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Official Court Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Court Reporter

Atlanta, GA · On-site +1

$100K - $116K/yr

Official court reporters are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Court and must comply with the requirements of the Judicial Conference of the United States and the Court Reporter ...

Court Reporter

Salinas, CA · On-site

$8K - $10K/mo

DESCRIPTION Under direction, the official court reporter is responsible for the verbatim official record; provides readback upon request; prepares certified transcripts of the proceedings; and ...

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Official Court Reporter information

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$33.5K

$80.5K

$124K

How much do official court reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for official court reporter in the United States is $80,550.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are Official Court Reporters?

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.
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What states have the most Official Court Reporter jobs? States with the most job openings for Official Court Reporter jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Official Court Reporter jobs? For Official Court Reporter jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Official Court Reporter - Resident

Official Court Reporter - Resident

State of North Carolina

Catawba, NC • On-site

$51K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


State Of North Carolina rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 50 rated states


Job description

Agency
Superior Court
Division
SUPERIOR COURT 19
Job Classification Title
Official Court Reporter (S)
Position Number
60006464
Grade
30013214
About Us
DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day, North Carolina's courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7,000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor, denial, or delay.
Description of Work
SALARY RANGE: $51,919.00 - $90,939.00
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts seeks a certified Court Reporter-Resident, to record and transcribe verbatim, court trials, hearings, and conferences in Superior Court, reporting to the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge or their designee. Work originates from the need to make a true, complete, and accurate record of civil and criminal proceedings as required by law, to provide transcripts, as requested, and to certify to the record's accuracy.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Record proceedings of court trials, hearings, or conferences by stenotype, or voice-writing methods.
  • Transcribe the proceedings into accurate transcripts for purposes of appeal or by order of the court.
  • Read aloud, as required, statements of participants during court proceedings.
  • Place identifying marks on supplemental materials for inclusion in the transcript.
  • Assure evidence has been properly introduced and marked as exhibits.
  • Take dictation of orders and findings of fact, creating documents necessary for a judge's signature.
  • Maintain file, notes, tapes and records of notes indexed to facilitate later reference and use.
  • Proofread, edit, and certify transcripts.
  • Respond to inquiries from court personnel, attorneys, citizens, and prisoners.
  • Complete activity reports and travel reimbursement forms. Submit reports to the Administrative Office of the Courts and/or the court reporting manager in a timely manner.

Resident Court Reporters are paid for transcripts in addition to base salary.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies:
Knowledge of: English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; court rules, regulations, procedures, and operations; legal and various specialized terminology; and transcript format and style.
Skill in: Transcribing notes rapidly and accurately; and using court reporting hardware.
Ability to: Take dictation rapidly and accurately for extended periods of time at a speed sufficient to have attained the required certification; accurately transcribe notes; type a volume of material over a sustained period of time within deadlines; maintain confidentiality; and represent the court in a manner consistent with its decorum.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants must complete an on-line application by clicking the above APPLY link. Mailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.
Before applying, please read the Online Employment Application Guide for instructions on creating your profile and applying for specific postings.
It is important your application includes all of your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application to receive proper credit. Résumés are not accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.
*NOTE* Many job postings require certain documents be attached to an application. Verify your application is complete and uploaded documents are attached to your application before submitting it. Applications may not be altered after they have been submitted.
All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
Charmaine J. Leeks
NC Administrative Office of the Courts
Human Resources Division
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.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
Certification from the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) as a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) or the National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA) as a Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR); or completion of a court reporting program approved by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or the National Verbatim Reporters Association (NCRA) and ten years of court reporting experience; or licensed as an official court reporter in another state and five years of court reporting experience.
Attach cover letter and résumé.
EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Charmaine James Leeks
Email:
HumanResources@nccourts.org

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State of North Carolina logo

About State of North Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of North Carolina is not a traditional company, but rather the governmental body serving the state. From its base in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, this body provides a broad variety of public services, ranging from education and healthcare to taxation and conservation. Originally established when the region first became a state in 1789, the government of North Carolina has been dedicated to the service of its residents ever since. Its website, nc.gov, provides a portal through which the public can access information and services. The core mission of the body is to ensure the welfare, safety, and prosperity of North Carolina's citizens.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1789