2

Part Time Court Reporter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Court Reporter

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$111K - $135K/yr

Full or Part-time Job Number: 202300002 Department: Court Reporters Opening Date: 12/14/2023 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: SEIU 1021 Job Definition Under direction ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Part Time Court Reporter information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$79.5K

$122.4K

How much do part time court reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for part time court reporter in California is $79,496.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,700.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a part time court reporter?

Part time court reporters are professionals who transcribe spoken or recorded speech during legal proceedings, such as court hearings or depositions, but work on a reduced or flexible schedule rather than full-time. They use specialized equipment to create accurate written records of everything said during a proceeding. Working part time allows for a better work-life balance and may suit those with other commitments, such as students or semi-retired professionals. They may be employed directly by courts or work as freelancers, and their hours depend on the needs of the court or clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time court reporter?

To thrive as a Part Time Court Reporter, you need excellent shorthand or stenography skills, attention to detail, and usually a certification such as Registered Professional Reporter (RPR). Familiarity with stenotype machines, digital recording systems, and transcription software is typically required. Strong listening, concentration, and time management skills make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate and timely capture of legal proceedings, which is critical for the integrity of court records.

What are some common challenges faced by part time court reporters, and how can they be managed?

Part-time court reporters often face challenges such as adjusting to variable schedules, handling different court case types, and maintaining accuracy under time constraints. Balancing multiple assignments may require strong organizational skills and adaptability. Staying current with reporting technology and building rapport with court staff can help manage workload fluctuations and ensure smooth proceedings. Networking with other reporters and seeking mentorship can also provide valuable support and professional growth.

What is the difference between Part Time Court Reporter vs Full Time Court Reporter?

AspectPart Time Court ReporterFull Time Court Reporter
CredentialsTypically requires certification and shorthand reporting skillsSame as part time, often with additional experience
Work EnvironmentCourts, legal proceedings, flexible hoursFull schedule, consistent courtroom assignments
Employer & IndustryCourts, legal institutions, freelance opportunitiesCourts, legal agencies, government institutions
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding part time roles, flexibilityFull-time career options, stability

The main difference between a Part Time Court Reporter and a Full Time Court Reporter lies in their work hours and schedule. Part time court reporters typically work fewer hours, often with flexible scheduling, while full time court reporters have a consistent, full schedule. Both roles require similar credentials and work in similar environments, but the choice depends on your career goals and availability.

Can I be a part time court reporter with no experience?

Part time court reporting roles typically require training in stenography or voice writing and often prefer candidates with certification or licensing. While some entry-level positions may be available for those without experience, developing skills with specialized equipment and understanding legal procedures is essential for success in the field.

How many hours a week does a part time court reporter work?

Part-time court reporters typically work fewer than 30 hours per week, often on an as-needed basis depending on court schedules and assignments. Their hours can vary widely, and some may work only a few hours weekly, while others may have more consistent schedules if contracted regularly.

How much do part time court reporters make?

Part-time court reporters typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of cases. Many work on a freelance basis or for court reporting agencies, with some earning higher rates for specialized transcription or real-time reporting services.

Is there a shortage of part time court reporters?

Part-time court reporters are in higher demand in many regions due to a growing need for accurate transcription services in legal proceedings. The shortage is driven by retirements, increased workload, and a limited number of qualified professionals with stenography skills and certifications. This creates opportunities for those with proper training and certification to find part-time positions more readily.

What are the most commonly searched types of Court Reporter jobs in California?

The most popular types of Court Reporter jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Part Time Court Reporter jobs in California?

For Part Time Court Reporter jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Part Time Court Reporter jobs?

Cities in California with the most Part Time Court Reporter job openings:

Infographic showing various Part Time Court Reporter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,496 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

$48.67 - $61.63/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Salary: $48.67 - $61.63 Hourly
Location : San Diego Superior Court, CA
Job Type: Permanent - Part-Time
Job Number: 23-019
Department: Central Court Reporters
Opening Date: 03/13/2023
Closing Date: 6/30/2027 11:59 PM Pacific
Summary
PART-TIME COURT REPORTER
Examination No. 23-019

San Diego Superior Court is establishing a new Part-time Court Reporter eligible list, which may be used to fill current and future Part-time Court Reporter vacancies in all court locations as they occur and are approved to be filled. Certified voice writers are also eligible to apply for the position of Part-time Court Reporter. Part-time Court Reporter positions are not open to existing Court employees.
Up to $13,000 in bonuses are currently available for successful new hires: $3,000 one-time lump sum stipend payable after the first thirty (30) days of active service; and a further $10,000 one-time lump sum stipend after successful completion of six (6) additional months of active service.
If a part-time employee converts to a full-time position within their first thirty (30) days of employment, the employee shall be eligible for the full-time six (6) month signing bonus of $20,000 one-time lump sum stipend.
Additional premium pay is also available for realtime skills and certain certificates.
JOB SUMMARY
Court reporters are responsible for recording and compiling a verbatim official record of all courtroom proceedings in machine shorthand or using voice writing technology; providing read back of previously spoken testimony as requested; researching medical, legal, and technical terminology and case citations; developing and modifying custom software dictionaries; preparing transcripts in accordance with prescribed formats and deadlines; and certifying final transcripts.
The IDEAL CANDIDATE should have the following:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Laws, regulations and practices relating to court reporting and/or voice writing and transcription; legal terminology, court operations and courtroom procedure; courtroom etiquette and conventions; court reporting computer software; English grammar, spelling, filing and arithmetic; modern office methods, procedures, terms, and equipment.
ABILITY TO:
Simultaneously listen to and make verbatim record of court proceedings; pay attention to conversational detail; operate and maintain reporting, voice writing and/or computer equipment; work in presence of court audience; apply technical procedures involving codes, specialized vocabulary, legal forms, and organization of data; edit documents for inconsistencies in spelling, punctuation, and grammar; establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, peers and the general public.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) certificate issued by the California Department of Consumers Affairs Court Reporters Board for either shorthand reporting skills or voice writing reporting skills.
Own and maintain appropriate equipment for transcription of court proceedings.
A California driver's license requirement will be reviewed on a position basis in accordance with ADA regulations.
See Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) Certificate requirement below.
HOW TO APPLY
An online San Diego Superior Court job application is required. Please visit the court's website at From the General Info tab, click on the "Employment" link. At the Job Opportunities page, click on the position that you are interested in and then click on the "Apply" button.
New users of the NEOGOV online application system will need to set up a job applicant user account.
Direct link to the Part-time Court Reporter job posting:
CERTIFIED SHORTHAND REPORTER (CSR) CERTIFICATE AND RESUME REQUIREMENT
An unaltered copy of your current and valid California CSR certificate AND current resume must be included as a JPEG or PDF attachment in the "Attachments" section of your job application.

FILING DEADLINE
Online applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
EVALUATION AND SELECTION
Qualified candidates will be placed on the Part-time Court Reporter eligible list based on an evaluation of information provided in the online application and supplemental questionnaire. The top candidates will be invited to participate in a selection interview as positions become available.
Placement on the eligible list does NOT guarantee that all candidates will be contacted by the department hiring manager for interviews.
The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an implied or expressed contract, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked at any time. The requirements stated represent only the minimum required to file an application. Meeting the listed requirements does not guarantee an applicant will qualify.
CN1 - Court Non-Management
HEALTH INSURANCE:
Cafeteria-style flexible benefits plan, which offers health, dental and vision coverage.
LIFE INSURANCE:
A group rate life insurance program is available.
RETIREMENT:
Participation in the County Employees Retirement System.
VACATION:
New employees in this job class accrue vacation at an initial rate of 15 days per year; pro-rated if part-time.
SICK LEAVE:
Employees in this job class accrue 13 days of sick leave per year; pro-rated if part-time.
HOLIDAYS:
San Diego Superior Court currently observes 14 paid holidays per year, plus employee's birthday; pro-rated if part-time.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:
Deferred compensation (401a, 457b 457 Roth); tuition reimbursement program; suggestion award program; minimal sick leave usage award; credit union services.
01
Before completing the Supplemental Questionnaire, please be sure to review the job bulletin to become familiar with the qualifications for this position. If you do not meet these qualifications, do not apply.
Please answer the following questions thoroughly and completely. The information you provide may be used to determine your eligibility to continue in the examination process; used to evaluate your education, training and experience; and/or provided for review during the selection process.
Wherever specific information is requested, it MUST be stated. Statements such as "See Resume" or "See Application" are not acceptable responses. Sections which are not applicable to your particular qualifications should be marked "N/A" to indicate that they have not been overlooked.
Do you understand the instructions above?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a valid and current Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) certificate as issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Court Reporter Board?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Please list any other valid CSR state licenses you currently hold outside of California:
(1) Name of state license (no abbreviations); AND
(2) License number
If you do not have any, please indicate "N/A".
04
Please list any certificates you currently hold which were issued by the National Court Reporter Association (NCRA). Do not use abbreviations.
If you do not have any, please indicate "N/A".
05
Please describe your specific experience working as a reporter in a court environment:
(1) Name and location of court;
(2) Dates of employment;
(3) Types of court proceedings covered (e.g. Juvenile, Civil, Family, prelims, arraignments, etc.);
(4) Employment status (e.g., official, per diem).
Please number your responses as above (1, 2, 3, etc.).
If citing multiple court-related experience, please use separate paragraphs for each.
If you do not have any applicable experience, please indicate "N/A".
06
Please describe your specific experience working as a freelance reporter:
(1) Name of employer or agency;
(2) Dates of employment;
(3) Average number of assignments per week;
(4) Types of events reported (i.e. dispositions, workers' compensation hearings, city council meetings, etc.);
(5) Did you have a particular specialization? If so, please state.
Please number your responses as above (1, 2, 3, etc.).
If you do not have any applicable experience, please indicate "N/A".
07
Please describe your specific experience providing realtime reporting:
(1) Name of employer or agency;
(2) Dates of employment;
(3) Frequency (e.g. daily, once a week, upon request, etc.);
(4) Type of matter (i.e. depositions, court hearings, closed captioning, etc.);
(5) Name of end user software.
Please number your responses as above (1, 2, 3, etc.).
If you do not have any applicable experience, please indicate "N/A".
08
Describe your specific work experience reporting medical cases.If you do not have any applicable experience, please indicate "N/A".
09
Describe your specific work experience reporting DNA cases.If you do not have any applicable experience, please indicate "N/A".
10
Describe your specific work experience reporting scientific cases.If you do not have any applicable experience, please indicate "N/A".
11
Describe your specific work experience reporting expedited copy cases.If you do not have any applicable experience, please indicate "N/A".
12
Describe your specific work experience reporting death penalty cases.If you do not have any applicable experience, please indicate "N/A".
13
How did you find out about this job opportunity? Check all that apply.
  • San Diego Superior Court Website
  • San Diego Superior Court Employee
  • San Diego Superior Court Internal Email
  • Other Superior Court within California
  • Judicial Council of California
  • Job Interest Card Email
  • GovernmentJobs.com Website
  • Recruitment Flyer
  • Court Reporter School
  • Court Reporters Board of California
  • Court Reporter Convention/Conference

Required Question