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Court Reporter Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Court Reporter

Detroit, MI · On-site

$48K - $62K/yr

Court Reporter An AFSCME 3308 Bargaining Unit Position REPORTS TO: Court Reporter Supervisor GENERAL SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Court Reporter Supervisor, is responsible for the ...

By maintaining a dynamic work environment where employees collaborate and grow, we aim to modernize and transform the processes involved in court reporting, testimony management, trial preparation ...

By maintaining a dynamic work environment where employees collaborate and grow, we aim to modernize and transform the processes involved in court reporting, testimony management, trial preparation ...

About the Position: This position is primarily remote, but may need to attend in-person proceedings in Detroit, Michigan, and reports to the Senior Operations Manager. Responsibilities: Assisting ...

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Court Reporter information

See Michigan salary details

$29.2K

$70.2K

$108.1K

How much do court reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for court reporter in Michigan is $70,207.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $87,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Court Reporter vs Transcriptionist?

AspectCourt ReporterTranscriptionist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CSR), specialized trainingNo formal certification required, but certifications exist
Work EnvironmentCourts, legal proceedings, depositionsOffices, remote work, medical or legal transcription
Industry UsageLegal, court systemsLegal, medical, business

While both Court Reporters and Transcriptionists convert spoken words into written form, Court Reporters typically work in legal settings with specialized certifications and real-time reporting, whereas Transcriptionists often work in various industries without formal certification, focusing on audio-to-text transcription outside the courtroom.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Court Reporter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Court Reporter, you need excellent listening skills, fast and accurate typing abilities, and specialized training or certification in stenography or voice writing. Proficiency with stenotype machines, digital recording systems, and real-time transcription software is typically required. Attention to detail, discretion, and strong concentration are vital soft skills for capturing legal proceedings accurately and confidentially. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing precise legal records that support fair judicial processes and legal documentation.

What Is a Court Reporter?

As a court reporter, you transcribe court testimonies, witness depositions, legislative sessions, and other live legal proceedings using a stenotype machine. Your responsibilities are to perform accurate reporting of everything people say during proceedings and to read back specific parts of the transcript upon request. You need excellent listening and stenography skills to be a court reporter, with an average typing speed of 225 words per minute (WPM). You can find court reporting jobs with government courts at all levels and agencies. You can use your typing skills in similar professions, like television captioning.

What are the qualifications of a court reporter?

Court reporters typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and many complete specialized training or certification programs in shorthand, stenography, or voice writing. Certification from a recognized organization, such as the National Court Reporters Association, is often required or preferred, along with strong listening, typing, and attention to detail skills. Some states or employers may have additional licensing requirements.

What are court reporters?

Court reporters are professionals responsible for creating accurate, verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings, such as trials, hearings, and depositions. They use specialized equipment, like stenotype machines, to capture every word spoken in the courtroom or during official meetings. These transcripts are essential for maintaining legal records, ensuring transparency, and supporting appeals or reviews. Court reporters may also provide real-time captioning services for the hearing impaired. Their work is critical for the justice system's accuracy and accountability.

What are some common challenges faced by court reporters, and how can they be managed?

Court reporters often face challenges such as maintaining focus during long proceedings, accurately capturing fast or overlapping speech, and managing tight deadlines for transcript delivery. To overcome these, many reporters use specialized shorthand or stenography equipment, regularly practice their skills, and develop strong time-management habits. Working closely with attorneys, judges, and other court staff also helps clarify unclear testimony and ensure accuracy. Ongoing professional development and joining industry associations can provide valuable support and resources.

Is becoming a court reporter hard?

Becoming a court reporter requires completing specialized training or certification, which involves learning shorthand, transcription skills, and often passing a licensing exam. The job demands strong attention to detail, excellent listening skills, and the ability to work under pressure, but with dedication, it is achievable for many individuals.

Can I be a court reporter with no experience?

Yes, it is possible to become a court reporter with no prior experience, as many training programs and certification courses are available to teach the necessary skills, including shorthand and transcription. Employers often provide on-the-job training, and passing a licensing exam is typically required to work professionally. Developing strong listening, typing, and attention to detail skills can help you succeed in this field.

How much do court reporters make?

In Iowa, court reporters typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, certification, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on whether they work in courts, law firms, or as freelancers, and many court reporters use stenotype machines and transcription software in their work.
What are the most commonly searched types of Court Reporter jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Court Reporter jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Court Reporter jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Court Reporter job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Court Reporter jobs in MI? For Court Reporter jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Court Reporter job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,207 per year, or $33.8 per hour.
Court Reporter

Court Reporter

36th District Court

Detroit, MI • On-site

$48K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


36th District Court rating

3.9

Company rating: 3.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

JOB TITLE: Court Reporter

An AFSCME 3308 Bargaining Unit Position


REPORTS TO: Court Reporter Supervisor


GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Court Reporter Supervisor, is responsible for the verbatim reporting and transcription of court proceedings, maintenance and storage of all transcripts and notes, as required and in compliance with Michigan Court Rules, statutes, and Court policy; and provides secretarial services to the assigned Judge.


PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:


  1. Performs court reporting responsibilities in the assigned courtroom or off-site hearing locations, including but not limited to, creating a verbatim record, operating digital electronic recording equipment to accurately record courtroom and trial proceedings as they occur, marking exhibits, requesting clarification of testimony, and reading back required testimony.


  1. Prepares a written or electronic transcript when requested or ordered by the Court pursuant to Michigan Court Rules, statutes, and Court policy.


  1. Furnishes, without delay, a certified transcript of the official record at the request of any party or when ordered by the Court. Note: The preparation of any transcript for any party other than the Court shall be done at the expense of the party ordering the transcript and shall not be prepared during the Court Reporter's normal work hours unless authorized by the supervisor.


  1. Provides secretarial services to assigned judges. These services include but are not limited to, answering phones, typing correspondence, and ordering office supplies.


  1. Maintains, stores, and categorizes notes in accordance with Michigan Court Rules, statutes, and Court policy.


  1. Provides and maintains court reporting computer equipment and performs necessary repairs or updates.


  1. Performs other duties as assigned.


OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

1. Obtains and maintains all required state licenses and certifications necessary to perform the functions of a Court Reporter. Only reporters or recorders certified pursuant to MCR 8.108 may record or prepare transcripts at proceedings held in Michigan courts. One must possess all the necessary equipment prior to coming aboard.






JOB QUALIFICATIONS:


  1. The job requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a certificate from an accredited school for Court Reporting.


  1. Must possess one of three certifications through the state of Michigan; (CSR) Certified Stenographer Certificate, (CSMR) Certified Stenomask Reporter, (Realtime certification preferred) or (CER) Certified Electronic Recorder and the necessary equipment.


  1. Must own and maintain the equipment and software to produce an immediate translation.


  1. Must possess at least three (3) years of court reporting experience as a freelance reporter as a Court Reporter, or a combination thereof.


  1. Must have the knowledge, skills, and ability to produce a high-quality verbatim record.


  1. Proficient typing, word processing, and computer skills necessary to effectively utilize software and spreadsheet applications for data entry and the creation and compilation of various documents, communications, and reports.


  1. Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to provide accurate, timely information and communicate effectively, competently, and professionally, both orally and in writing, with Court personnel, Judges, justice system partners, and members of the public.


  1. Mental ability to frequently handle pressures related to dealing with distracting influences such as people, phone calls, and noise and pressures related to meeting deadlines, fulfilling transcript requirements, and the simultaneous handling of multiple projects requiring concentration and attention to detail.


WORKING CONDITIONS:


  1. Normal office environment with little discomfort due to heat, dust, noise, and the like.


  1. Physical ability to frequently sit, perform repetitive movements, and work in confined areas. Required to work at remote locations outside the court building, as necessary. Travels to remote work locations outside the court building by foot or other transportation.


  1. Assigned work schedule may be other than Monday through Friday. Extended workday beyond 7.5 hours a day. Evenings, weekends, and holidays may occasionally be required, as scheduled, and with or without notice, based on the needs of the Court.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:


  1. Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use a keyboard and video display terminal daily. Ability to communicate with the public and Court staff. Dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper. Occasional lifting of objects weighing up to fifteen (15) pounds such as files, stacks of paper, references, and other materials. Moving from place to place within an office. Some reaching for items above and below desk level.


  1. Ability to occasionally sit, walk, or stand for long periods, perform repetitive movements, and work in confined areas.


This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed by a person so classified. Determination of equivalent qualifications is within the sole discretion of Managem



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