1

Court Reporters Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Court Reporters information

See Madison, WI salary details

$33.8K

$81.2K

$124.9K

How much do court reporters jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for court reporters in Madison, WI is $81,165.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $100,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Court Reporters vs Transcriptionists?

AspectCourt ReportersTranscriptionists
CredentialsCertification or licensing often requiredNo formal certification typically required
Work EnvironmentCourts, government agencies, legal settingsOffices, remote work, transcription services
Industry UsageLegal proceedings, depositions, hearingsAudio/video transcription, dictation
Work FocusReal-time capturing of spoken words in legal settingsConverting audio recordings into written documents

While both Court Reporters and Transcriptionists convert spoken words into written form, Court Reporters primarily work in legal environments capturing proceedings in real-time, often requiring certification. Transcriptionists typically work in more varied settings, focusing on transcribing pre-recorded audio without the need for specialized credentials. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on work environment and certification requirements.

Can I be a court reporter with no experience?

Court reporters can enter the profession with little or no prior experience by completing specialized training and certification programs. Most states require passing a licensing exam and developing skills in shorthand, transcription, and the use of stenotype machines. On-the-job training is often provided, and strong attention to detail and good listening skills are essential for success.

How much do court reporters make?

Court reporters typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, location, and certification. Experienced court reporters who work in high-demand areas or specialize in certain types of reporting can earn higher wages, and many work flexible schedules or freelance.

Is becoming a court reporter hard?

Becoming a court reporter requires completing specialized training or a certification program, and developing strong listening, typing, and shorthand skills. The job can be demanding due to the need for high accuracy and speed, often requiring certification and ongoing practice to maintain proficiency.

What are the requirements for being a court reporter?

To become a court reporter, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completion of a court reporting program or certification. Certification from a recognized organization, such as the National Court Reporters Association, is often required or preferred, and strong typing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are essential.

What are popular job titles related to Court Reporters jobs in Madison, WI?

For Court Reporters jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Court Reporters jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Court Reporters jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Court Reporters jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Court Reporters job openings:

Infographic showing various Court Reporters job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,165 per year, or $39 per hour.

District Court Reporter - District 5

State of Wisconsin

Madison, WI • On-site, Remote

$53K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Report verbatim proceedings of the Court by shorthand, stenotype, or other methods.

  • Prepare and distribute transcripts and related documents, and review transcripts for technical accuracy and compliance with Wisconsin Court rules.

  • Provide court reporter coverage for assigned court proceedings, including reporting and transcribing hearings, trials, grand jury proceedings, and other assigned hearings.


State Of Wisconsin rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 50 rated states


Job description

Introduction
Applications are now being accepted for a full-time District Court Reporter position. The selected candidate will provide floating court reporter coverage for the Fifth Judicial District, which includes Dane, Rock, Sauk, Columbia, Green, and Lafayette Counties. This position is available starting September 2026.
Position Summary
LOCATION: Madison, WI
SALARY: Competitive annual salary in the range of $53,185 to $73,715 along with possible transcript fee income and a State of Wisconsin benefits package. Salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.
Job Details
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1) Reports verbatim proceedings of the Court-whether trials, hearings, proceedings, or conferences-by shorthand, stenotype, or other methods. 2) Reports verbatim and transcribes grand jury proceedings, termination of parental rights trials, and other hearings as assigned. 3) Transcribes proceedings into accurate transcripts for purposes of appeal or by order of the court. 4) Identifies participants by name to facilitate reporting and reads aloud statements of participants as requested during proceedings. 5) Prepares and distributes transcripts and related documents. 6) Reviews transcripts for technical accuracy. 7) Reviews documents for compliance to standards set by Wisconsin Court rules. 8) Performs transcribing of court and administrative proceedings on appeal. 9) Provides court reporter coverage for other judges as assigned by the District Court Administrator's Office.
Qualifications
General Requirements: 1) Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. 2) Knowledge of English grammar, punctuation and spelling. 3) Knowledge of legal terminology and procedures, citation formats, and requirements of the Wisconsin Court rules. 4) Skill in organization to permit the production of transcripts within strict time limitations. 5) Skill in working well under pressure. 6) Skill in operating videoconferencing technology to support remote court proceedings. 7) Ability to operate a personal computer with standard applications in a Windows environment. 8) Ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner and promote harmonious working relationships with others including the general public. 9) Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directions. 10) Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. 11) Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional appearance, and demeanor at all times. 12) Ability to be tactful and courteous when dealing with the public, some of whom may be irate or under stress.
Stenographer/Voice Writer Court Reporter Requirements: Candidates must meet one of three minimum professional standards to be considered eligible for hire: 1) Graduation from a court reporting school approved by either the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or the National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA), or 2) Successful completion of the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) examination administered by the NCRA, or 3) Successful completion of the Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR) examination administered by the NVRA.
Digital Court Reporter Preferred Requirements: 1) Certified Electronic Reporter and Transcriber certification from the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (or equivalent); 2) Work experience as a digital court reporter.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Employment will require a criminal background check. The Wisconsin Court System does not sponsor work visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility form upon hire.
How To Apply
Please submit a cover letter indicating your preference to be considered for a Stenographer, Voice Writer or Digital Court Reporter, your current resume, and list of references to:
Faun Moses
District Court Administrator
5th Judicial District
215 S Hamilton St Rm 6111
Madison, WI 53703-3290
Email: Faun.Moses@wicourts.gov
Contact Faun Moses, 5th Judicial District Administrator at (608) 267-8821 with questions.
Deadline to Apply
Applications will be accepted until position is filled. The Wisconsin Court System will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants who request them. For additional information on the courts system visit our website at www.wicourts.gov.
Notice: Upon request, all prospective employees can obtain a copy of the Equal Employment Opportunity Utilization Report.

What State Of Wisconsin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom