U.S. is approximately $70,000 to $85,000 per year. However, actual earnings can vary significantly based on location, experience, certifications, and employment type (freelance vs. official court reporter).
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Entry-Level (0–2 years): $45,000 – $55,000
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Mid-Level (3–7 years): $60,000 – $80,000
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Experienced (8+ years): $85,000 – $110,000+
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Top Earners (Freelance + Real-time Certified): $120,000+
Key Factors That Influence a Court Reporter’s Salary
Several variables can impact how much a court reporter earns:
1. Location
States with high litigation volume and cost of living, such as California, New York, and Texas, tend to offer higher salaries.
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Highest Paying States in 2025 (Avg):
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California: $95,000+
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New York: $90,000+
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Texas: $85,000+
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2. Experience Level
Experience brings speed, accuracy, and specialized skills like real-time transcription, which significantly raise earnings.
3. Certifications
Holding certifications from recognized bodies like the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) can lead to higher-paying opportunities.
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Popular Certifications:
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RPR (Registered Professional Reporter)
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RMR (Registered Merit Reporter)
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CRR (Certified Realtime Reporter)
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4. Employment Type
Freelance reporters often earn per job or page and can make more in high-demand markets, but may lack benefits. Official court reporters are salaried and may receive government benefits.
Salary vs. Take-Home Pay
Let’s break down what a $103,000 gross salary looks like after deductions:
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Federal/State Taxes (~25–30%): -$25,000 to -$31,000
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Healthcare, Retirement, Other Deductions: -$7,000 to -$10,000
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Estimated Take-Home Pay: $62,000 to $71,000 annually or about $5,200–$5,900/month
Benefits of a Career in Court Reporting
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High Earning Potential Without a 4-Year Degree
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Flexible Schedule (Especially Freelancers)
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Remote and In-Court Work Options
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Career Longevity with Low Automation Risk
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Opportunities for Specialization (e.g., CART captioning)
Job Market Trends in 2025
The demand for court reporters is stable and growing, driven by:
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Retirement of current professionals (average age of reporters is high)
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Increased need for real-time captioning in legal and media sectors
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Accessibility requirements (closed captioning services)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), court reporting jobs are projected to grow steadily at 3–5% annually through 2028, though some regions are seeing faster demand due to legal backlogs and a decline in new entrants to the field.
Education and Training That Affect Salary
Minimum Requirements:
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High School Diploma or GED
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Completion of a Court Reporting Program (typically 18–36 months)
Licensure/Certification (Varies by State):
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NCRA certification is highly recommended
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State licensing exams in places like California and Texas
Investing in advanced certifications and continuous education often leads to roles in:
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Real-time Captioning
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Legal Video Services
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Court Management
Conclusion
Court reporting in 2025 remains a rewarding and financially stable career path with substantial growth potential. Whether you’re just starting or looking to upskill, factors like experience, location, certifications, and employment type will significantly impact your earnings. With a clear path for advancement and high demand, now is a great time to consider this profession or explore new opportunities within it.
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