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Entry Level Court Reporter Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Court Reporter information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34.5K

$83K

$127.7K

How much do entry level court reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level court reporter in Chicago, IL is $82,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level court reporter?

Entry level court reporters are professionals who transcribe spoken or recorded speech during legal proceedings, such as trials, depositions, and hearings, typically at the beginning of their careers. They use specialized equipment like stenotype machines or voice writing technology to create accurate, verbatim records of everything said in the courtroom. Entry level reporters may also be responsible for preparing official transcripts and ensuring the integrity of the legal record. This role requires strong attention to detail, fast and accurate typing skills, and a good understanding of legal terminology. Most entry level court reporters have completed a court reporting program and may need to obtain certification, depending on their location.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Court Reporter, you need excellent listening skills, fast and accurate typing or stenography abilities, and typically a postsecondary certificate in court reporting. Familiarity with stenotype machines, digital audio recording equipment, and transcription software is often required, along with state licensure or certification in some regions. Attention to detail, strong concentration, and professionalism are essential soft skills for capturing precise records and interacting with legal professionals. These competencies ensure the creation of reliable legal transcripts, which are critical for judicial processes and legal documentation.

What types of cases or legal proceedings do entry level court reporters typically work on, and how varied is the work environment?

Entry level court reporters commonly work on a range of legal proceedings, including depositions, hearings, trials, and occasionally administrative meetings. The work environment can vary from traditional courtrooms to law offices or even remote settings, depending on the assignment. While early in your career you may handle more routine or less complex cases, as you gain experience and proficiency, you’ll likely have the opportunity to work on higher-profile or specialized cases. This variety helps develop a broad skill set and can lead to advancement within legal or freelance reporting sectors.

What is the difference between Entry Level Court Reporter vs Stenographer?

AspectEntry Level Court ReporterStenographer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, certification in court reporting or stenographyHigh school diploma, stenography certification or training
Work EnvironmentCourtrooms, legal settings, depositionsCourts, legal offices, transcription services
Employer & Industry UsageLegal institutions, court systemsLegal, governmental, and transcription industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Court Reporters and Stenographers often share similar credentials and work environments, primarily in legal settings. While both roles involve transcription and require stenography skills, court reporters typically focus on providing official transcripts for court proceedings, whereas stenographers may work in various transcription roles. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the legal transcription industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Court Reporter jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Court Reporter jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Court Reporter jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Entry Level Court Reporter jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Court Reporter jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Court Reporter jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Court Reporter job openings in Chicago, IL 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 $82,979 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

OCJ - Court Specialist

Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

COURT REPORTING SERVICES
STATE OF ILLINOIS
CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY
JOB TITLE:                         COURT SPECIALIST
UNION:                                 IBEW LOCAL 134
SALARY:                               $58,208.96
PURPOSE
Operates AOIC-approved electronic recording and transcription equipment and performs clerical
duties for the judiciary or administrative supervisor as necessary.
As the entry level of Court Reporting Services titles, this level is distinguished from the higher level positions that have either a Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) license and/or Part-A certification.
Work is performed under the direction of the chief judge, a presiding judge or an administrative
supervisor and is reviewed through personal conferences, general observation of work in progress and upon completion.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Responsible to the Chief Judge, administrator and the supervisor.
• Must comply with all applicable statutes, administrative orders, court rules and all
regulations promulgated by the Chief Judges and any amendments thereof.
• Keeps a monthly report of all transcripts on order and files the original report as directed by
the Chief Judge.
• Prepares all transcripts in a timely manner.
• Monitors court proceedings with AOIC approved audio and/or video electronic recording
systems, keeps a log of all cases and event times.
• Operates personal computer (i.e. word processing, spread sheet or database applications).
• Follows proper courtroom etiquette, including, but not limited to, confidentiality, impartiality to
   parties, and  appropriate demeanor and dress as specified by the regulations and local rules.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Three (3) years of clerical or office experience required. Education, training or an associate’s degree may be substituted for up to two (2) years of experience.
Completion of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts’ Court Specialist certification program within six (6) months of employment is required.
SELECTION FACTORS
Knowledge and Skills
1. Knowledge and skill in the use of personal computer and applications (i.e. word
processing, spread sheet or database).
2. Ability to verify working order of electronic recording and transcription equipment
and perform routine, simple maintenance, if applicable.
3. Working knowledge of office procedures, composition, records management and
office communications.
4. Ability to organize work effectively and meet required deadlines and schedules.
5. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
6. Ability to review documents for proper form, content and agreement with policies.
7. Ability to accurately transcribe from electronic recordings and stenographic notes,
when applicable.
8. Associates with employees and the public in a pleasant, courteous and helpful
manner.
9. Ability to be flexible and productively respond to change.
Physical Requirements
1. Ability to retrieve files.
2. Ability to sit for extended time periods.
3. Normal office working environment requiring telephone usage and ability to process
written documents.
This position requires a pre-employment criminal background check.  Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment. 
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.
Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at SERS of Illinois
Please apply by filling out the application at our Career Page.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of the Official Court Reporters to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment.  No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
Revised: September, 2024
 

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