1

Electronic Court Reporter Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Court Reporter

Detroit, MI · On-site

$48K - $62K/yr

Prepares a written or electronic transcript when requested or ordered by the Court pursuant to ... Only reporters or recorders certified pursuant to MCR 8.108 may record or prepare transcripts at ...

Electronic Court Reporter information

See Michigan salary details

$29.2K

$70.2K

$108.1K

How much do electronic court reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for electronic 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 an electronic court reporter?

An Electronic Court Reporter is a professional responsible for recording and transcribing legal proceedings using audio recording equipment and specialized software. Instead of traditional stenography, they utilize digital tools to capture verbatim records of court cases, hearings, and depositions. Electronic Court Reporters are also responsible for ensuring the accuracy and security of audio files, creating written transcripts, and sometimes managing the playback of recordings in court. Their work is essential for maintaining accurate legal records and supporting the judicial process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electronic court reporter?

To thrive as an Electronic Court Reporter, you need excellent listening skills, a strong command of the English language, and typically a high school diploma or specialized training in court reporting. Familiarity with digital audio recording equipment, transcription software, and sometimes certification from the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT) are commonly required. Attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to work under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure accurate, confidential, and timely records of legal proceedings.

What are the most common challenges faced by electronic court reporters, and how can new hires effectively manage them?

Electronic Court Reporters often encounter challenges such as maintaining equipment functionality, ensuring high-quality audio recordings in busy or noisy courtrooms, and accurately annotating proceedings in real time. New hires can manage these challenges by becoming thoroughly familiar with their recording equipment, regularly performing maintenance checks, and practicing active listening to distinguish overlapping voices. Additionally, collaborating closely with judges, attorneys, and clerks can help clarify ambiguous statements and ensure complete, accurate records.

What is the difference between Electronic Court Reporter vs Court Reporter?

AspectElectronic Court ReporterCourt Reporter
CredentialsTypically certified shorthand reporters or electronic recording specialistsCertified shorthand reporters or stenographers
Work EnvironmentCourts, legal proceedings, remote depositionsCourts, depositions, legal settings
UsageUses electronic recording devices and softwareUses stenotype machines and shorthand

Both roles serve to transcribe legal proceedings, but Electronic Court Reporters primarily rely on electronic recording technology, while Court Reporters use stenography. The choice depends on the setting and employer preferences, with both requiring certification and familiarity with legal environments.

Are digital court reporters in demand?

Digital court reporters, also known as electronic court reporters, are in increasing demand due to the growing use of technology in legal proceedings. They utilize specialized software and equipment to record and transcribe court proceedings, which can improve accuracy and efficiency, making them a valuable skill in the legal industry.

How do I become a electronic court reporter?

To become an electronic court reporter, you typically need to complete a postsecondary training program in court reporting or stenography, obtain certification such as the Certified Electronic Reporter (CER), and develop skills in using digital recording and transcription equipment. Some states or employers may require licensure or specific certifications, and strong attention to detail and good hearing are essential for the role.
Infographic showing various Electronic Court Reporter job openings in Michigan 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 $70,207 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Court Reporter

36th District Court

Detroit, MI • On-site

$48K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 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



What 36th District Court employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom