Career Overview
Use verbatim methods and equipment to capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe pretrial and trial proceedings or other information. Includes stenocaptioners who operate computerized stenographic captioning equipment to provide captions of live or prerecorded broadcasts for hearing-impaired viewers.
Also Known As
- Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR)
- Court Reporter
- Court Stenographer
- Official Court Reporter
Alternate Job Titles
- Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR)
- Court Monitor
- Court Recorder
- Court Recording Monitor
- Court Reporter
- Court Stenographer
- Court Transcriber
- Deposition Reporter
- Digital Court Reporter
- Digital Reporter
- Electronic Court Recorder
- Hearings Reporter
- Judicial Reporter
- Official Court Reporter
- Realtime Captioner
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Record verbatim proceedings of courts, legislative assemblies, committee meetings, and other proceedings, using computerized recording equipment, electronic stenograph machines, or stenomasks.
- Proofread transcripts for correct spelling of words.
- Ask speakers to clarify inaudible statements.
- Provide transcripts of proceedings upon request of judges, lawyers, or the public.
- Transcribe recorded proceedings in accordance with established formats.
- Log and store exhibits from court proceedings.
- File and store shorthand notes of court session.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- File exhibits.
- Perform secretarial tasks for the court.
- Swear in witnesses.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- English Language
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Law and Government
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Speech Recognition
- Written Expression
- Oral Expression
- Near Vision
- Written Comprehension
- Selective Attention
- Information Ordering
- Wrist-Finger Speed
- Speech Clarity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Self-Control
- Cautiousness
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Achievement
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Audio tape recorders
- Desktop computers
- Dictation equipment
- Digital audio recorders
- Laptop computers
- Personal computers
- Personal digital assistants PDA
- Photocopying equipment
- Stenomasks
- Stenotype machines
Work Environment
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Contact With Others
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Spend Time Sitting
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $39,100 |
| Median | $67,310 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $127,020 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 12,630
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $54,140
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $47,700
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $61,010
Word Processors and Typists
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $47,850
File Clerks
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $41,270
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.