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Official Court Reporter Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Official Court Reporter information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$32.6K

$78.3K

$120.5K

How much do official court reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for official court reporter in Raleigh, NC is $78,302.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,800.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an official court reporter?

Official Court Reporters are professionals responsible for creating verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings, such as trials, hearings, and depositions, within a courtroom. They use specialized equipment, like stenotype machines or digital recorders, to capture every spoken word accurately. Their records serve as the official legal documentation of the proceedings and may be referenced in appeals or future cases. In addition to transcription, they may also provide real-time captioning services for participants in the courtroom.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an official court reporter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Official Court Reporter, you need exceptional stenographic or voice writing skills, fast and accurate typing abilities, and usually a certification from the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or a state equivalent. Familiarity with computer-aided transcription (CAT) software, digital recording equipment, and real-time reporting tools is essential. Outstanding attention to detail, confidentiality, and strong listening and concentration skills set top performers apart. These competencies ensure precise, timely, and secure documentation of legal proceedings, which is critical for the justice system.

What are some common challenges official court reporters face during court proceedings, and how can they be managed?

Official Court Reporters often encounter challenges such as maintaining focus during long proceedings, accurately capturing fast-spoken or overlapping speech, and handling complex or technical terminology. To manage these, reporters rely on advanced stenography skills, keep dictionaries updated with relevant terms, and may request speakers to repeat or clarify statements when necessary. Building strong concentration habits and staying organized also help ensure accuracy and efficiency throughout lengthy or high-pressure sessions.

What is the difference between Official Court Reporter vs Freelance Court Reporter?

AspectOfficial Court ReporterFreelance Court Reporter
CredentialsState certification, court reporting licenseState certification, licensing often required
Work EnvironmentCourts, government agenciesVarious venues, including depositions and legal proceedings
EmployerGovernment or court systemIndependent or agency-based

Official Court Reporters are employed by courts and government agencies, working primarily in courtrooms with a focus on legal proceedings. Freelance Court Reporters operate independently, providing services for depositions, hearings, and other legal events across different locations. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in employment setting and work flexibility.

How much do official court reporters make?

Official court reporters typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the level of court or agency they work for. Many also receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and certification in stenography or voice writing can enhance earning potential.

Is becoming an official court reporter worth it?

Becoming an official court reporter can be a worthwhile career due to steady demand for accurate transcription in legal settings and the potential for stable employment. It typically requires certification, strong listening skills, and proficiency with stenotype machines or voice writing technology. Job stability and salary vary by location and experience, but it is generally considered a reliable profession within the legal industry.

Is there a shortage of official court reporters?

The demand for official court reporters is generally high due to the need for accurate transcription in legal proceedings. Many regions experience a shortage of qualified court reporters, leading to increased job opportunities for those with certification and stenography skills. This shortage is driven by retirements and the specialized training required for the role.

What are the requirements for being an official court reporter?

To become an official court reporter, candidates typically need to complete a postsecondary court reporting program or obtain certification, such as the Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) or Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR). They must also pass written and skills tests demonstrating stenography or voice writing proficiency and often need to meet state-specific licensing or registration requirements. Strong listening, typing, and attention to detail are essential skills for the role.

What are popular job titles related to Official Court Reporter jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Official Court Reporter jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Official Court Reporter jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Official Court Reporter jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

Infographic showing various Official Court Reporter job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,297 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

$49 - $78/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Investigate criminal activity, conduct crime scene searches, and interview persons involved in criminal cases.

  • Prepare detailed investigative reports and assist other law enforcement agencies in case investigation and prosecution.

  • Testify in court, gather information for identification and criminal intelligence, and apprehend wanted persons.


Job description

## SBI Agent AssociateApplylocations: 3320 Garner Rd Wake: Yancey County, NC: Yadkin County, NC: Wilson County, NC: Wilkes County, NCtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: August 31, 2026 (26 days left to apply)job requisition id: JR-121138**Agency**State Bureau of Investigation**Division****Job Classification Title**SBI Agent Associate (S)**Position Number****Grade**SW05**About Us**The State Bureau of Investigation’s mission is to serve Sheriffs, Police Chiefs, and District Attorneys as well as State and Federal partners, by investigating crimes and providing technical assistance in order to increase public safety for the citizens of the state of North Carolina. The SBI does so by conducting criminal investigations of allegations in areas of jurisdiction including narcotics, arson, election laws, misuse of state property, environmental crimes, human trafficking, child sexual abuse in day care centers, and threats made against public officials. The SBI provides support to local agencies related to computer crime investigations, use of force investigations, deaths in custody, crime scenes, financial crimes, missing and endangered persons, public corruption, cold cases, K9, special response team, bomb squad, and air wing. The SBI serves as North Carolina's repository of information on criminal history records, fingerprint identification, expungements, sex offender registry, and concealed handgun permits. The SBI manages the North Carolina Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAAC), which is the fusion center for the state of North Carolina, as well as the Behavioral Threat Assessment Unit, which assesses and manages threats of mass violence.**Description of Work**The SBI Agent Associate is a professional investigative position in the SBI using the authority, jurisdiction, and resources of the Bureau to assist local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and judicial officials, as well as exercise the statutory original jurisdiction of the Bureau. The role as an SBI Agent Associate requires the employee to perform a variety of law enforcement duties that include but are not limited to: -Investigating criminal activity, conducting crime scene searches, interviewing and interrogating persons in connection with the investigation of criminal cases. -Preparing detailed investigative reports using correct grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and appropriate terminology. -Assisting other law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of cases. -Testifying in court by articulating information in a self-confident and professional manner, and in logical order demonstrating use and understanding of appropriate language. -Gathering information for the identification of persons and criminal intelligence. -Apprehending wanted persons. -Conducting background investigations. -Interacting effectively with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds in the general population as well as in the law enforcement and criminal justice communities. Position Requirements SBI Agent Associates must: -Be able to accurately evaluate the potential consequences of alternative courses of action and select the most appropriate option. -Be able to make sound decisions promptly when presented with multiple alternatives. -Be able to comprehend, retain, and accurately apply factual information related to applicable laws, statutes, and codes. -Communicate clearly and effectively with individuals and groups, including via police radio and other electronic communication systems. -Maintain a level of physical fitness sufficient to meet and sustain certification standards for law enforcement officers established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. -Maintain grooming standards that align with professional expectations and reflect commitment to a polished personal appearance and professional demeanor. -Conduct oneself, both on and off duty, in a manner that would not impair the credibility of testimony in a court of law or diminish community respect for and confidence in the law enforcement agency. -Respond on a 24-hour, 7 day per week basis. -Work a 160-hour work period as a minimum per month. -Serve a 24-month probationary period. -Attend the SBI Special Agent Academy which is a 13-week program held at the Samarcand Training Academy located in Jackson Springs, NC (Moore County).**Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences****Salary Range: $48,920 - $78,271****IMPORTANT NOTE: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date listed.**The current starting salary for an SBI Agent Associate with North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) certification is $58,593, which is subject to legislative changes.Upon successful completion of the SBI Special Academy and required field training, an SBI Agent Associate becomes eligible, subject to funding approval, for reclassification to the SBI Agent classification series, which follows a pay plan prescribed and approved by the North Carolina General Assembly.This posting is acontinuous recruitment to establish a pool of qualified candidates for multiple anticipated statewide vacancies.Special Agent Associates serve where operational needs require. Selected applicants may be assigned to any SBI duty station throughout North Carolina and may be assigned to any investigative unit or operational function based on the needs of the agency.Current and anticipated assignment areas include, but are not limited to:* Computer Crimes* Financial Crimes* Crime Scene* Arson* Human Trafficking* Behavioral Threat Assessment (BeTA)* Field Operations (District Offices)Click here to view the SBI District Map.This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with Benefits.Click here to see the Total Compensation Calculator.Basic QualificationsTo be considered, an applicant:* Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.* Must be a US Citizen.* Must have current North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Certification.Management also prefers:* Ability to learn the methods, procedures, and practices used in the investigation of criminal offenses, and of the principles of securing and identifying a variety of crime related evidence.* Ability to learn to investigate a variety of criminal cases, to interpret and apply criminal laws of North Carolina in investigations, make arrests, to prepare comprehensive and detailed reports pertaining to individual cases, to present effective court testimony, and apply the principles, techniques, and procedures of modern criminal investigations.* Ability to learn use of firearms and tools and equipment involved in evidence collection and enforcement activities.* Bilingual skills (proficiently read, speak, and write). Proficiency test to be administered.Additional Hiring Requirements:Selected candidates must successfully complete and pass a comprehensive background investigation which includes a pre-employment polygraph examination, credit and arrest checks, interviews with associates, personal and professional references, verification interviews of employers and neighbors, verification of education achievement, medical examination, urinalysis drug screening and psychological assessment.**Please Note: The SBI Has Implemented an Updated Hiring Process:**Phases of the hiring process may be conducted at locations throughout the state.The first phase consists of a Review Board panel assessment. Applicants who successfully complete this phase will proceed on the same day to the second phase, which is a modified Physical Abilities Test (POPAT). A video outlining the modified POPAT may be viewed here.Applicants who successfully complete both initial assessment phases will be scheduled for third phase which includes a polygraph examination and firearms assessment.Following the completion of the first three assessment phases, the most qualified applicants will advance to the background investigation phase of the hiring process.Results from all assessment phases will be considered when making employment offers.Learn more about the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation by visiting our website: https://www.ncsbi.gov/.**Minimum Education and Experience**Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicant must successfully complete BLET Training and graduate from the next available SBI Academy and the SBI Field Training Program upon hire and meet any other applicable North Carolina state stator standards for law enforcement officers.The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence.We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. SBI supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.**Application Process** **Please visit** How Do I Get the Job **for tips and guidelines on applying for State jobs.****Be sure to complete the application in full**. In order to receive qualifying credit for all your work history and credentials, applicants must complete their entire work history and education on the application. Workday allows you to populate your profile and applications with information automatically pulled from your resume or LinkedIn profile, but you must upload this information and ensure its accuracy. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the application, and “See Resume” is not acceptable in application fields. Any information omitted from the actual application will not be considered for qualifying credit. It is OK to attach a resume, but make sure all pertinent information is listed on the application form. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the closing date. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks. **Degree/College Credit Verification**Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If applicants earned college credit hours but did not complete a degree program, they must attach an unofficial transcript to each application to receive credit for this education.If you earned a foreign degree, you must attach your official evaluation for U.S. equivalency to your application to receive credit for your degree as foreign degrees require an official evaluation for U.S. equivalency. If you do not attach, Human Resources cannot verify your degree equivalency to give you credit for salary qualification purposes. There are several organizations that perform this specialized service listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website: https://www.naces.org/members.If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.**Certified Positions**Applicants applying for positions certified through the North Carolina Department of Justice - Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Division can find specific certification requirements here.Per North Carolina General Statute 143B-1209.54, applicants hired into a position certified as a criminal justice officer or justice officer are required to electronically submit fingerprints to the NC State Bureau of Investigation for a state and national criminal history record check and enrollment in the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Next Generation Identification (NGI) System and Criminal Justice Record of Arrest and Prosecution Background (Rap Back) Service. This is in addition to submitting fingerprints during the application process.**Veteran’s and National Guard Preference**Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application.Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.**ADA Accommodations**Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), SBI is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, SBI will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below. **Employment Eligibility** It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and NC SBI that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).**CONTACT INFORMATION:** N.C. State Bureau of Investigation Human Resources 3320 Garner RoadRaleigh, NC 27610 Recruitment@ncsbi.gov #J-18808-Ljbffr